Cast: Renée Zellweger, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Leo Woodall, Jim Broadbent, Gemma Jones, Isla Fisher, with Colin Firth and Hugh Grant
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Director: Michael Morris
In Irish Cinemas: 13th February 2025
It’s been eight years since Bridget Jones (Renée Zellweger) last graced our screens. The 2016 film Bridget Jones’s Baby delivered a heartwarming conclusion to her story—our beloved, ever-relatable singleton finally got her happy ending, settling down with Colin Firth’s Mark Darcy and starting a family in a romantic, feel-good chapter that tied everything up with a neat little bow.
Fast-forward to 2025, and that picture-perfect ending has taken a devastating turn. Bridget is now a widowed mother of two, still reeling from the sudden and tragic loss of Darcy four years earlier. Navigating the chaos of single parenthood, juggling friendships, work, and a romantic life that’s been virtually nonexistent, she’s simply taking life one day at a time.
But while one significant figure is heartbreakingly absent, another makes an unexpected—and delightfully chaotic—return. Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy sees the reappearance of Hugh Grant’s Daniel Cleaver, a move that may well be the film’s biggest surprise and secret weapon. Ever the incorrigible rogue, Daniel hasn’t changed much—he’s still chasing women and delivering his signature brand of cheeky, foul-mouthed charm. However, his dynamic with Bridget has evolved. What was once a tumultuous, will-they-won’t-they romance has settled into an affectionate, if unlikely, friendship. So much so that, in a twist no one saw coming, he’s now stepping up for babysitting duties, giving Bridget the rare opportunity to enjoy a well-deserved night off.
Wrapped up in her beloved, slightly worn grey coat, with her signature heart pendant necklace peeking through, she steps out into the night, heading to a dinner party filled with familiar faces. Cosmo, Woney, and the usual lineup of smug-marrieds await—just like that, we’re transported back to 2001.
Nearly 25 years after the first film, Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy fully embraces nostalgia, weaving in nods to the original with iconic fashion choices, beloved locations, and an unmistakable sense of fan service and seeing the gang reunite is warm, familiar, and undeniably heartening. Yet, while the film delivers on comfort and charm, some of its humor leans heavily on the past, with specific comedic beats feeling predictable or slightly outdated.
Bridget’s return to the dating world introduces fresh romantic possibilities in the form of Roxster (played by One Day’s Leo Woodall) and the more grounded Mr. Wallaker (Chiwetel Ejiofor). As she tentatively dips her toes back into romance, her youthful spirit and enduring resilience make her a compelling match for Roxster, the slightly younger, adventurous park ranger and environmentalist. Their dynamic injects a playful energy into the story, offering Bridget a refreshing first connection post-Darcy—one that feels both exciting and, in its way, healing.
One swimming pool scene cements Woodall’s status in the franchise hall of fame. Book author Helen Fielding and screenwriters Dan Mazer and Abi Morgan demonstrate a keen understanding of what Bridget Jones fans want from this effortlessly charming addition to the cast. His presence is a visual delight, and the filmmakers know how to make the most of it.
In stark contrast, science teacher Mr. Wallaker is a slow burn, his initial impression of Bridget is anything but warm. Their first encounter—Bridget arriving at the school gates in her signature red penguin-print pyjamas—does little to win him over. With his no-nonsense demeanor and strictly black-and-white worldview, it’s impossible not to draw parallels to Mark Darcy. Yet, much like Darcy before him, Wallaker gradually finds himself softened by Bridget’s infectious charm, a transformation that makes him all the more appealing to audiences.
While Bridget is stepping into a new chapter of her romantic life, Mad About the Boy does not sideline the love story that has defined her journey thus far. The film handles grief with care and poignancy, particularly in a heart-wrenching scene where Bridget and her children, Billy and Mabel, commemorate what would have been Darcy’s birthday. The moment is as tender as it is devastating, offering a powerful tribute to a character who has long been at the heart of her story.
For longtime Bridget Jones devotees invested in her relationship with Darcy, this film will undoubtedly be an emotional rollercoaster—tissues will be necessary. Yet even those with only a casual connection to the franchise may find themselves deeply moved by a specific unexpected tribute in the film’s final act, a moment that ensures Darcy’s presence is still deeply felt, even in his absence.
The conclusion of this installment evokes nostalgia, harkening back to the original, likely to spark mixed reactions among fans. For some, it may feel like a satisfying, full-circle moment that tugs at the heartstrings and brings a sense of closure. However, it could lead to frustration for others, as Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy seems to rely more on familiar territory rather than pushing for fresh, innovative storytelling.
Regardless of the ending, most viewers will likely leave the theater content, appreciating the chance to revisit their beloved protagonist and her signature reindeer jumper basking in the warmth of a sunny moment. While this latest chapter may not have the same lasting cultural impact as the first film, it certainly doesn’t diminish Bridget’s legacy. If anything, it reinforces her status as a truly iconic character, firmly planted in the hearts of her fans.
Overall: 7/10
Movie Reviewer
