On her 43rd birthday, Bridget Jones receives a
call from her mother, who reminds her she is running out of time to become a
mother. Bridget is single, and initially brushes off her mother’s advice.
However, when her friends aren’t available to celebrate her birthday with her
because of commitments to their children, Bridget accepts a coworker’s
invitation to a music festival. Bridget’s co-worker encourages her to sleep
with the first man she meets, which in fact, Bridget does, falling drunkenly
into bed with Jack. A week or so later, she reconnects with an old flame, Mark,
who is about to divorce his wife. Mark and Bridget also sleep together. Shortly
afterwards, Bridget learns that she is pregnant. But who is the father, The
handsome stranger, or her one-time love interest? Eventually, Mark and Jack
learn about each other, and together, Mark, Jack and Bridget navigate a
pregnancy without knowing who the father of the baby is.
**SPOILERS AHEAD THE REST OF THE WAY**
The Adoption
Connection
Some families may connect with the theme of complicated
parental identity development for Mark and Jack as they each work to develop
their identities as potential fathers. Jack admits that, if the baby is not
related to him, he would have to reconsider his involvement with Bridget. Mark
asserts that he will love Bridget and the baby, whether or not he is the father
of the child. Families waiting or hoping to adopt might also have the
experience of developing a tentative sense of themselves as parents.
Strong Points
Jack, Mark, and Bridget are all very excited to welcome this
baby to the world. Although Jack and Mark both hope to be the father, they
ultimately appear able to support each other, and each seems to remain involved
in the life of the child.
Although it is very awkward for her to do so, Bridget rather
quickly tells both Jack and Mark the truth about her peculiar situation, and
though it takes a little time for them to adjust, Jack and Mark both do make
efforts to support her. Bridget is able to be honest in a very hard situation;
I imagine her situation would have been much more tricky to navigate had she
hidden the truth from the potential dads. Instead, we see three people navigating a
difficult situation – with some bumps, but also with grace.
Challenges
The film’s R rating and plot will limit its audience.
Jack deceives Mark into thinking that Jack is more likely to
be the father of the baby. This sends
Mark away dejected and he is uninvolved
for a time; later, Jack admits what he has done, and Mark re-enters the
picture.
Recommendations
Bridget Jones’s Baby will be a fun film for some adults who
will enjoy seeing three adults imperfectly but somewhat graciously navigate through
a difficult situation. The movie won’t be a good fit for teens or kids, and
some adults won’t appreciate the film’s storyline. I appreciated Bridget’s
honesty, as well as the way that Mark and Jack had enthusiasm for the baby,
compassion for Bridget, and ultimately empathy and grace for each other. This
one could be worth considering for a date night, if the plot doesn’t turn you
away.
Questions for
Discussion
What makes someone a parent?
How involved in the baby’s life should the “other” potential
dad be?
In what relationships could you stand to extend more grace?
What could help you do that?
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