As November unfolds, Christmas TV commercials are making a spirited entrance, ushering in a touch of holiday cheer to our screens. Recently John Lewis Christmas Ad joined the ranks of prominent brands spreading festive messages across UK households with its newly released advert on Thursday.
The advertisement narrates the story of a young boy and a colossal Venus flytrap. Social media reactions were divided, with some finding it “scary,” while others appreciated its lightheartedness. One X user expressed disappointment, likening the concept to “Little Shop Of Horrors,” a musical featuring a carnivorous plant.
Contrastingly, some viewers praised the advert for offering uplifting content during challenging times. John Lewis aimed for a departure from the previous year, seeking a different and moving narrative, as mentioned by Charlotte Lock, the customer director at John Lewis.
Retail expert Catherine Shuttleworth speculated on the effectiveness of the theme centered around family values. While other retailers employed A-list celebrities like Michael Bublé, Rick Astley, and Sophie Ellis-Bextor in their campaigns, John Lewis chose to focus on changing traditions and the essence of a modern family Christmas.
Set to the operatic voice of Andrea Bocelli singing “Festa,” the advert features a boy named Alfie, who plants a Christmas tree only to discover it transforms into a carnivorous Venus flytrap named Snapper. Eventually, Alfie’s family embraces this unconventional tradition, enlisting Snapper to assist in opening Christmas presents.
In contrast to the previous year’s subdued ad reflecting the cost of living crisis, this year’s John Lewis advert emphasizes family bonds and evolving traditions. Meanwhile, other retailers like Marks and Spencer incorporated famous faces in their campaigns, with Dawn French and Hollywood actors Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds taking center stage.
M&S’s adverts suggest discarding Christmas traditions that no longer bring joy, while John Lewis maintains its focus on changing family traditions. Despite the festive spirit, some adverts faced controversy, as seen when M&S had to apologize for an outtake that drew unintended associations.
The overall advertising trend this Christmas emphasizes glitz, fame, and fun, but John Lewis stands out by portraying a vision of a modern family Christmas. Only time will reveal the impact of these campaigns, as advertisers strive to balance creativity, cultural relevance, and sensitivity to public sentiments.
Source: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-67289429
