There has been a growing trend in recent films where an older woman finds romance with a younger man, and Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy is no exception. But before I go any further, let’s get one thing straight — I do not hate this trope. For decades, we’ve watched older men groom younger women into being their wives. Now, we have mothers, bosses, and divorcees — women with agency and a sex drive — finally getting their turn. As long as everyone is consenting and enthusiastic, what’s the harm in expanding the dating pool? To that, I say: You go, girl.
Even The New York Times recently reported that Gen X women (ages 44-59) are having the best sex of their lives. And now, it seems Bridget Jones is hopping on that train and riding it as far as it goes.
In this latest installment, Bridget (Renée Zellweger) returns, this time as a widow (RIP Colin Firth), raising two young children (Mila Jankovic and Casper Knopf). After four years of merely staying afloat — enduring the morning mayhem, screen-time battles, and general chaos of child-rearing — Bridget decides it’s time to live again, not just survive. She downloads Tinder, hires a nanny, and returns to work as a producer.
As expected, her love life quickly descends into a whirlwind of passion, chaos, confusion, and embarrassment — central elements of the Bridget Jones franchise that make her story so relatable and beloved. Enter Roxster (Leo Woodall), a dashing younger man who reignites Bridget’s sex life. But, as expected, the age gap eventually catches up with them. Fear not, though — her romantic antics don’t end there. Her son’s science teacher, Scott Walliker (Chiwetel Ejiofor), steps into the picture, and their connection develops slowly, authentically, and unexpectedly.
The film strikes the perfect balance between heartwarming and hilarious, tackling themes of grief and loss while maintaining its signature lighthearted charm. The ever-entertaining Hugh Grant returns as Daniel Cleaver, now a silver fox, as irresistibly mischievous as ever. And, of course, the film wouldn’t be complete without the incomparable Emma Thompson, who is back as a sharp-witted gynecologist, delivering sage wisdom with impeccable comedic timing.
However, compared to these dynamic performances, Bridget herself occasionally feels a bit … lost. There are moments where Zellweger stares blankly at her co-stars, almost as if she’s forgotten her lines or is unsure where she is. Yet, despite this, she remains as lovable and relatable as ever.
Because, let’s be honest — aren’t we all a little lost? If Bridget Jones returns one day as a loony grandmother, you’ll still find me in the front row, laughing at her antics.
Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy is currently streaming on Peacock. View trailer here.
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