John Lewis spark disappointment and tears as 2024 Christmas advert divides opinion
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The John Lewis Christmas advert for 2024 has now been released, and based on people's responses, it seems that many are feeling somewhat puzzled and let down by this year's offering.
Last year, the popular department store captivated everyone with the adorably quirky Snapper, a Venus flytrap. The previous year, it touched people's hearts by showing a father's effort to connect with his foster daughter through skateboarding.
This year, the retailer has returned to its roots and focused on the classic tradition of scrambling to find a last-minute Christmas gift for someone special.
The advertisement features Sally, a young woman in a hurry to find a holiday present for her sister, Lauren. She finds herself in John Lewis on Oxford Street, London, with just fifteen minutes left before the store closes.
As she looks for a present, she accidentally tumbles into a collection of tulle dresses and is magically transported through an enormous wardrobe back to her childhood home, reminiscent of Narnia. From there, she embarks on a sentimental adventure through her memories, racing against time to discover the ideal gift.
During her journey, she encounters younger iterations of her sister, whose age shifts as the advertisement unfolds. Ultimately, they come together outside the shop while Richard Ashcroft's stripped-down rendition of The Verve's "Sonnet" plays in the background, creating a moment where everything feels perfect.
In a review that gave the ad three stars, Ellie Muir from The Independent commented, “The brief two-minute ad is packed with quick moments that can easily be overlooked, almost like a Christmas turkey crammed full of stuffing.” She also noted, “If you watch it multiple times, you'll find it’s a heartfelt tribute to the special connection between sisters.”
Responses to the advertisement have been mostly varied, with one viewer confidently stating that it is “definitely the worst one so far.”
One individual commented, “The John Lewis advertisement has been released. I’m a bit confused by it. I enjoy the song, but I think it’s another disappointment.”
"John Lewis Christmas ad gets a 5 out of 10... but they turned it around to a perfect 10 when The Verve's song started playing in the background," remarked another individual, commending the choice of the iconic Britpop track.
A few individuals spoke up in support of John Lewis. One person commented, "It's all about family. That's what matters. However, I agree that we shouldn't rely on emotional manipulation – it's refreshing to approach things without playing on people's feelings."
"I definitely wasn't prepared for the John Lewis Christmas ad," shared an moved viewer.
Reflecting on their own experience, someone commented, “If you’ve just seen the John Lewis ad and you have sisters, you’ll completely understand... I cried my eyes out.”
