Renée Zellweger is back as the clumsy British Bridget Jones. The bittersweet Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy is a pleasant surprise in the series. Not a pure romcom like the previous three films, but an emotional romantic comedy that adds extra layers to Bridget Jones’ character that were not there before. One of the better romantic comedies of recent years and, aside from the original, the best story in the Bridget Jones series.
The trailer already made it clear that Mark Darcy (Colin Firth), the man Bridget has been married to since the third film Bridget Jones’s Baby, is no longer alive. This brings new storylines, both for Bridget and her young children. It has been four years since Mr. Darcy passed away. According to Bridget’s friends, it is time for her to meet someone new.
In the first part of the film, Bridget starts a relationship with the younger Roxster (Leo Woodall). The passionate but short-lived romance is replaced in the second half by an emotional storyline in which Bridget’s son Billy plays a central role. Talking to his teacher Mr. Wallaker (Chiwetel Ejiofor) about his father’s death marks a significant step in the grieving process for the entire family. And to stay within the romcom atmosphere, Mr. Wallaker also turns out to be quite an attractive man.
Well-cast
Of course, Renée Zellweger’s qualities as the clumsy Bridget Jones are already well known, but once again, she manages to surprise. The grieving aspects she has to portray this time hit home. But it is not just Zellweger who shines. Her co-stars Woodall and Ejiofor are great newcomers to the series as well.
Rising star Leo Woodall lands his first major role in a feature film with this one. After his success in the mini-series One Day and the second season of The White Lotus, it is clear that Woodall is here to stay. And he delivers as Roxster, Bridget’s young lover. The highlight? The pool scene where he jumps into the water wearing a white shirt to save a puppy. Maybe not a highlight due to his acting talent, but thanks to the homage to Colin Firth’s iconic scene in Pride and Prejudice.
The serious teacher who blows his whistle to send kids into school is played by Chiwetel Ejiofor. Bridget’s love interests in this film could hardly be more different. Yet, it makes sense. Roxster was Bridget’s first fling after her husband’s death—a step in her grieving process that she needed to take. The serious relationship is with Mr. Wallaker. Another notable aspect of Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy is the absence of a love triangle. Mr. Wallaker and Roxster meet, but they are not ‘rivals’. This film is about Bridget Jones and her family, not about fighting over ‘the best boyfriend’.
Bridget Jones’ maturity
A big surprise for those who saw the previous installment: Daniel (Hugh Grant) has been brought back to life. A fun return of Grant to the series. Even though he does not have much screen time, his character undergoes significant development. It reflects the maturity that the film series has now reached.
It is a more than worthy conclusion to the series (if this truly is the last installment). Since 2001, when Bridget Jones’s Diary was released, we have followed Zellweger as Jones. The characters, based on a book series, remain beloved—even now. What the future holds for Bridget remains uncertain. What is clear, however, is that her story has been wrapped up for now. Bridget has a large group of family and friends around her and even a new love interest. But anything can still happen in this universe. After all, Daniel has also been inexplicably brought back to life by the writers.
Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy (2025)
Bridget Jones navigates life as a widow and single mum with the help of her family, friends, and former lover, Daniel. Back to work and on the apps, she’s pursued by a younger man and maybe – just maybe – her son’s science teacher.
Genre: Romantic Comedy, Drama, Romance
Cast: Renée Zellweger, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Leo Woodall, Hugh Grant, Colin Firth, and others.
Director: Michael Morris
Writers: Helen Fielding, Dan Mazer, Abi Morgan
