Why’s the John Lewis’ Xmas Ad so bloody menacing!

[Purplefoo]

https://www.theguardian.com/media/2025/nov/04/john-lewis-christmas-advert-countdown-90s-club-classic-where-love-lives

I genuinely thought it was about an abusive dad or a murderous son at first! So intense……

The ad feels awkward, perhaps it’s the acting. Not sure why but it feels a bit off, not as bad as the MCDonalds and the bereaved child, that was simply appalling

But it’s made people talk. That’s the aim here for reasons PPs have said. And I doubt think8ng the ad is a bit dark would make someone not shop in JL.

This. I have a teenager who loves getting everyone to open their presents on Christmas Day!

I don't identify with this ad at all and I hate having to watch angsty miserable people in my Christmas ads! Life is bleak enough. I want some feel-good fluffy ads for the Christmas season!

I'm just wishing people would stop asking 'do John Lewis even sell vinyl?' It's this week's CANCEL THE CHEQUE

Have we watched the dame advert? 😵‍💫 To me, the dad doesn’t look terrifying at all and the women don’t look frantic…

Christmas ads start in November because that’s when the bulk of people start think8ng about Christmas shopping. I mean, not me. I’m last chance saloon as with most else, but most people.
The discussion of the ads comes about when they are a narrative. Only natural to discuss that I think.

Well perhaps JL need another advert showing the lad going to the store, discovering there the record shop concession in there and choosing the record.
Because if it wasn't for this thread I wouldn't have known they sell vinyl records.

I have every sympathy for anyone who has lost a loved one, but I fail to see how this ad makes anything worse/addresses that at all.

The 2025 Marks And Spencer Christmas ad is waaaay better.

This

Jesus, pass the sick bucket.

I do t like the word hysterical anyway, but in fairness they aren’t saying people who don’t like it are hysterical, just the ones going on about it looking like child abused, everyone terrified of the grumpy father. They are being a bit unreasonable in my view

Well, it might. The Bear and the Hare boosted profits in a big way that year. When they nail their Christmas advertising it improves their profits, when half of people are left flat and wondering why it's so glum and dark, then I expect that might have an effect too.

Same.

You don’t think this gets more cheerful as it goes on? The hug?

I saw it for the first time earlier today.. my only comment to DH was 'Oh look, and in the background the daughter is doing the domestic drudgery of tidying the table whilst the menfolk just stand around'

😁

Edgar the Dragon is still my favourite.

I think if you have to watch something twice and/or come to MN to find out what it's about, it has missed the mark.

I think I missed the first few seconds of it so was completely expecting to find one of them had died at the end!

That's how I saw it too. It's not particularly festive but it really gets the message home.

JL has form for that, remember the one where the boy dancing around in a dress ruined his sister's painting and the mum let him do it? It got pulled, but not because it was sexist.

Yeah agree. I just don’t get that just people think because they aren’t grinning in a cheesy manner the whole way through the as they are all miserable, mood and menacing!

The Dad is deep in thought. The boy is wondering if Dad will like the present. People are clearing up - I don’t grin whilst tidying up. Doesn’t mean I’m not happy.

Rubbish. It’s just a dad tidying up wrapping paper. Not everyone is moody and has be side-stepped round. You’re looking for dysfunction where none is meant. Why the f would John Lewis have an angry dad in a Christmas advert? The world has gone into overdrive with over analysing who’s got what personality disorder. Lots of people don’t have labels you know.

I didn’t see them as angsty and miserable. I thought it was lovely and nostalgic. And realistic.

Thank you

Yes, I can’t help wondering whether the people who think the teenager looks scared have teenagers (and specifically teenage sons) at home?

That’s inaccurate though…the dad is clearing up used wrapping paper and the boy takes some presents upstairs, as asked…
Honestly there seems to be a stack of projection going on with this ad.