Now over 50, Renée Zellweger’s Bridget Jones is single again—and it’s heartwarming to see her back on the big screen!
Imagine a feeling that will make Generation Britpop’s hearts flutter—Bridget Jones‘s diary is now almost as old as Bridget herself was when she started writing it. She may not have always been fully appreciated in mainstream pop culture, but Helen Fielding’s confident, outspoken, and slightly flirtatious media singleton—who tried to sort out her troubles with wine and nicotine—was one of the most memorable characters of the Cool Britannia era.
Now, years later, Bridget is back on the road to a new life. And this time, her story is as interesting, funny, and heartwarming as ever.
Bridget Jones: The epitome of an era and its beginnings
The 90s icon who influenced millions
In the late 1990s and early 2000s, every young adult either lived their life like Bridget Jones or had friends who did the same. The character became an icon not just for women but for an entire generation. However, men had role models like Liam Gallagher and Ali G—so, of course, they couldn’t help but be a laughing stock during this time!
Has Bridget Jones lost its magic?
Over time, the character of Bridget Jones has aged, and over the course of the film series, it slowly started to look dated. What was fresh and hilarious in 2001 started to feel a bit repetitive by 2004, and irrelevant to some viewers by 2016. But now, in 2024, Bridget is back—and perhaps even more interesting than before!
Old Bridget vs. New Bridget: A Journey of Laughter and Emotions
In the new film, Bridget is now in her 50s and is facing new challenges in life while fully embracing motherhood. The real fun here is when we see the differences (and surprising similarities) between the old Bridget and the Bridget of today. The film presents these aspects not only with deep emotion but also with great humor.
Bridget Jones’ New Beginnings: Loneliness, Memories and a New Life
Inspired by Fielding’s third novel, this story, adapted by writers Dan Mazer and Abbie Morgan, finds Renée Zellweger’s Bridget alone again—but this time things are different. Her husband, Colin Firth’s Mark Darcy, died in a tragic accident at a mine in Darfur while brokering a peace treaty. Five years have passed, and now Bridget is trying to find a new lease on life with her children, Billy and Mabel, in the quiet hamlet of Hampstead.
Bridget’s new life: dating, career and an unexpected romance
The desire to start dating again and revive her career prompts Bridget to start writing her diary again. When she’s not recruiting talent for daytime magazine shows like Loose Women by day, she’s finding solace in the handsome, fit body of Leo Woodall’s rockstar by night. The twist is when her daughter Mabel innocently tells her bewildered teacher (Chiwetel Ejiofor) at school, “He gives Mummy a special hairstyle every night.”
Bridget’s new twist: A tale full of romance, embarrassment and laughter
Bridget’s repeated awkwardness with Mr. Walker (Chiwetel Ejiofor)—who is single and seems to be a perfect age match—adds to the story. The hilarious dynamic of their encounters turns into a great comedy of British middle-class embarrassment, crafted as skillfully as Richard Curtis’ classic romantic comedies. And perhaps, like me, you’ll realize how much you’ve missed such films!
Old characters return: Memories fresh but without crutches
Classic characters return to the world of Bridget Jones, but wisely they are not used as props. Emma Thompson, as Bridget’s gynecologist, lights up the story with her short but extremely funny scenes. Hugh Grant’s Daniel Cleaver, already an established character, gracefully retreats from the center of the story after giving the audience a sense of familiarity.
Hugh Grant’s impact: Mischievous but touching
Perhaps even more impressive than Zellweger, Grant brings a mournful but mischievous side to his character. His bittersweet lines and effortless acting, which shows a reluctant move on, give the story a new depth. The smile on his face makes those dialogues 10 times more effective, bringing both the humor and the emotion of the film to life.
Bridget’s World: Old Memories, New Offering
Despite some dark nods to the previous films—btle references in props, costumes, and shot composition—e film never limits itself to merely pleasing fans. Director Michael Morris, whose background is in television drama, has brought something special to the cinema this time around. The film has a charming weekend-paper aesthetic that you’ll want to absorb yourself— feels like a wallpaper and knitwear film. Plus, its gorgeous photography—e beauty of Hampstead and the stunning views of the Lake District during the school trip in the third acact—ke it even more interesting.
Flaws are also a bebeauty. idget Jones’s specialty
Sure, some parts are a little weak, but what would this Bridget Jones film be if they weren’t? Like Bridget’s own love life, the London romantic comedy had also been in hibernation for a decade. To see both of them revived in this fashion is an unexpected but thoroughly enjoyable experience.
