Growing up in the 2000s, the Bridget Jones series was a staple in my movie collection. The cringe-worthy yet hilarious scenes of Bridget’s mishaps never fail to make me laugh, from her awkward climb up a fireman’s pole on live TV to the comical fistfights in fountains between her love interests.
So when news of a new Bridget Jones film surfaced, I was thrilled at first. However, my excitement waned when I learned that the adaptation would be based on Helen Fielding’s book, "Mad About The Boy." The recently released trailer only confirmed my apprehensions.
Spoiler Alert for "Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy" below
The fourth installment in the series brings back the endearing and bumbling Bridget Jones, portrayed once again by RenĂ©e Zellweger. But there’s a heartbreaking twist – her true love, Mark Darcy (played by Colin Firth), tragically passes away while on a humanitarian mission in Sudan, four years before the events of the new film.
The trailer reveals Bridget as a widow, navigating life as a single mother to her two young children, Billy and Mabel. We see her coping with the loss of her husband, imagining him by her side and sharing her feelings with her daughter. Despite the somber theme, romance is still present as Bridget ventures back into the dating world with a much younger man, portrayed by Leo Woodall.
While the exploration of love after losing a spouse is a poignant and complex storyline, it deviates from the lighthearted and romantic essence that drew audiences to the original films. The Bridget Jones series has always been a source of comfort and laughter, with many rooting for the enduring love between Bridget and Mark.
Although certain aspects of the earlier films may not have aged well, the central love story between the characters has remained a timeless and cherished element. The journey of Bridget and Mark overcoming obstacles and finding their way back to each other resonated with audiences worldwide.
The decision to kill off Mark Darcy feels like a disservice to the beloved couple’s story. While Fielding may be challenging traditional notions of happy endings, many fans, myself included, struggle to muster enthusiasm for a narrative that guarantees sadness. The loss of Mark Darcy disrupts the carefully crafted tale of love and redemption that captivated audiences in the previous films.
Despite the somber tone, "Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy" does offer some familiar faces. Daniel Cleaver, played by Hugh Grant, makes a return after being absent in the third film due to scheduling conflicts. Additionally, Bridget’s quirky friends, meddling parents, and sharp-tongued Dr. Rawlings, portrayed by Emma Thompson, add depth to the ensemble cast.
For those eager to see how Bridget’s story unfolds, "Mad About The Boy" will premiere on the US streaming platform Peacock on February 13, 2025. International audiences can catch the film in theaters starting on Valentine’s Day. While some may find the new direction intriguing, for many fans like myself, the absence of Mark Darcy casts a shadow over the beloved Bridget Jones world.
As I revisit the original films during the holiday season, I find solace in the heartwarming and comedic escapades of Bridget Jones. It will take some convincing for me to embrace a Bridget Jones narrative without the presence of her beloved Mark.
