John Lewis Christmas advert 2024

Sisters, Shopping, and a Sprinkle of Disappointment: John Lewis Christmas 2024 Advert Review!

This year's John Lewis Christmas advert attempts to celebrate sisterly bonds but leaves viewers wondering where the magic went!

As the festive season approaches, the highly anticipated John Lewis Christmas advert has made its grand debut for 2024, bringing with it a tale of sisterhood, shopping, and—wait for it—Richard Ashcroft’s melancholic tunes! Dubbed 'The Gifting Hour', this year’s narrative revolves around two sisters on a quest to find the perfect gift amidst the bustling Oxford Street. However, despite the heartwarming premise, many viewers have felt that the ad doesn't quite capture the magic of its predecessors, leaving them scratching their heads and reminiscing about the more iconic, tear-jerking moments from past campaigns.

Traditionally, John Lewis has mastered the art of storytelling with adverts that tug at heartstrings and leave audiences weeping over an adorable animated creature or poignant human connection. But this year's offering feels like a swing and a miss. Critics have pointed out that the narrative comes off as convoluted; where's the enchanting lonely man on the moon or the hauntingly beautiful piano ballad sung by a Victorian girl? There’s a sense that they’ve tried to change things up a bit too much, causing the shiny magic of previous years to fade into disappointment.

The ad sources its emotional resonance from Richard Ashcroft's track, 'Sonnet'. While the song brings a nostalgic quality to the visual experience, the connection doesn’t quite hit the same notes as previous hum-worthy covers that would leave you singing along for weeks on end! The lack of a mascot or a clear-cut story that resonates on various levels has viewers questioning whether this move truly represents a refreshing take or just an awkward departure from the tried and tested format that everyone knows and loves.

Many fans have expressed their bewilderment and disappointment on social media, with memes firing off at the speed of light! In a world where Christmas ads once sparked joy and excitement, this particular instalment has sparked an array of confused reactions, leading to debates about whether the magic of John Lewis' Christmas spirit has, in fact, been lost in translation this year.

Fun fact: The first John Lewis Christmas advert hit our screens in 2007, and since then, it has become a cultural phenomenon in Britain, eagerly awaited by millions each year! Interestingly, this year’s ad was shot entirely in the famed shopping district of Oxford Street, a historic hub for Christmas shopping and festive cheer, giving it a dash of local charm even amidst the mumbling criticisms. So, while this year may have come up short in evoking the usual tear-jerking feels, at least sisterly bonds and shopping sprees have made their debut in this festive tale!