Bridget Jones Returns in 'Mad About the Boy'; A Tale of Love, Loss, and Laughter

Renée Zellweger reprises her iconic role as Bridget Jones in Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy, the latest instalment in the beloved franchise. Directed by Michael Morris, the film sees Bridget navigating life as a widow and single mother, four years after the death of her husband, Mark Darcy (Colin Firth). Based on Helen Fielding’s third novel, the story explores Bridget’s journey through grief, parenting, and rediscovering love.

Bridget, now living in Hampstead Heath with her two children, is encouraged by friends to re-enter the dating world. She finds herself torn between two suitors: Roxster (Leo Woodall), a 29-year-old biochemistry student, and Mr Wallaker (Chiwetel Ejiofor), a stern yet charming science teacher. The film balances humour and sincerity, delving into themes of love, loss, and self-discovery. Hugh Grant also returns as the roguish Daniel Cleaver, adding both levity and emotional depth to the narrative.

The screenplay, co-written by Fielding, Abi Morgan, and Dan Mazer, shifts away from slapstick towards a more mature tone, reflecting Bridget’s growth as a character. Zellweger’s performance is praised for its authenticity, capturing Bridget’s vulnerability and resilience. The film also addresses modern dating challenges, such as “ghosting,” while avoiding sensationalism around Bridget’s age-gap romance.

Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy is a heartfelt and humorous exploration of life’s complexities, offering a fresh yet familiar chapter in Bridget’s story. The film is in cinemas now.

Mad About the Boy is the best Bridget Jones sequel yet – review

Mad About the Boy is the best Bridget Jones sequel yet – review

Zellweger’s Bridget is now a widow – and romanced by both Leo Woodall’s younger man and Chiwetel Ejiofor’s kindly teacher – and this sequel, adapted f

www.independent.co.uk
Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy

Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy

Renee Zellweger returns to find love with Leo Woodall in the fourth Bridget Jones movie. Read the Empire review.

www.empireonline.com
Mad About The Boy: Bridget Jones is back - but is she still relevant?

Mad About The Boy: Bridget Jones is back - but is she still relevant?

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Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy review – giant laughs for Hugh Grant but weepie sequel is strangely dazed

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www.theguardian.com
Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy film review — merry widow charms the pants off young hunk

Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy film review — merry widow charms the pants off young hunk

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Strangely moving: Bridget Jones – Mad About the Boy reviewed

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www.spectator.co.uk
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Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy may be straight-to-streaming, but this return to form is one of the rom-com franchise's best entries.

www.avclub.com
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