Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy

Summary

Pop Culture Happy Hour: "Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy"

Episode Title: Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy
Release Date: February 19, 2025
Hosts: Linda Holmes, Kate Young (Guest)
Podcast: Pop Culture Happy Hour by NPR

---

Introduction to the Episode

In this episode of Pop Culture Happy Hour, host Linda Holmes welcomes film and culture critic Kate Young to discuss the latest installment in the Bridget Jones franchise, "Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy." This fourth film marks a significant evolution in Bridget Jones's life, exploring new relationships and personal growth.

---

Overview of "Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy"

Linda Holmes opens the discussion by summarizing the plot of the new film:

Linda Holmes [00:19]: "For more than 20 years on screen, Bridget Jones has been making her way through dating, working, having a baby and even ending up in jail. Now, in the fourth film in the series, Bridget is dealing with a whole new phase of life and a new pair of possible love interests."

The film introduces Bridget as a single mother of two, navigating life after the tragic death of her long-time love, Mark Darcy (Colin Firth). She encounters a younger man named Rockster (Leo Woodall) and reconnects with her former suitor Daniel Cleaver (Hugh Grant), now portrayed as a more mature and supportive figure.

---

Kate Young’s Perspective

Kate Young shares her heartfelt connection to the Bridget Jones series:

Kate Young [02:39]: "I'm so excited to be here for this one. I loved it so much. And I cried and I cried and I cried and I cried and I cried."

She emphasizes the emotional depth of the new film, highlighting how it delves into grief and personal growth rather than solely focusing on romantic escapades.

---

Emotional Depth and Themes

The conversation delves into the film's exploration of grief and maturity:

Linda Holmes [05:02]: "I think you have hit on the exact question about this movie, which is, to me, less, did they execute it well? Cause I think they executed it really well. And the question is, really, is this what you want?"

Kate Young [05:47]: "Please forgive me for being upset about anything which isn't about not having you. Please help me find a way to do this without feeling like I'm ruining the most important part of my life."

Linda expresses mixed feelings about the film's somber tone, while Kate defends its authenticity and emotional resonance.

---

Character Development and Relationships

The discussion highlights the evolution of key characters and their relationships:

Kate Young [08:47]: "Yeah, meaningful is exactly the word that I would have used. I think it would have been very easy to play that for laughs. You know, a lot of Bridget's romantic foibles have always been the awkwardness and how silly they are and the mistakes she makes. But they take it seriously to have him as a romantic partner."

Linda praises the performances, particularly Chiwetel Ejiofor's portrayal of Mr. Wallacher, Bridget’s children's teacher, who embodies qualities reminiscent of Mark Darcy.

Linda Holmes [10:28]: "I think Chiwetel Ejiofor is a very good romantic lead as a man in middle age. I think he should have all of the roles as a charming, romantic man in middle age, because I think he's very sexy."

The return of Hugh Grant as Daniel Cleaver adds another layer to Bridget's journey:

Kate Young [11:23]: "I loved that he was back in the same way that I was excited to see where all of these characters were. I think seeing where Daniel was was so interesting because he is exactly the same character that, you know, he's very identifiably Daniel Cleaver."

---

Nostalgia and Franchise Continuity

Kate appreciates the film’s nods to the original series, enhancing the nostalgic experience for long-time fans:

Kate Young [14:04]: "Including a lot of little callbacks like that, that are, like, they're specifically for people like me who have grown up with Bridget and loved her and obsessed over her. And I really loved that."

These elements help bridge the past and present narratives, providing continuity and depth to Bridget's story.

---

Processing Grief Through Romance

Linda and Kate discuss how the film intertwines romantic elements with the theme of grief:

Linda Holmes [16:15]: "I do really like the fact that her friends have kind of stuck around. ... It really resonates for me with the fact that, like. Cause obviously Daniel has done a lot of very sketchy things. ... But you understand how much it would mean to her in her current situation if he has been present for her."

Kate Young [16:25]: "It's very sweet."

