Mondelez-owned Suchard has a heart-warming history with its animated Christmas campaigns, and this year’s “Martin” from Ogilvy Madrid adds another chapter to the chocolate brand’s touching commercial canon.
In just over 2 minutes, “Martin” tells the story of a sweet-faced robot charting new territory on Mars for his human overlords. He tries to create his own holiday cheer, mirroring the cozy celebrations of the folks on earth, but his efforts are futile. And he’s desperately lonely. (Hankie, please!)
Watch to the end (spoiler alert) for the uplifting payoff. –T.L. Stanley
Telstra
In this period piece for Telstra, Australia’s largest mobile network, a regular down-on-the-farm donkey becomes a worldwide musical phenom. He can’t actually sing—he just ate a smart phone, and now he belts out the Burl Ives version of “Holly Jolly Christmas” every time he opens his mouth.
Fame and fortune are hollow, though, and the donkey returns to his tribe (human and critter) in the end. With a replacement phone for his owner. The charming work comes from director Steve Rogers of Revolver and agency Bear Meets Eagle on Fire and +61. –T.L. Stanley
Opendoor
For a welcome break from weepy sentimentality, Opendoor continues its “Reasons to Move” series with a new spot called “Bright Lights.”
Bright, indeed. In the hero video, a sleepless man lives across the street from a house that’s giving serious Griswold vibes—every tree, shingle and surface is doused in Christmas flair. An animatronic Santa sucks up all the air in the neighborhood, shouting “look at me, I am festive,” along with the obligatory “ho, ho, ho.”
The work comes from VaynerMedia and Emmy-winning director duo Sean and Ryan McIlraith, aiming to further embed the brand’s message that spring and summer aren’t the only prime times to move. Secondary theme: everyone has a breaking point. “Bright Lights” will air on broadcast and connected TV, social and digital platforms. –T.L. Stanley
Apple Pay
Apple Pay’s quirky spot, directed by Nick Ball, follows a collector’s triumphant moment securing a rare decorative plate. The ad highlights how Apple Pay makes holiday shopping secure across iPhone, Apple Watch, iPad, Mac, and Vision Pro.
