John Lewis Christmas advert branded 'nightmare fodder' - but others are 'crying'
John Lewis has finally released its much-anticipated Christmas advert for 2023, kickstarting its new campaign celebrating the joy of old and new festive traditions.
The retailer's festive adverts never fail to tug on the heartstrings of the nation with their emotional messages. Last year the advert followed a dad who was trying his best to learn how to skateboard in a bid to connect with a young girl he and his wife were welcoming into their home.
This year the star of the show is something completely different - 'Snapper, the perfect tree' - a Venus flytrap. With the strapline Let Your Traditions Grow, a young boy lovingly nurtures a plant from seed, believing he is cultivating the perfect Christmas tree. However, the fast-growing plant quickly become a life force of its own, and wants to join in on the Christmas fun.
The little boy in the John Lewis Christmas advert grows a Venus flytrap (John Lewis)After a tear-jerking moment, which we've come to expect from John Lewis adverts, where Snapper becomes too big for the living room and is cast out into the cold, he is finally embraced back into family's life. They are able to find new joy gathering around their unconventional Christmas tree, who phews up the wrapping around their presents, and spits it back at them.
Many John Lewis fans loved the concept - but after seeing a teaser of the advert yesterday (November 7) they hoped the advert would be like "Jack and the beanstalk", with one person saying: "I'm getting Jack and the beanstalk vibes, excited to see this." Another added: "This is giving Jack & The Beanstalk vibes. Can't wait to see it."
John Lewis shoppers go wild for 'amazing quality' 'super stroller' that's £51
People were wondering 'who' would want to buy a Venus flytrap for Christmas (John Lewis)But when the advert dropped today, people were suitably baffled - and some even branded it "nightmare fodder". One viewer wrote on X, formerly Twitter: "Cheers John Lewis for that ad and some new nightmare fodder..I was just waiting for that plant to eat the kid at the end." Another agreed, adding: "Bit too much Little Shop of Horrors for me. Thought it was going to eat their dog at one point."
"Who wants a bl***dy Venus flytrap for Christmas? Give me a break." Anothe added: "O dear it was all going so well [sic]. But then it started going all wrong when the Venus flytrap started growing. Sorry but that's my opinion." While a another simply said: "It's a little odd this year…," and a someone else added: "Nothing says Christmas like a giant carnivorous plant."
Many compared it to the horror comedy rock musical Little Shop of Horrors, which follows a flower shop that is taken over by an alien planet. One person said: "So basically someone in the John Lewis creative department basically watched Little Shop of Horrors right before their pitch for this years Xmas advert then..." Another added: "An element of Little Shop of Horrors to this," and a third said: "So what you're saying is John Lewis is actually the Little Shop of Horrors? Love the ad tho, especially the music, v funny," however, some weren't so sure, saying: "Bit too much Little Shop of Horrors for me. Thought it was going to eat their dog at one point."
The Venus flytrap quickly outgrows the living room (John Lewis)Although many couldn't get their heads around using a Venus flytrap as the star, others loved the advert, with one person commenting: "Beautiful idea. I think the creativity is top notch." Another said: "Loving the new Christmas advert from John Lewis - the kids and I have watched it a million times already! Christmas has officially landed now."
A third added: "Once a whinger always a whinger, people who don't like it obviously don't like Christmas, it's an advert showing kindness, tradition and some love if don't see that then you don't know what Christmas is." A fourth commented: "Can't believe I'm crying over a Venus flytrap plant."
John Lewis is hoping the Snapper will be a hit with shoppers, similar to Edgar the Excitable Dragon in 2019, and is selling a Plush version of the plant for £18. Also joining the Snapper collection is a Mini Plush Bauble for £10, Printed Bauble for £6, Kids pyjamas from £34 and a real Venus flytrap plant for £10.
The family quickly embrace the 'new' Christmas tree (John Lewis)Some fans were also quick to compare John Lewis' message of celebrating Christmas traditions but also letting them "grow", with M&S's festive advert, which came under fire last week.
One person said: "Wonder whether the people who hated the Marks and Spencer Thismas advert will also hate the John Lewis advert which has at the end 'let your traditions grow'." Another added: "Copying Marks and Spencer's breaking with tradition theme! The John Lewis advert has always been about tradition which is why we love it so much, two years in a row let down."
The supermarket faced fierce backlash last week for their offering, which saw Christmas hats burning in a fire grate. The supermarket was forced to apologise after social media fans branded it "insensitive" and "disgusting" - as the hats were in the colours of the Palestinian flag.
The supermarket was also criticised for their message of encouraging shoppers to do what they want this Christmas, instead of bowing to the pressures of traditions. In the advert, celebs such as Ted Lasso's Hannah Waddingham throwing all her party hats and festive baubles into a wood-chipper.
Full list of January sales including up to 80% off Asos, M&S and John Lewis
Charlotte Lock, Customer Director for John Lewis, explained: "We are a nation that loves the traditions of Christmas - from classic traditions like pantos and putting up the tree to evolving new ones like crafting our own presents and Zoom get-togethers. Many of us have our own unique festive traditions and that makes them even more special. The film celebrates themes of family and evolving traditions and shows that a ‘perfect’ Christmas is finding joy together with loved ones, whatever your traditions."
Read more similar news:
Comments:
comments powered by Disqus