This balance ensures that the film remains true to the Bridget Jones character while addressing deeper emotional struggles.

---

Final Thoughts and Conclusions

The episode concludes with both hosts reflecting on their overall impressions of the film:

Linda Holmes [17:32]: "I think they did a very good job of making this movie this way. ... I did really like it. And it is a bummer, but it's a good bummer."

Kate Young [17:47]: "I am okay with moving into this next stage of her life with her."

Both agree that while the film takes Bridget's story into more somber and mature territory, it remains a heartfelt continuation of her journey.

---

Closing Remarks

Linda Holmes wraps up the episode by inviting listeners to share their thoughts on "Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy" and promoting NPR's Movie Club newsletter:

Linda Holmes [18:01]: "Find us at facebook.compchh and on [e-mail] nprpopculture we will have a link in our episode description that brings us to the end of our show."

She thanks Kate Young for her insightful contributions, emphasizing the episode's blend of critique and appreciation for the beloved character and her latest cinematic adventure.

---

Key Takeaways

• Emotional Evolution: The film portrays Bridget Jones in a more mature and emotionally complex phase of her life, addressing themes of grief and personal growth.

• Character Depth: Return of beloved characters like Daniel Cleaver adds depth and continuity, showcasing their evolution alongside Bridget.

• Nostalgic Elements: The film includes nostalgic callbacks, enhancing the connection for long-time fans.

• Balanced Storytelling: Successfully balances romantic elements with deeper emotional struggles, providing a heartfelt continuation of Bridget's story.

---

Notable Quotes:

• Kate Young [02:39]: "I cried and I cried and I cried and I cried and I cried."
• Linda Holmes [05:02]: "Is this what you want?"
• Kate Young [08:47]: "Meaningful is exactly the word that I would have used."
• Linda Holmes [10:28]: "Chiwetel Ejiofor is a very good romantic lead."
• Linda Holmes [17:32]: "I think they did a very good job of making this movie this way."

---

For more discussions and summaries, visit NPR’s Pop Culture Happy Hour.

Transcript

[NPR Sponsor]

This message comes from NPR sponsor Dana Farber Cancer Institute, where hundreds of researchers make new discoveries inspired by the work of previous Dana Farber scientists. Learn more about their [e-mail] everywhere.

[Linda Holmes]

For more than 20 years on screen, Bridget Jones has been making her way through dating, working, having a baby and even ending up in jail. Now, in the fourth film in the series, Bridget is dealing with a whole new phase of life and a new pair of possible love interests. I'm Linda Holmes, and today we're talking about Bridget Jones, Mad about the Boy on Pop Culture. Happy hour from npr.

[NPR Sponsor]

This message comes from Charles Schwab. When it comes to managing your wealth, Schwab gives you more choices like full service, wealth management and advice when you need it. You can also invest on your own and trade on thinkorswim. Visit schwab.com to learn more.

This message comes from Redfin. With the Redfin app, you'll know the moment your next place hits the market. Whether you're looking to buy your dream home or rent a sweet apartment, give Redfin your gotta have it wish list of property features and you'll receive real time notifications tailored just for you, ready to see it up close and personal. Scheduling a tour is just a tap away, and don't wait to find your perfect match. Download the Redfin app and start searching today.

This message comes from Thuma. Create your oasis with Thuma, a modern design company that specializes in furniture and home goods. By stripping away everything but the essential, Thuma makes elevated beds with premium materials and intentional details with clean lines, subtle curves and minimalist style. The Thuma bed collection is available in four signature finishes to match any design aesthetic. To get $100 towards your first bed purchase, go to T H U M A CO NPR this message comes from.

Better Help Online therapy. Relationships of all kinds are complicated and they tend to come with a lot of tough questions. From questions about co workers to family to romantic partners, therapy can be your safe space to talk about challenges you face in any of life's relationships. BetterHelp offers therapy 100% online, and sign up takes only a few minutes. Visit betterhelp.com NPR to get 10% off your first month. That's betterhelp.com NPR joining me today is.

