If you’ve ever had a chaotic dating experience, cringed over your social media blunders, or found yourself with a glass of wine and your diary in hand after a particularly awkward moment, then you’re probably already a fan of Bridget Jones. The loveable, self-deprecating singleton has been a staple in the rom-com world for over two decades, and now she’s back for the highly anticipated fourth installment, Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy.
Set to hit theaters on February 14, 2025, Mad About the Boy arrives just in time for Valentine’s Day, offering the perfect mix of romance, comedy, and heart that fans have come to expect from the franchise. But this time, Bridget is facing a new set of challenges: she’s navigating life as a single mom in her 50s, trying to stay relevant in the world of social media, and still managing to be the charmingly awkward disaster we all know and love.
The Plot: Bridget’s Back, and She’s Still a Hot Mess
In this new chapter of Bridget’s life, she’s juggling the demands of motherhood, dating apps, and the pressures of staying “cool” in the digital age. It’s safe to say that the relatable Bridget has not changed much since we last saw her—she’s still figuring things out, making a mess of her life, and giving us all the laughs in the process.
Bridget’s life takes a romantic turn when she meets a charming younger man (played by Leo Woodall) and a mysterious, mature new love interest (Chiwetel Ejiofor). As we’ve come to expect, things aren’t exactly smooth sailing for Bridget as she navigates the unpredictable waters of modern dating, leading to plenty of awkward moments, mishaps, and unforgettable laughs.
And what would a Bridget Jones movie be without Hugh Grant’s cheeky, roguish Daniel Cleaver? He’s back, causing trouble in the best way possible, while Emma Thompson returns as Bridget’s wise (and hilarious) best friend, providing all the dry wit and emotional support that Bridget desperately needs.
The Comedy: A Delightful, Laugh-Out-Loud Return
One of the hallmarks of the Bridget Jones series is its ability to combine cringe-worthy, awkward moments with heartwarming humor, and Mad About the Boy is no exception. From disastrous first dates to hilariously embarrassing social media fails, the movie offers plenty of opportunities for Bridget’s signature brand of awkwardness to shine.
There’s a particularly hilarious scene where Bridget accidentally live-streams herself singing karaoke in her pajamas—a moment that will have you laughing out loud and nodding in agreement because who hasn’t had an embarrassing moment on the internet? But it’s not just Bridget’s misadventures that steal the show. Emma Thompson, as always, provides a masterclass in delivering sharp, dry humor, especially when it comes to commenting on Bridget’s often questionable dating choices.
And let’s not forget about Hugh Grant. His return as Daniel Cleaver is the perfect blend of charm, mischief, and, of course, some good-natured troublemaking. Watching him interact with Bridget brings back all the familiar feels, reminding us why we’ve missed this duo so much.
The Romance: Sweet, Messy, and So Real
At its core, Mad About the Boy is still a romantic comedy, but it takes a more mature and grounded approach to love. Bridget’s romantic entanglements with Leo Woodall’s character and Chiwetel Ejiofor’s mysterious new man explore love in all its messy, imperfect forms.
There’s a particularly touching scene in which Bridget has an epiphany about what love really is: It’s not about being perfect or having everything together, but about finding someone who loves you, flaws and all. It’s a powerful reminder of the true nature of love, and it’s guaranteed to tug at your heartstrings.
While the chemistry between Bridget and Leo’s character is sweet and a little awkward (because, of course, it is), it’s Chiwetel Ejiofor’s grounded, mature energy that provides a wonderful contrast to Bridget’s chaotic personality, reminding us that love can take on many different forms, at any stage of life.
The Drama: Life Isn’t Always a Rom-Com
While the film is full of laughs and light-hearted moments, it doesn’t shy away from the deeper themes that have always been part of Bridget’s journey. The challenges of aging, self-doubt, and single parenthood are explored with sensitivity, showing that even though Bridget is often the source of comedy, her struggles are very real and deeply relatable.
One standout moment is when Bridget breaks down in a supermarket, feeling overwhelmed by life. A stranger comforts her with the reminder that “everyone’s a mess sometimes,” and it’s a small but powerful moment that shows just how important it is to embrace our imperfections.
As we’ve come to expect from the Bridget Jones series, these moments of vulnerability are balanced with plenty of humor, making Bridget’s journey both relatable and heartwarming. Her ups and downs are what make her so endearing, and Mad About the Boy is no exception in showcasing that truth.
The Verdict: A Triumphant Return for Bridget
Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy is everything fans could have hoped for and more. It perfectly balances comedy, romance, and drama while staying true to the charm that made the franchise so beloved in the first place. Renée Zellweger is as endearing and relatable as ever, and the addition of new cast members Leo Woodall and Chiwetel Ejiofor brings a fresh energy to the story. The return of Hugh Grant and Emma Thompson is a welcome reminder of the magic that made us fall in love with these characters all those years ago.
So, whether you’re a longtime Bridget fan or new to the franchise, grab your friends, your diary, and a bottle of wine, and get ready to laugh, cry, and fall in love all over again. Bridget’s back, and this time, she’s proving that even when life’s a mess, it’s still beautiful.
Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy is a reminder that life may not always be a rom-com, but it’s those messy, imperfect moments that make it so much more beautiful.