Bridget Jones’s Baby: A Worthy Conclusion to the Trilogy
The latest installment in the Bridget Jones saga sees our beloved Brit facing a new chapter: pregnancy. The central question? Determining which of her suitors is the father.
Reaching the age of 43, Bridget Jones (Renée Zellweger) finds herself celebrating her birthday alone. While she enjoys a fulfilling career and supportive friends, their lives are consumed by family commitments. Determined to seize opportunities for connection, Bridget attends a music festival with a friend and has a fling with a charming American named Jack (Patrick Dempsey). Shortly after, at a family event, she reconnects with her former flame, Mark Darcy (Colin Firth), and they too end up in bed. Weeks later, Bridget discovers she’s pregnant, leaving her to ponder whether Mark or Jack, who turns out to be an internet millionaire, is the father.
Note: Hugh Grant, who played a major role in the previous two films, declined to participate in “Bridget Jones’s Baby.” The film addresses his absence by revealing his character has passed away.
The Appeal of the Ordinary
Bridget Jones stands out among recent film series protagonists for her relatability. Created by British journalist Helen Fielding, this endearingly clumsy Londoner doesn’t save the world, engage in shootouts, or traverse the globe (aside from her awkward trip to Thailand in the second film). Instead, she works in an office, lives in a small apartment, chats with her parents, navigates relationships, indulges in food and drink, worries about her weight, and frequently finds herself in embarrassing situations.
Fun Fact: Three different endings were filmed for the movie. The final cut was chosen at the last minute.
One might question whether Bridget’s life warrants a film adaptation. However, her ordinariness is precisely her strength. Bridget’s world mirrors that of her fans. Her ability to navigate a career, maintain relationships, and attract successful men, despite her “epic fails,” inspires and uplifts more effectively than the adventures of fictional characters like superheroes. Furthermore, Renée Zellweger and her co-stars consistently deliver charm and humor.
A Welcome Return
Following the less successful “Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason,” “Bridget Jones’s Baby” arrives 12 years after its predecessor. This hiatus proves beneficial. Firstly, it introduces new comedic opportunities, such as poking fun at hipsters and groups like Femen and Pussy Riot. Secondly, Bridget herself has evolved. While she still exhibits childish tendencies and finds herself in awkward situations, she’s now a wiser, more mature woman, making it believable that she’ll be a good mother.
Humor and Romance
The charm of “Bridget Jones’s Baby” lies in director Sharon Maguire’s successful recreation of the first film’s formula: a blend of ironic humor and romantic sweetness. This time, the sweetness is amplified by the presence of both a British and an American suitor, with the American being more openly expressive of his feelings. Moreover, Patrick Dempsey still looks great shirtless, which is essential for a film primarily aimed at female audiences.
The film also avoids overusing physical gags related to pregnancy. While morning sickness and gynecological discussions are present, “Bridget Jones’s Baby” is primarily a heartwarming comedy. After Dan Mazer, a longtime collaborator of Sacha Baron Cohen, worked on the script, Emma Thompson rewrote and polished it, while also delivering a great performance as Bridget’s doctor.
A Delightful Rom-Com
Despite its strengths, “Bridget Jones’s Baby” is a limited film. Don’t expect profound psychological depth, exceptional drama, or major plot twists. It’s a pure romantic comedy designed to offer fans two hours of fun and romantic entanglements with likable characters. While two hours might be a bit long, the enjoyable company of Zellweger and her colleagues makes it hard to leave the theater even after 120 minutes.