Exploring “Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy”- A Nostalgic and Touching Finale
The much-anticipated fourth installment of the beloved Bridget Jones saga, titled Mad About the Boy, is now available for streaming on Peacock. This latest chapter, featuring Renée Zellweger, is rich in nostalgic Easter eggs and references that remind viewers of the series’ earlier films.
Nostalgic References Celebrated by the Director
Throughout the film, fans will notice several callbacks to classic Bridget moments, from her blue cocktails shared with friends after yet another awkward evening with married couples, to her iconic penguin pajamas and memorable outfits. Director Michael Morris acknowledges that these Easter eggs are a deliberate nod to long-time fans of the franchise, which has been capturing hearts for 25 years.
“There are more probably than you would ever see in the first run through,” Morris shared with The Hollywood Reporter at the film’s New York premiere. “You could say Easter eggs are fan service. What’s wrong with fan service? Those are people who have been with the franchise for 25 years. I really wanted to do a little bit of that, the texture and you know it’s there.”
Connecting Past and Present: A Broader Cultural Context
As explained by Helen Fielding, creator of the Bridget Jones character, these references extend beyond the films themselves to significant moments in popular culture. One notable instance is a scene in which Roxster, played by Leo Woodall, jumps into a pool to save a dog, directly evoking an iconic Levi’s ’90s commercial.
Fielding offers more context regarding the scene, recalling how the original inspiration for her character’s writing was influenced by Colin Firth’s portrayal of Mr. Darcy in Pride and Prejudice, specifically his memorable wet shirt scene. “I interviewed him once in Rome … and I just kept asking him about the wet shirt and how many times would he have to take it off and have it be re-wet. Leo had to take his shirt off about 12 times to dive into the pool,” she shared with a smile.
A Journey Through Grief and Resilience
A significant theme in Mad About the Boy centers on Bridget’s journey through grief following the death of Firth’s character, Mark Darcy. Fielding’s own personal experiences heavily influenced the narrative, as she faced multiple losses, including that of her partner in 2016, while crafting the script during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Our family had lost quite a lot of people and not just the children’s dad, but close friends,” Fielding reflected. “It was a very hashtag deathy time for us. Their father was a Simpsons writer, so there was sort of no joke too dark. The writing through Bridget’s eyes, who’s basically quite a nice person for all everyone thinks she’s a bit of a mess — she’s basically a decent, kind, moral person; those values and that resilience are the things that get you through difficult times.”
Bridget’s Search for Humor Amidst Heartache
For Morris, the film resonates with the complexities of navigating joy and sorrow. He describes his vision for the film as a “comedy of grief,” highlighting the intrinsic connection between laughter and mourning. “How does that much joy and warmth contained in this one person tackle grief and sadness? Those two opposing fronts suddenly felt like a film I wanted to make,” he explained.
In the film, Bridget’s close-knit group of family and friends play a vital role in her healing process, encouraging her to embrace love again—this time with Roxster, a character portrayed as sincere despite the challenges they face.
Future of the Franchise Remains Uncertain
While Mad About the Boy is presented as the concluding chapter in the Bridget Jones saga, both franchise newcomers and veterans express a desire to continue Bridget’s journey if the opportunity arises. Chiwetel Ejiofor and Sarah Solemani share their enthusiasm for the potential to explore more stories within the franchise, should Helen Fielding decide to revisit the character.
Zellweger herself reflects on her enduring role, stating, “Never. Never. No, I just didn’t want to get fired off the first thing, and I didn’t want to let anybody down. I wanted Helen to be happy.”
As audiences dive into this heartfelt and comedic exploration of love, loss, and resilience, Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy offers a poignant look at life’s ups and downs while celebrating the enduring spirit of its beloved protagonist. Stream it now on Peacock.