At the Australian premiere of Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy, The Weekly asked Renée Zellweger to describe the film in three words.
“A very happy reunion,” the two-time Oscar winner said.
Okay, Renée technically described Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy in four words rather than three, but we’ll give a pass to the woman who has played the titular Bridget for more than 20 years.
Plus, she nailed it.
Watching the fourth Bridget Jones film feels like happily reuniting with an old friend.
Bridget is still as loveable, awkward and relatable as she was in the first film.
With that being said, she’s now a little wiser and a little stronger. And, she’s had to deal with things that naturally come with age… like death.
Yes, sadly, the rumours are true: Bridget’s longtime love interest Mark Darcy — played by Colin Firth — has passed away in Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy.
In fact, the film is set four years after he was killed in an accident. The plot of the latest film centres around Bridget finally allowing herself to move on.
It’s this premise that, in contrast to its predecessors, keeps the fourth instalment in the Bridget Jones franchise from being a laugh-a-minute comedy.
However, Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy carries the same poignant spirit as an endearing coming-of-age story: one of self-discovery, transformation, and hope.
It’s rich with emotion, so make sure you bring plenty of tissues with you to the cinema!
And before we completely scare you off, we should amend that the new Bridget Jones film is not completely devoid of humour. It offers a few hilarious comedic moments.
Not to mention, there are a few callbacks and in-jokes that’ll put a smile on your face. Our favourite, without giving too much away, is a clear reference to the BBC’s Pride and Prejudice miniseries.
In terms of performances, we’re calling it now: Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy may earn Renée her third Oscar.
She still perfectly embodies the Bridget we’ve come to know and love over the years, but as aforementioned, there’s a wisdom and strength to the character that’s new. However, it still feels authentic thanks to Renée’s nuanced performance.
Hugh Grant utilises his signature charm to do most of the heavy lifting in terms of comedy. His slimy one-liners will have you snorting over your popcorn.
And newcomers to the Bridget Jones franchise, Leo Woodall and Chiwetel Ejiofor are fantastic additions.
Leo is very believable as an attentive boy toy. Whereas, Chiwetel strikes the perfect balance between seriousness and warmth. His character, Mr. Wallaker, fills the ‘stiff but kind’ void left by Mark Darcy’s absence.
Unfortunately, Isla Fisher is seriously underutilised. She has more of a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it cameo than a role.
As for the more technical side of Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy, the score is breathtakingly emotive. It does nothing but enhance the film’s most tender and stirring moments.
And the visuals are equally as stunning; Michael Morris’s direction is thoughtful and Suzie Lavell’s cinematography is superb.
All in all, Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy is a must-watch and the second-best in the franchise; of course, only the first Bridget Jones film is better. But only slightly.
Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy is out in Australian cinemas on February 13, 2025.
