Waitrose Drops a Mini Christmas Rom-Com Starring Keira Knightley
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Waitrose has launched its most ambitious Christmas campaign yet — a four-minute festive rom-com fronted by Keira Knightley and comedian Joe Wilkinson. The short film, titled The Perfect Gift, follows a widower whose quiet holiday season shifts when a chance encounter at the Waitrose cheese counter sparks an unexpected connection. The spot blends warmth, humor, and an unmistakably British sense of holiday charm, positioning Waitrose as a supermarket leaning into full “food-entertainment” territory.
Created by Wonderhood Studios and directed by One Day’s Molly Manners, the campaign brings together high-gloss storytelling with Waitrose’s premium Christmas range at its core. Knightley and Wilkinson lead a multigenerational cast in a feel-good narrative anchored in great food, second chances, and a healthy dose of seasonal whimsy.
The film’s release signals a strategic shift for Waitrose as it taps into cinematic storytelling to elevate its brand beyond traditional holiday advertising. With a 90s soundtrack, lush production, and a romantic storyline designed to live across social, retail, and on-demand platforms, the supermarket is aiming squarely at viewers craving nostalgia, comfort, and emotional connection this season.
