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A Heartfelt Jungle Adventure That Brings the Bear Full Circle
It’s hard to believe it’s been over a decade since the little bear from Darkest Peru first charmed his way onto the big screen with a battered suitcase, a floppy red hat, and an unshakable love for marmalade. Paddington Bear, the marmalade-loving gentleman with impeccable manners, has returned for a third cinematic outing — and this time, he’s going home.
Paddington in Peru (2024) marks a heartfelt, visually stunning, and occasionally bittersweet return to the character’s roots. But does this new chapter capture the same magic that made the first two films modern classics? Let’s take a deeper look.
🧭 A New Journey Begins — Plot Overview
The film opens with a gentle reminder of Paddington’s London life — the warm comforts of the Brown household, his friendly neighborhood antics, and of course, the ever-reliable supply of marmalade sandwiches. But all that changes when Paddington receives news from the Home for Retired Bears: his beloved Aunt Lucy has mysteriously vanished.
Determined to find her, Paddington sets off on a journey to his homeland, Peru, accompanied by the ever-loyal Brown family. Their adventure leads them deep into the jungle, through ancient ruins, and down winding rivers — facing riddles, wild terrain, and a few unexpected enemies along the way.
It’s a story that blends mystery, humor, and emotion, while placing Paddington’s origin front and center — something long-time fans have been hoping for since the first film.
🎬 Direction & Cinematic Style — A New Vision
With Paddington in Peru, director Dougal Wilson takes the reins from Paul King, who helmed the first two films. Wilson, known for his beautifully crafted music videos and commercials, brings a fresh visual flair to the series.
He delivers an impressive debut that maintains the cozy, storybook charm of the earlier films while introducing a more adventurous tone. The scenes shot in Peru are lush, vibrant, and almost magical — bursting with color, mystery, and a gentle reverence for nature.
While Wilson’s direction is visually impressive, there are moments where the comedic timing and whimsical energy of previous films feels just slightly dialed down. Still, the emotional heartbeat of the story never wavers, and Wilson proves himself a worthy new voice in Paddington’s cinematic journey.
🎭 Cast Highlights – New Faces, Familiar Warmth
Let’s start with the obvious: Ben Whishaw remains absolutely perfect as the voice of Paddington. His soft-spoken optimism and genuine sincerity continue to carry the heart of the franchise.
Hugh Bonneville returns as the wonderfully uptight-yet-loveable Mr. Brown, and Emily Mortimer steps in seamlessly as Mrs. Brown, replacing Sally Hawkins. Mortimer brings a smart, grounded warmth to the role, helping the family dynamic feel as cozy as ever.
Two standout additions are:
- Olivia Colman as the Reverend Mother – a mysterious and slightly eccentric nun with secrets of her own. Colman is equal parts funny, menacing, and emotionally complex.
- Antonio Banderas as Hunter Cabot – a rogue-ish riverboat captain who gets swept up in the Browns' quest. Banderas brings swagger and fun, though some may find his character a touch underdeveloped.
There’s also a cameo or two that we won’t spoil here — but fans of the franchise will no doubt appreciate them.
🧡 Themes That Resonate – Family, Identity, and Going Home
More than any installment before it, Paddington in Peru explores the idea of home — not just where you live, but where you come from. It asks gentle but powerful questions:
- What happens when the person who raised you is in danger?
- How do you honor your past while growing into your future?
- Can family extend beyond borders, bloodlines, and species?
The Browns’ willingness to follow Paddington to the ends of the Earth serves as a touching metaphor for chosen family and loyalty. And Paddington’s determination to find Aunt Lucy highlights just how far love — the pure, simple kind — can carry someone.
These themes make the film feel incredibly timely, especially in a world that continues to reckon with identity, belonging, and migration.
🎨 Visuals, Music & Setting – A Feast for the Senses
The shift from London’s foggy charm to Peru’s tropical vibrancy was a bold one, but cinematographer Erik Wilson (no relation to Dougal) handles it masterfully. The Peruvian jungle scenes are gorgeously rendered — rich with texture, depth, and awe.
The use of CGI, especially with Paddington himself, is once again top-tier. His fur, expressions, and movement are flawlessly integrated into real-world environments.
Complementing the visuals is Dario Marianelli’s musical score, which blends British whimsy with Andean instrumentation. The music feels organic to the setting and elevates both the action scenes and the quieter, emotional beats.
🎭 Audience Reaction & Critical Reception
Paddington in Peru has received largely positive reviews, currently holding a 93% critics score and a 91% audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics have praised the film’s heart, visual splendor, and emotional depth.
However, some reviews mention that the comedic energy doesn't always reach the joyful heights of Paddington 2 — a film that, let’s be honest, is a near-perfect sequel. But considering the shift in tone and setting, Paddington in Peru earns points for taking risks and evolving the character’s story.
Fans, both young and old, seem to be embracing this new chapter, with some calling it the most emotionally resonant Paddington film yet.
💰 Box Office Performance
Despite a crowded release season, Paddington in Peru opened strong, especially in the UK. It scored the biggest British film opening since No Time to Die, pulling in nearly £10 million in its first weekend.
Globally, the film has already surpassed the $190 million mark and continues to perform well in both English-speaking markets and Latin America — a testament to Paddington’s universal appeal.
Here’s a table presenting numerical and factual data related to the movie “Paddington in Peru (2024)”
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Movie Title | Paddington in Peru |
| Release Year | 2024 |
| Release Date (UK) | November 8, 2024 |
| Release Date (US) | January 17, 2025 |
| Director | Dougal Wilson |
| Franchise Installment | 3rd film in the Paddington series |
| Paddington's Voice Actor | Ben Whishaw |
| Runtime | Approx. 103 minutes (1 hour 43 minutes) |
| Main Locations in Plot | London, Peru (jungle, mountains, Home for Retired Bears) |
| Key Plot Focus | Finding Aunt Lucy after she disappears from the Home for Retired Bears |
| New Main Characters | Hunter Cabot (Antonio Banderas), Reverend Mother (Olivia Colman) |
| Returning Characters | Paddington, Mr. & Mrs. Brown, Judy & Jonathan Brown |
| Mrs. Brown Actress | Emily Mortimer (replacing Sally Hawkins) |
| Main Themes | Family, belonging, kindness, homecoming |
| Box Office (Worldwide) | $191 million+ (as of early 2025) |
| Box Office (UK Opening) | £9.65 million (biggest UK opening since No Time to Die) |
| US Box Office (Opening) | $16 million (4-day weekend, ranked #2) |
| Rotten Tomatoes (Critics) | 93% approval rating |
| Rotten Tomatoes (Audience) | 91% approval rating |
| Production Company | StudioCanal |
| Distributor | Sony Pictures |
| Genre | Family, Adventure, Comedy |
| Language | English |
🐾 Final Thoughts — Is Paddington in Peru Worth the Watch?
Absolutely. Whether you’ve followed Paddington since the beginning or are jumping in for the first time, Paddington in Peru delivers a touching, beautifully crafted story with heart, humor, and adventure.
It might not be quite as fast-paced or joke-filled as the first two films, but it makes up for it with deeper emotional stakes, stunning visuals, and a warm reminder of what makes Paddington so special: his unfailing belief in kindness, decency, and the power of family.
As Paddington himself once said, “If we’re kind and polite, the world will be right.” This film is a glowing example of that philosophy — and that’s something we could all use a little more of these days.
✨ Verdict: 9/10
A visually rich and emotionally rewarding chapter that deepens Paddington’s story while celebrating what made him a cinematic treasure in the first place.