Paddington in Peru: The Bear Necessity of Taking Flight

Pitter-pattering back onto the big screen, Paddington and the Browns return for a heartwarming third adventure in Paddington in Peru. This live-action/animation hybrid arrives nearly a decade after the first film, penned by Mark Burton, Jon Foster, and James Lamont, it also marks Douglas Wilson’s directorial debut. The 2015 film Paddington and its 2018 sequel, Paddington 2, adaptations of the cherished children’s book series introduced by British author Michael Bond in 1958, set a new gold standard for family entertainment. 

The journey begins in the present with Paddington, an official London citizen with a passport in paw, thrilled about his new status. Many bears ago, Paddington was a lost cub in the darkest jungles of Peru—until Aunt Lucy rescued him and raised him as her own. From that moment on, she taught him an important lesson: being lost is never permanent—there is always a way forward. “If you ever get lost, just roar,” she reminded him. Paddington now is part of the Brown family, still his wholesome, silly, clumsy, and endlessly curious self. But life isn’t as it once was. The children have grown up, everyone is living their own independent lives, and the family feels more divided than ever. Back in Peru, Aunt Lucy lives in a rest home, overseen by a group of Catholic nuns and their lively Reverend Mother (Olivia Colman, relishing every moment of theatrical mischief). It is like a Sound of Music parody set in a retirement home for bears. Clues suggest that Aunt Lucy may be following a treasure map leading to the legendary city of El Dorado, but she is quickly reported missing.

Determined to find her, Paddington—armed with his ever-reliable stash of marmalade sandwiches—and the Browns set off on a perilous journey, enlisting the aid of a dubious boat captain (Antonio Banderas) whose expertise in navigating the Amazon’s treacherous waters may prove invaluable—or entirely untrustworthy. Despite this, Paddington simply “cannot bear the thought of her feeling lonely” after all she has done for him, and while unraveling this thrilling mystery, they uncover a legendary treasure that ties Paddington’s past to his present. On this journey—one that may do more than just reunite him with his beloved aunt, but also bring his family back together.

When Paddington returns to his homeland, his body and soul instantly reconnect with the land—its scents, its flavors, and the very feel of the earth beneath his paws. It’s as if he never left. With each step, he sheds the layers of his past, uncovering pieces of himself that had been clouded by time and distance. Forgotten memories resurface, bringing with them a deeper understanding of who he truly is. The spirit of his ancestors lives within him, guiding his journey. “The bear will show the way,” as he follows their presence, they lead him not only back to Aunt Lucy but also toward rekindling the closeness of the Bear Family. Yet while Peru is undeniably part of him, so is London. His heart is split between two homes—one he was born into and one he built through love and belonging. Paddington once lost his family, but amid his grief, he found Aunt Lucy and the Bears. Through it all, he learns that no matter how far you travel, home is not just a place—it’s the love you carry with you. The treasure they’ve been searching for was never gold or riches. It was always there, woven into the bonds they shared. 

While it may be packed with clichés and child-friendly storylines, Paddington in Peru beautifully highlights the power of family, the journey of self-discovery, and the courage it takes to embrace change. Sometimes, losing oneself is the only way to find who they are truly. Taking risks for loved ones can lead to life-altering revelations, and for Paddington, Aunt Lucy’s disappearance becomes the key to unlocking parts of himself long buried beneath the surface. As she tells him, “In finding me, you have found yourself.” In the end, he realizes he is a blend of everything he’s experienced—a bear from the jungles of Peru, a heart full of adventure and wonder, and, most of all, a whole lot of Brown.

CHRISKRATING: ★★★