[Linda Holmes]

Podcast producer and film and culture critic Kate Young. Welcome back, Kate.

[Kate Young]

Hi.

I'm so excited to be here for this one.

[Linda Holmes]

Yeah, me too. I'm so glad you're here. So the book Bridget Jones Diary was published in 1996 and the film came out in 2001, a spin on Pride and Prejudice. It starred Renee Zellweger as Bridget, Colin Firth as her true love, Mark Darcy, and Hugh Grant as cad Daniel Cleaver. Now, a couple of decades later, the fourth film is Bridget Jones Mad about the Boy. And we're about to spoil the premise here, which if you care about this movie, you probably already know, but it is pretty massive. So we're just. We're just warning you. Bridget is single again in this film because as the story opens, Mark has been dead for four years. Bridget is a single mom to two kids, and she's ready to start dating again. She meets a young guy named Rockster, played by Leo Woodall, who has her feeling sexy again, ever so slightly.

[Kate Young]

All the women have a wiser view on life. You know, they're more experienced and more emotionally mature.

Me, in a nutshell.

[Linda Holmes]

But she also meets one of her kids, teachers, Mr. Wallacher, played by Chiwetel Ejiofor, who has some of her late husband's awkward formality and perhaps his irresistibility as well.

[Unknown Speaker]

You see, it's not really order that we science people fall in love with Mrs. Darcy. It's the beauty in things.

[Linda Holmes]

Her friends are still on hand to cheer her on, and Daniel, now advancing through middle age himself, is her most reliable babysitter. Bridget Jones Mad about the Boy is streaming on Peacock. Now, Kate, as I understand it, you, like me. You have been a fan and follower of this franchise. How did this work for you?

[Kate Young]

Oh, I loved it. I loved it so much. And I cried and I cried and I cried and I cried and I cried. And then I watched it again because I wasn't sure that I'd completely metabolize the plot. I feel like after all this time, it's exactly the kind of story that I want to be telling about Bridget. It's exactly the place that I want to find her. After all of these years, it felt like going home and reuniting with a bunch of friends you haven't seen in a really long time. Like, I have no complaints.

[Linda Holmes]

I think you have hit on the exact question about this movie, which is, to me, less, did they execute it well? Cause I think they executed it really well. And the question is, really, is this what you want? Because it was dragged out for a couple of sequels. It took a long time for Bridget and Mark to settle into any kind of sort of peaceful married life. Yeah, I did not want him to be killed by a landmine while off doing charity work.

[Kate Young]

Fair enough.

[Linda Holmes]

And it's not because I think it's wrong. It's just because for me, I go to these movies for a certain kind of escape and I did find this very sad. Again, I think it's good at being a sad movie, but, man, it's a sad movie.

[Kate Young]

Please forgive me for being upset about anything which isn't about not having you. Please help me find a way to do this without feeling like I'm ruining the most important part of my life.

[Linda Holmes]

Yes, of course it has the. Like, Bridget will eventually persevere. And, you know, this was written, as I understand it, partly reflecting the fact that Helen Fielding's own husband had died. And so there's nothing wrong with this story. There's nothing wrong with telling a story about a woman who is at this point in life and has had these things happen to her. I maybe would have rather seen it with a different character because to me, having Bridget Jones be a gigantic bummer was just a lot for me to take right now.

[Kate Young]

I mean, it definitely is an incredibly sad movie. I think this is really a movie about grief masquerading as a rom com. But to me, what made it so special is everything that came before. I think on my second watch, one of the things that occurred to me is that the reason I was so emotional about, you know, that there's a little intro section where they kind of catch us up on everything that's happening with Mug. The reason it was so emotional to me is because in these first three movies, we see them getting together and getting together and getting together, but we never actually get to see them happy together. You know, there's a whole long sequence in Bridget Jones's Baby where they talk about, I guess it was like the decade that they were engaged and never got married. And then they broke up. And so when Colin Firth shows up and he's all gray haired and they have these two lovely children and they've obviously had a good life and we weren't there for any of it. I could not stop crying.

