Paddington in Peru

Paddington in Peru is the third installment in the beloved Paddington film series, directed by Dougal Wilson and released on November 8, 2024, in the United Kingdom. This live-action animated adventure-comedy follows Paddington Bear as he embarks on a thrilling journey to his homeland of Peru alongside the Brown family. The movie continues to explore themes of family, identity, and kindness while introducing new characters and challenges.

Plot Overview

The story begins with Paddington receiving a letter from the Reverend Mother at the Home for Retired Bears in Peru, informing him that his Aunt Lucy deeply misses him and has been acting strangely. Concerned for her well-being, Paddington convinces the Browns to accompany him on a trip to Peru. Upon their arrival, they discover that Aunt Lucy has mysteriously disappeared into the jungle, leaving behind only her glasses and bracelet.

Guided by a map found in Aunt Lucy’s cabin, Paddington and the Browns set out to search for her at a location called Rumi Rock. They hire Hunter Cabot (Antonio Banderas), a riverboat captain obsessed with finding El Dorado—a mythical city of gold—and his daughter Gina as guides. However, Hunter’s ulterior motives soon surface when he notices Paddington’s bracelet may hold clues to El Dorado’s location.

As their journey unfolds, Hunter’s greed leads to betrayal and danger. The boat crashes after an argument between Hunter and Gina, separating Paddington from the Browns. While lost in the jungle, Paddington encounters Hunter again at Rumi Rock. Together they follow mysterious roars that lead them deeper into the wilderness.

Meanwhile, Mrs. Bird grows suspicious of the Reverend Mother back at the Home for Retired Bears and uncovers her true identity as Clarissa Cabot—Hunter’s long-lost cousin who also seeks El Dorado for its riches. Clarissa orchestrated Aunt Lucy’s disappearance to lure Paddington into helping her find it.

The climax occurs at an ancient Incan fort where Paddington uses his bracelet to unlock El Dorado’s secrets. Instead of gold, they discover an orangery filled with orange trees—the birthplace of marmalade-loving bears like Paddington himself. Aunt Lucy is found safe there and reveals that she had hidden this secret all along.

Themes and Resolution

Ultimately, Paddington chooses London as his home but cherishes his Peruvian heritage more than ever. The film concludes with heartfelt reunions: Hunter reconciles with Gina after renouncing his obsession with gold; Clarissa faces consequences for her actions; and Aunt Lucy joins Paddington in celebrating their shared love for marmalade-making.

Paddington in Peru blends humor, adventure, and emotional depth while exploring themes of belonging and family bonds across cultures.