“Bridget Jones was shrewd, yet this latest one is a genuine disappointment.”

## What on Earth Have They Done to Bridget Jones?

Growing up in the 2000s, the original *Bridget Jones* movies were iconic—spilled tea, loads of cringeworthy moments, and all that delightful awkwardness we loved about Bridget. Sliding down a fireman’s pole on live TV? Aye, go ahead, you bonkers lass! And who could possibly forget the epic fountain brawls between Mark Darcy and Daniel Cleaver?

So, when I heard news of a new Bridget film coming soon, I was instantly thrilled. But my excitement plummeted when I learned *which* book it was based on. And now, having seen the trailer? Oh aye, my deepest fears have been realized.

### Spoiler Alert: Ouch, That’s Harsh

Well then, they’ve opted to adapt the fourth film from Helen Fielding’s *Mad About the Boy*. Aye, Bridget’s back in her clumsy, relatable style, and Renée Zellweger continues in the role, but… what on earth have they done? Mark Darcy (Colin Firth) is gone, mate. Yep, dead—four years before this film is set. He passes away during a humanitarian mission in Sudan. Quite the joyful premise, right?

### Now Bridget’s a Widow, And I’m Not Loving It

From what I see, the film revolves around Bridget managing life as a widow, mother to two kids—Billy and Mabel. There’s a bit in the trailer where Bridget talks to her daughter about missing Mark, and honestly, if you’re feeling even a bit emotional, it’ll hit you hard.

Of course, there’s a romantic twist. Bridget’s back in the dating world, and—because we seem to have entered *Cougar Town*—her new fella is a 29-year-old toy boy, played by Leo Woodall. I’m all for a bit of a fantasy getaway, but I’m not sure this is quite what anyone was after.

### Sure, It’s Complicated, But That’s Not Why I Watch Bridget Jones

Okay, I get it. Delving into love and loss after losing your soulmate is a serious and intricate narrative to present—especially with children in the mix. But let’s be honest: when I reach for a Bridget Jones film, I don’t want to be grabbing for tissues and sobbing into my drink.

These movies are my comfort food, my Greggs pasty on a chilly Monday morning. I want to chuckle like a fool, not ponder the fragile nature of existence and mourn for a fictional character I’ve been invested in for twenty years. Nah, mate, that’s not what I’m here for.

### Didn’t We Just Spend Three Films Building This Relationship?

Let’s get real for a moment: while some elements of the original films now seem a tad dodgy (hello creepy “Uncle Geoffrey”), the romance between Bridget and Mark? That’s what drew us back in. We spent three movies making it to the bloody end, watching them navigate Daniel Cleaver’s fabrications and Jack Qwant’s charm—only to have it snatched away? Feels like they’ve tugged the rug out from underneath us.

### Offing Mark Darcy? That’s Just Rude!

I’ll say it plainly: it feels like a slap in the face. Aye, I understand Fielding’s intention to redefine what a “happy ending” looks like, but come on! After everything we’ve experienced with Bridget? I just don’t fancy weeping into my drink while watching a rom-com. I crave escapism, not an existential upheaval.

To be fair, I’m not alone in this sentiment. The backlash from when the book was released in 2013 was significant. Many readers concurred, as noted by the BBC [when they covered the book’s launch](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-24323108).

### It’s Not Entirely Bleak… Sort Of

Look, it’s not all doom and gloom. *Daniel Cleaver* is back—Hugh Grant missed the third film due to *Paddington 2* commitments, but he’s returned for this one. Fair play, Hugh, you were absolutely brilliant in that bear movie.

And then, of course, we have Bridget’s crew—her friends Shazzer, Jude, and Tom are back for the laughs, alongside her nosy mam, cheeky dad, and Emma Thompson showcasing her usual deadpan brilliance as Dr. Rawlings. Mark Darcy will also make an appearance, but only in flashbacks and Bridget’s imagination. Still, the bitterness lingers.

### Release Dates – If This Is Your Cup of Tea

If you’re keen on this and fancy a good cry, or like the thought of Bridget picking herself up after Mark’s unexpected passing, then go for it. The film hits US streaming platform *Peacock* on 13 February 2025. For those in the UK, it’ll grace the big screen on Valentine’s Day, 14 February. Romantic, right? Though again, nothing screams romance quite like your partner being six feet under…

### I’ll Stick with the Originals, Thanks

As for me, mate, I’ll be rewatching the first three films on loop while indulging in mince pies this Christmas. Don’t expect me to check out this new one anytime soon. If I wanted to shed tears into a drink, I’d just rewatch *Marley and Me*. But what of my happy Bridget-Jones-loving heart? Nah. You can leave it right there.

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