John Lewis Christmas Ad 2024 Review: Focus

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Post on Nov 14, 2024

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John Lewis Christmas Ad 2024 Review: Focus (or Lack Thereof)

The anticipation is building. The mince pies are in the shops. And John Lewis has finally dropped their Christmas advert. But is it a heartwarming masterpiece, or did they miss the mark? Let's dive in and see.

This year's John Lewis Christmas ad, "Focus", is a departure from the sentimental stories we've come to expect. Gone are the tear-jerking narratives and heartwarming animal tales. Instead, we're presented with a somewhat confusing message about, well, focusing.

The ad opens with a young boy trying to focus on playing the piano. He's surrounded by distractions: a cat, a dog, a buzzing phone, and even a mischievous squirrel. We see him struggle to concentrate, reflecting the chaotic nature of modern life.

But where's the Christmas spirit?

The ad doesn't explicitly connect the boy's struggle to the Christmas season. It's more about the universal desire to find a quiet moment in a busy world. While that's a relatable message, it feels a bit off-brand for John Lewis. Their ads have always been known for their emotional resonance, their ability to capture the magic of Christmas. "Focus" just doesn't quite deliver on that promise.

The good: a visually striking ad.

"Focus" is visually impressive. The ad is beautifully shot, with a vibrant color palette and captivating cinematography. The focus on the boy's struggle to concentrate is visually interesting, and the use of slow-motion adds to the drama.

The bad: a confusing message.

The ad feels like a missed opportunity. It's not clear what John Lewis is trying to sell us with this message of "focus." Is it their new range of noise-canceling headphones? Their curated selection of Christmas gifts for the hard-to-buy-for? The ad lacks a clear connection to John Lewis' products or services.

The verdict: a forgettable Christmas ad.

"Focus" is a visually striking ad, but it ultimately fails to deliver on the emotional punch that we've come to expect from John Lewis. It's a missed opportunity to capture the spirit of Christmas and connect with viewers on a deeper level. While it's a reminder of the challenges we all face in staying focused, it feels more like an advertisement for a mindfulness app than a Christmas ad.

In the end, "Focus" is a forgettable ad. It's not bad, but it's not great either. John Lewis has set the bar high with their previous campaigns, and "Focus" simply doesn't measure up.