[Linda Holmes]

I mean, I think that's the whole question, right? The whole question is when you write romance. And I think the earlier books certainly were received as and marketed as romance. Right? The happy ending is part of the promise of the genre. And so obviously those books have that. There's something weird to me about going back and being like, oh, but, you know, they didn't get to enjoy this all for all that long because he died. So anyway, like. And he would have died when her younger child, her daughter would have been quite small. So to me, it Just has a heaviness that it's not. That it's not what I look for from a movie, but I don't know if it's what I look for for this movie. Like, when you say, like, I watched it and I cried and cried and cried and cried and cried, like, I get it right? But I don't know whether when I fire up a Bridget Jones movie, am I, like, I just want to sob my eyes out and feel so incredibly sad and think about mortality and all that stuff.

[Kate Young]

Fair enough.

[Linda Holmes]

At the same time, with all of that said, I think she's so good in this, and I'm so glad to see her so good in it, even. Like, I made a joke about Rockster being named Rockster, but he does a good job. He's an appealing kid. I think they do a good job of kind of balancing that. He's not necessarily the person she's going to end up with, but it is one that still is meaningful to her and is sort of part of her process.

[Kate Young]

Yeah, meaningful is exactly the word that I would have used. I think it would have been very easy to play that for laughs. You know, a lot of. A lot of Bridget's romantic foibles have always been the awkwardness and how silly they are and the mistakes she makes. But they take it seriously to have him as a romantic partner. I mean, they definitely gawk at him, and all of her friends make fun of her, but he approaches her with sincerity. They have a really good kiss. Is it more if I kiss you?

Oh, the generation who ask.

I think that would be acceptable, that first sex scene that they have, there's still the awkwardness, but it's that kind of sweet, romantic awkwardness when you're with someone who you really, really like. And not the kind of hijinks awkwardness of, like, you know, this comedy, a straight comedy. I really liked that they made that a relationship that mattered.

[Linda Holmes]

Yeah.

[Kate Young]

He met her kids, he played cricket with them. They knew him. They loved him like he was. He was an important part of her life and not just some kid she met on Tindem.

[Linda Holmes]

Right, Agreed.

[Kate Young]

I don't really come to Bridget for romance. I come to Bridget for Bridget. Right. The fact that her foibles happen to be around romance are just kind of part of the story that she happens to be telling with her life. But to me, part of what made this work is that what we essentially get is the same Bridget in a different stage of her life, and we get to see what that looks like less because she's in love or she's found love or she's out of love and more, because, like, she's grown up and this is what life looks like now that she's a mom and she's a widow and she's no longer at work and all of that stuff. Like, what does her life look like with those changes? And to me, that's why this worked, because I want to see what Bridget is up to.

[Linda Holmes]

Yeah, you're making a really good argument. I think they did a very good job of making this movie this way. It really comes down to, is this what you want? Because when I get into it, I think Leo Woodall is good. I think Chiwetel Ejiofor is a very good romantic lead as a man in middle age. I think he should have all of the roles as a charming, romantic man in middle age, because I think he's very sexy.

[Unknown Speaker]

You ask me, where's the wonder and magic? That's a good question. I think it's here.

[Linda Holmes]

I do want to ask you, how did you feel about. Hugh Grant skipped the last movie, the baby movie. And so she was caught between Colin Firth and Patrick Dempsey. Now, Hugh Grant came back for this movie, and Daniel is sort of her friend and her kid's favorite babysitter. How did you feel about his presence in this?

[Kate Young]

I loved that he was back in the same way that I was excited to see where all of these characters were. I think seeing where Daniel was was so interesting because he is exactly the same character that, you know, he's very identifiably Daniel Cleaver. And I think that what's interesting now is that in the same way that Bridget is reckoning with, like, this new phase of her life, he's coming to understand that, like, okay, I've been Daniel Cleaver, but I forgot to do anything else. And what does my life look like now?

