Paddington Returns with a New Journey of Family, Identity, and Belonging in 'Paddington in Peru'

After a long wait, Paddington is finally back with a new adventure. Stepping into Paul King’s shoes as director, Dougal Wilson’s Paddington in Peru is still as warm-hearted, humorous, and entertaining as the first two films, bringing both the beloved bear and the Brown family to new and unexpected places — literally and emotionally. After spending quite a few years in London, you would think that Paddington would have discovered all there is to know about family, home, and his own identity. But in this third installment, we find him as lost as ever — only this time, it’s in the jungles of Peru, the place where he was born. And through this journey, we witness a thoughtful exploration of what it truly means to belong.

Some aspects of this entry feel familiar while others feel different, and the latter goes beyond a new director or Sally Hawkins being replaced by Emily Mortimer. Paddington is still ever the optimist, holding a marmalade sandwich in his hat for emergencies. His innate innocence continues to fuel much of the film’s delightful hijinks. His attempts to help others, even when it’s clear he doesn’t entirely understand the situation, lead to a series of humorous (and often messy) adventures full of the slapstick magic we’ve come to expect.

What feels different is that the Browns find themselves in a place of transition. Mrs. Brown (Emily Mortimer) is still dedicated to her art but is coping with the yearning for the closeness her family once had. Mr. Brown (Hugh Bonneville), always the risk assessor, has learned to embrace life a bit more — though not without his usual bouts of overthinking. The children have grown up quickly, with Judy (Madeleine Harris) about to leave for college and Jonathan (Samuel Joslin), once known for his fun and quirky inventions, now more interested in creating gadgets that help him live in the comfort of his room to focus on video games. And Mrs. Bird (Julie Walters) is still busy trying to tick things off her to-do list. Though they still live in the same house, the family dynamic has changed and the Browns have drifted apart. A trip to Peru may be the perfect opportunity to reconnect; however, much like when Paddington first arrived in London, the Browns find themselves completely out of their element.

While it’s been eight years since the last Paddington film, this third chapter feels like a rushed welcome back in its first act, especially as it quickly establishes the above updates on the family before diving into the main adventure. Paddington’s return to Peru, as the title indicates, sees the bear navigating his personal journey and his quest to find Aunt Lucy (Imelda Staunton), who, as it turns out, has gone missing in the jungle. The journey to find her is fraught with mystery, and a bit of a treasure hunt ensues, one that leads them to more than just gold - it leads to a deeper understanding of what truly matters: family.

As he ventures deeper into the Peruvian jungle, Paddington’s identity crisis becomes more evident as he questions whether home is where he was raised or where he has found family with the Browns. This inner struggle gives the film emotional depth, balancing its silliness with genuine sentiment. It also gives Paddington a deeper internal journey than the previous films. Paddington’s search for his Aunt Lucy is a quest not just for a family member but for himself, as he grapples with the question of where he truly belongs.

The film introduces new characters, including Olivia Colman as the cheerful and eccentric Reverend Mother, and Antonio Banderas as the mysterious boat captain who plays a key role in both the treasure hunt and Paddington’s personal growth. Banderas’ performance carries the weight of a failed family legacy, making his encounter with Paddington especially poignant as it aligns with the film’s themes of identity and redemption. Both Colman and Banderas bring a welcomed, over-the-top quality to their performances that only elevates the film’s energy - much like Hugh Grant in the last film.

The production design continues to impress, from the detailed re-use of the Brown home’s dollhouse trick to the lush and vibrant sets of the Home for Retired Bears. Clever editing tricks, like scenes inside the airplane projected on clouds, add a layer of playfulness and creativity to the visual storytelling. The film’s aesthetic remains as charming as ever, with its whimsical attention to detail. And there are some wonderful nods to silent film comedy, especially with the visual slapstick that’s reminiscent of Buster Keaton’s work.

One of the greatest triumphs of Paddington in Peru is its ability to blend different genres seamlessly. It mixes the physical comedy of the first two films with Indiana Jones-esque action adventure, with the Browns embarking on a dangerous journey through the jungle. Yet Paddington’s relentless optimism ensures the film stays lighthearted, even in the most perilous moments. Ben Whishaw continues to deliver the perfect voice performance as Paddington, capturing his gentle spirit and the essence of the bear who never loses his faith in people, no matter how much strife he endures.

However, as much as Paddington in Peru delivers the laughs and warmth we expect, it struggles at times to differentiate itself from the first two films. The magic that Paul King brought previously in making them both feel similar yet different at the same time, is hard to replicate. While this film doesn’t fail to entertain, it does feel like a familiar rehash of whimsy we’ve already seen.

As the adventure unfolds, Paddington in Peru becomes not just a journey to find Aunt Lucy but a reflection on what it means to be part of a family. Paddington’s journey to find his roots is mirrored by the Browns’ own journey to rediscover the connection they’ve lost over the years. And in the end, the film affirms the sweet idea that “home” is not necessarily where you come from but where you find love and belonging. There are plenty of emotional moments, with the film tugging at heartstrings as it emphasizes that family - whether biological or chosen - is what truly makes life rich. In that sense, Paddington in Peru remains true to the franchise’s core, delivering a heartwarming and, at times, bittersweet journey that is as precious as the bear himself.