Actress Elizabeth Olsen has delivered a surprising verdict on one of Britain's most beloved romantic comedies, taking aim at Hugh Grant's iconic character from Bridget Jones's Diary.
London Premiere Sparks Candid Comments
The 36-year-old star made her remarks while attending the London premiere of her new romantic comedy Eternity on Monday night alongside co-stars Miles Teller, Da'Vine Joy Randolph, and John Early.
Olsen's latest film explores complex relationship dynamics through an unusual premise. Her character Joan reaches the afterlife only to face an eternal dilemma - whether to spend eternity with her first husband Luke, played by Callum Turner, who died at war, or her second husband Larry, portrayed by Miles Teller, with whom she built a 65-year life and family.
Bridget Jones Love Triangle Gets Modern Critique
While discussing love triangle tropes with Metro.co.uk, Olsen turned her attention to the 2001 classic Bridget Jones's Diary, where Colin Firth's upright Mark Darcy competed with Hugh Grant's charming playboy Daniel Cleaver for Renée Zellweger's affection.
"Yes. I mean, she shouldn't be with Hugh Grant," Olsen stated bluntly. "He's a cheater," she added with a laugh. "He doesn't really care about her, he cares about himself."
Despite her criticism of the character, Olsen clarified that she remains a huge fan of the film itself, calling it one of her personal favourites. When considering other famous love triangles, she admitted she hadn't seen The Summer I Turned Pretty and wasn't a fan of the Twilight Saga during its initial release.
Relationship Advice From a Happily Married Star
The actress, who married musician Robbie Arnett in 2019, also shared thoughtful perspectives on modern relationships and dating. She suggested that people often approach finding partners like a box-ticking exercise rather than focusing on genuine happiness.
"I think we often are thinking that we're looking for the most perfect fill in the blank because the world tells us that you can find the most perfect toothbrush, you can find the most perfect hair curler," Olsen explained, drawing parallels to themes in her new film.
"And I think that might not be the goal. I think the goal is people who just make you feel happy, not check all your boxes."
Olsen also offered a refreshing take on soulmates and lifelong love, suggesting that people could experience multiple great loves within one lifetime depending on their circumstances.
"I believe that people, depending on their life circumstances, could have many loves," she said. "So I guess I believe in soulmates because I believe you can't predict what happens. Loss happens, and I hope for people who feel like they had a soulmate that they could find another great love in their life."
Eternity arrives in cinemas across the UK on November 26.