[Linda Holmes]

He's getting to the this is not cute anymore phase of his life.

[Kate Young]

Exactly. And it's taken him a long, long time.

[Unknown Speaker]

They asked me to put down my next of kin, and the only person I could think of who might remotely care was you.

[Kate Young]

It's very sweet.

[Unknown Speaker]

Yeah, but not deliberately. The point is, Bridge, how have I arrived at this point in my life with no kin?

[Kate Young]

But I also found it incredibly charming that he's also the person that Bridget can most rely on, that he's someone that her children love, that he's someone who's in her life. And I just. I was so charmed by it.

[Unknown Speaker]

Uncle Daniel, Miniature Darcy what's the news?

[Kate Young]

Where are the ladies with the big hair?

[Unknown Speaker]

They couldn't make it.

[Kate Young]

Sadly.

[Unknown Speaker]

They're. They're washing their hair.

[Kate Young]

All three?

[Linda Holmes]

Yeah.

[Unknown Speaker]

Well, they watch each other's.

[Linda Holmes]

You see, I think their friendship story was probably what. What moved me the most in a positive way that wasn't just about grief and sadness. I think it really resonated for me with the fact that, like. Cause obviously Daniel has done a lot of very sketchy things. But I think, like, I was thinking about the fact that, you know, as I get older, I think I overlook a lot less and forgive a lot more. In other words, I don't miss things when people are doing things that stink. But I'm much more likely to say, yes, this is true of this person. This is this person's limitations. I hope that they will continue to grow. But you understand how much it would mean to her in her current situation if he has been present for her, if he has shown up for her during this time that she's been mourning and he's been building a relationship with her kids, and he's been a supportive figure in the life of her kids, and he's been a friend to her, and they've managed to do that without him trying to go to bed with her or whatever.

[Kate Young]

I mean, there's no guarantee of that. Let's be clear.

[Linda Holmes]

There's no guarantee of that. No. But you can understand how, despite their history, they've built this relationship that really feels hard won to me.

[Unknown Speaker]

I still don't know what she was so pissed off about.

[Kate Young]

You shacked her sister once.

[Unknown Speaker]

Massive overreaction.

[Kate Young]

Come on. I love you, Daniel.

[Linda Holmes]

I really did appreciate that. And I was very glad he was in this. And they still have, I think, just Chef's Kiss chemistry. Like, one of the. One of the challenges of the first movie is that, of course you love Colin Firth. She has wonderful chemistry with him as well. But there are times when it's like, oh, I don't know, man. Like, I understand why she enjoyed Daniel, you know?

[Kate Young]

Yeah. Which. Speaking of which, one of the things I really did like is the way that they make a lot of throwbacks to some of the fashion choices from the earlier films. The pajamas that she's wearing in the early films are the same ones that she's wearing when she's by herself in one of the earlier ones. The one that did make me cry is her son is in the same Christmas sweatshirt that Mark was in in one of the earliest films. Like, there are a lot of little callbacks like that, that are, like. They're specifically for people like me who have grown up with Bridget and loved her and obsessed over her. And I really loved that. This film kind of recognizes what it is that I love about this franchise, really, which is that we're following this woman along her journey. Like, I really don't come to this for romance. That's just, like, a perk. I'm here because she is a woman that I identify with. So someone whose experiences I understand. And I get to pop in on her life every now and again and see where she's at and figure out what my life looks like in relation to that.

[Linda Holmes]

Yeah.

[Kate Young]

In the same way that the last film was about, oh, I'm an older woman and I may never have a baby, except if I don't have this baby now. It's. I'm an older woman and I have two small children. And I have to. You know, it's like she just. It's just another thing that's happening in her life that she has to navigate. And we get to see what it looks like when she figures out how to do that. And I loved that all these people that we have come to know and love as part of her life are also there. I think it was just seeing her friends again, her father, who's unfortunately passed. There's this whole universe of people who are there to support her, and I miss all of them equally. And really, getting to kind of embrace them again felt wonderful.

