Get ready to dust off your diary and pour yourself a large glass of Chardonnay because Bridget Jones is back! Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy hits theaters on February 14, 2025, and it’s the perfect Valentine’s Day treat. Directed by Michael Morris, this fourth installment in the beloved franchise brings back Renée Zellweger as the hilariously relatable Bridget, alongside fan favorites like Hugh Grant and Emma Thompson. Newcomers like Leo Woodall and Chiwetel Ejiofor add fresh energy to the mix.
The Plot: Bridget’s Back, and She’s Still a Disaster
This time, Bridget is navigating life as a single mom in her 50s. Between raising her kids, dealing with dating apps, and trying to stay relevant in the age of social media, she’s as chaotic as ever. Enter a charming younger man (Leo Woodall) and a mysterious new love interest (Chiwetel Ejiofor), and Bridget’s life becomes a whirlwind of awkward encounters, cringe-worthy moments, and, of course, plenty of wine.
Hugh Grant returns as the roguish Daniel Cleaver, because let’s face it, no Bridget Jones movie is complete without him causing trouble. Emma Thompson is back as Bridget’s no-nonsense best friend, delivering her signature dry wit. And let’s not forget Jim Broadbent and Shirley Henderson, who bring heart and humor as Bridget’s ever-supportive parents.
The Comedy: Laugh-Out-Loud and Relatable
The film is packed with her trademark awkwardness, from disastrous first dates to embarrassing social media fails. One scene involves Bridget accidentally live-streaming herself singing karaoke in her pajamas. It’s painfully relatable and hilarious.
Emma Thompson steals every scene she’s in, especially when she roasts Bridget’s dating choices. And Hugh Grant? He’s as cheeky and charming as ever, even when he’s being a total cad.
The Romance: Sweet, Messy, and Full of Heart
At its core, Mad About the Boy is a story about love in all its forms. Bridget’s journey is messy, but it’s also deeply human. Her chemistry with Leo Woodall’s character is both sweet and awkward, while Chiwetel Ejiofor brings a grounded, mature energy that contrasts perfectly with Bridget’s chaos.
There’s a particularly touching scene where Bridget realizes that love isn’t about being perfect—it’s about finding someone who loves you, flaws and all. Cue the tissues.
The Drama: Life Isn’t Always a Rom-Com
While the film is full of laughs, it also tackles deeper themes. Bridget grapples with aging, self-doubt, and the challenges of single parenthood. Her struggles are real, but they’re handled with the franchise’s signature blend of humor and heart.
One standout moment involves Bridget having an emotional breakdown in a supermarket, only to be comforted by a stranger who reminds her that everyone’s a mess sometimes. It’s a reminder that even in our lowest moments, we’re not alone.
The Verdict: A Triumphant Return for Bridget
Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy is a delightful mix of comedy, romance, and drama. It stays true to what fans love about the franchise while bringing Bridget into the modern age. Renée Zellweger is as endearing as ever, and the supporting cast is stellar.
So grab your friends, your diary, and a bottle of wine, and get ready to fall in love with Bridget all over again. Just remember: life’s a mess, but that’s what makes it beautiful.