While Americans have been bombarded with heavily sentimental Google+ TV ads that cause us to burst into tears and hug our pets during Modern Family commercial breaks, the UK has been living in deprivation. That is, until now.
For Google+’s first UK TV spot, creative shop Adam and Eve (not the porn company) is taking responsibility for melting the cold, British hearts of the assorted Emma Thompsons and Alan Rickmans across the pond. A dead ringer for the BBH Google work we’ve been seeing stateside (but with accents), “Tom+” follows the online life of one man, starting by watching him sort his wife into a “Love of My Life” Circle and ending with his older, gray-haired self sorting a baby into a Circle labeled “Grandchildren.” And, in case you didn’t recognize it right away, the narration over the spot is British actor Benedict Cumberbatch reading “The Seven Ages of Man,” from Shakespeare’s As You Like It.
Now, as tear-inducing as this spot is, it’s kind of silly to think that it hinges on the belief that Google+ will be successful enough to last an entire generation. Regardless, Adam & Eve founding creative partner Ben Priest told Brand Republic, “We wanted to bring warmth and humanity to this platform. To show people how it allows you to share what’s important with those you love.” So, dear commenters, do you prefer your tea and crumpets with “Tom+” or a shot of “Dear Sophie?”