Nice.

[Unknown Speaker]

You gotta wallow in it, Bridge. Wallow, grieve. G, R, E, I, V, E. It's.

[Kate Young]

I, E. It's not ei.

[Unknown Speaker]

No, it's I before E, except after C. Yes, exactly.

[Linda Holmes]

Yeah. I do really like the fact that her friends have kind of stuck around. And when you see her friends in this movie, I think they believably interact with her the same and yet different. And everything you're saying about what you come to Bridget for and what this movie does, well, it all makes perfect sense to me. And I think it is a really effective film about the processing of grief for her, for her kids. The sort of moment late in the film where they're kind of marking his birthday is, I think, really lovely. And it felt effective to me. So I'm sort of pushing against the different parts of me that, on the one hand, just want you to follow your creative vision and do a good of executing it, which I think they definitely did. And also, like, don't kill Mark Darcy. Which is something I feel deeply when.

[Kate Young]

I read this book. Initially, because this is the original third book, not the fourth. I was also kind of bummed that they killed Darcy because, like, they just got together. Like, why is he dead now?

[Linda Holmes]

That's the other thing is you've had more time with it than I have.

[Kate Young]

Yeah. And then so then when Bridget Jones's Baby came out, I was really pleased. I was confused, but I was really pleased because it meant we get, we got another fun adventure with him again. So to me, I've had my fill, kind of in the sense that I, I am satisfied that they had their love story. We did not get to see as much of it as I would have necessarily liked, but I firmly believe that he was the love of her life and that they had that opportunity to experience that together. I am okay with moving into this next stage of her life with her.

[Linda Holmes]

You know, I'm pretty much fully persuaded that I did really like it. And it is a bummer, but it's a good bummer. We want to know what you think about Bridget Jones. Mad about the Boy. Find us at facebook.compchh and on [e-mail] nprpopculture we will have a link in our episode description that brings us to the end of our show. Kate Young, thank you so much for being here. This was very enlightening for me. I appreciate it.

[Kate Young]

Thank you. I'm always happy to talk about Bridget Jones.

[Linda Holmes]

And one more thing before we go in the run up to the Oscars. We are watching all 10 best picture nominees, of course, and you're invited to watch along with us. Sign up for the special NPR Movie club [e-mail] movieclub you'll hear our thoughts about each best picture nominee, plus we'll share some links to NPR's other coverage of the films you might have missed. Again, you can sign [e-mail] movieclub this episode was produced by Liz Metzger and edited by Mike Katsiff. Our supervising producer is Jessica Reedy. Hello. Come in. Provides our theme music. Thank you for listening to Pop Culture Happy Hour from npr. I'm Linda Holmes, and we'll see you all next time.

[NPR Sponsor]

This message comes from Warby Parker. What makes a great pair of glasses at Warby Parker?

It's all the invisible extras without the.

Extra cost, like free adjustments for life. Find your [e-mail] or visit one of their hundreds of stores around the country. This message comes from NPR sponsor Dana Farber Cancer Institute. It's called protein degradation. And if you're a bad protein in a cancer cell. You'd better get your affairs in order because now, thanks to Dana Farber's foundational work, protein degradation can target cancer causing proteins and destroy them right inside the cell. This approach is making a difference in multiple myeloma and other blood cancers and is how Dana Farber is working to treat previously untreatable cancers. [e-mail] Everywhere this message comes from NPR.

Sponsor Oracle Cloud Infrastructure. AI needs lots of speed and computing power, so how do you compete without cost spiraling? Upgrade to Oracle Cloud Infrastructure. OCI is the blazing fast and secure platform for your infrastructure, database, application development and AI workloads. Now till the end of March 31, 2020 five new US customers with a minimum financial commitment can cut their current cloud bill in half. See if your company [e-mail] NPR.