Paddington in Peru

A Heartfelt Adventure That Doesn’t Quite Match Its Predecessor but Still Charms with Marmalade-Sweet Warmth

The Paddington films have brought a delightful and earnest warmth with each entry, showcasing originality in their slapstick comedy while encouraging a contagious appreciation for politeness. The second film in the series, Paddington 2(2017), proved such a crowd-pleaser that many cinephiles consider it an all-time favorite. It was even the subject of a comedic scene in The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent (2022), in which characters compared their top three films. Now, the latest installment in the beloved series has finally arrived: Paddington in Peru (2024).

Paddington in Peru follows our eponymous bear (Ben Whishaw) as he returns to his native Peru following the mysterious disappearance of his Aunt Lucy (Imelda Staunton) from her retirement home for bears. Paddington is accompanied by his adoptive London family, the Browns, including patriarch Henry (Hugh Bonneville), mother Mary (Emily Mortimer), teens Judy (Madeleine Harris) and Jonathan (Samuel Joslin), and housekeeper Mrs. Bird (Julie Walters). In Peru, the Browns join forces with the cheerful Reverend Mother (Olivia Colman), who runs the retirement home, and enlist the help of a gold-seeking boat captain, Hunter Cabot (Antonio Banderas).

This marks Dougal Wilson’s first film as a director, and he successfully preserves much of the charming visual aesthetic that Paul King established in the first two films. The influences of Wes Anderson and Jacques Tati are still evident in the world design and comedic structure. Wilson does a fine job of honoring the tonal legacy of his predecessors—so much so that one might hardly notice this is the first film in the series with a new director. While Wilson doesn’t imprint much of his own distinct style, in a studio film of this scale, with the high expectations set by its beloved predecessors, playing it safe may have been the right choice.

This time, the story shifts from its usual fish-out-of-water dynamic—where Paddington navigates the urban London landscape—to having the entire Brown family out of their element in the Amazon jungle. There are still plenty of escapades and mischief for our lovable bear, though the charm of watching Paddington interact with English society and culture is somewhat diluted. Nevertheless, the change of setting is a welcome one, bringing a refreshing structural shift to the story. That said, the plot itself feels a bit tired, once again revolving around the search for El Dorado and featuring yet another scheming Spanish descendant attempting to claim the treasure. Fortunately, Paddington in Peru manages to mask its clichés with the charm of its characters and tone—certainly doing a better job than the similarly plotted Jungle Cruise(2021).

Following up Paddington 2—a near-perfect film—is no easy feat, and Paddington in Peru faces the daunting challenge of meeting incredibly high expectations. Banderas does his best to bring an entertaining villain to life, but it’s hard to match the delightfully over-the-top performance Hugh Grant delivered in the previous film. Banderas often falls into clichés and lacks the same mischievous twinkle that made Grant’s portrayal so memorable. Another notable change is the recasting of Mary Brown, with Emily Mortimer replacing Sally Hawkins. Mortimer is an incredibly talented actress who brings warmth and sincerity to the role, yet Hawkins had an unmatched ability to convey an earnest vulnerability and unconditional kindness that few can replicate. In comparison, her absence is felt.

One of the film’s greatest strengths is its casting, particularly the pairing of Whishaw and Colman. Whishaw’s voice work as Paddington remains irreplaceable, perfectly capturing the bear’s innocent naïveté and genuine kindness. His performance breathes life into the character, making Paddington the warm, cuddly, marmalade-loving friend we all wish we could share tea with. Meanwhile, Colman is clearly having the time of her life as the spirited Reverend Mother. From an early melodramatic musical number to the subtlest widening of her eyes, she commands every comedic moment with ease. I simply can’t get enough of any performance she delivers.

One of the great achievements of the Paddington films is their ability to present simple yet meaningful storytelling, weaving together engaging plots, heartfelt character arcs, and universal morals. This third installment explores themes of cultural identity, leaving the nest, and grappling with family legacy—all with Paddington’s signature kindness, simplicity, and joy. The result is a film that makes even the world’s biggest problems feel a little more manageable. It’s a testament to the series’ storytelling prowess that it can communicate such profound messages to both children and adults alike.

In the end, Paddington in Peru delivers another dose of British pleasantness that fans of the series will appreciate. While it doesn’t quite reach the impossible heights of its predecessor—due to a weaker villain and a somewhat overused plot—it retains enough charm and humor to satisfy. By the time the last marmalade sandwich is eaten on screen, you’ll likely find yourself smiling (and maybe even a little emotional).

7.6/10