What Caught My Eye This Week
28 November 2024
Written by
Sicelo Joja
MIRANDA’S LAST GIFT ~ By David Frum
Grief is perhaps one of the most complex and profound emotions to navigate—and writing about it is no easier. In a deeply moving piece, David Frum reflects on the loss of his daughter, weaving his journey of grief through the lens of his relationship with her dog, Ringo. What begins as a lighthearted tale, punctuated with moments of humor and warmth, slowly deepens into a tender exploration of love, loss, and resilience.
David skillfully captures his daughter’s spirit, her wit, strength, and humor through his encounters with Ringo’s quirks and challenges. It is only in the closing moments of the piece that the full weight of his story emerges, revealing that his daughter Miranda has passed away.
This beautifully written piece is a testament to the enduring power of memories and the unexpected ways they surface. This piece will start of by making you smile, then lift you to laughter before ultimately gently laying you down with a tear in your eye. A poignant and heartfelt read, about grief, memories and of course Ringo.
Volvo Cars
Volvo in the last week posted and ad that speaks to the strategic and marketing genius that exists within their organisation. In a world where many legacy brands grapple with cultural and technological shifts, Volvo has delivered something rare, a campaign that not only challenges conventions but also redefines them. This add goes against all the traditional conventions in the motor industry – it’s emotive, lengthy and over produced.
The Volvo circa 4 min ad was shot by renowned cinematographers who are responsible for classics such as Interstella and Oppenheimer. It’s deeply emotive, cinematic, and deliberate in its pacing, so much so that you momentarily forget it’s trying to sell you a car.
While the ad emphasizes Volvo’s shift to electric vehicles, the true takeaway transcends technology. It’s a nod to first principles. A reminder of what matters most in a car. Volvo doesn’t just sell vehicles, it delivers on a promise rooted in its DNA….safety. This campaign quietly, yet powerfully, underscores that no matter how the automotive landscape evolves, Volvo’s core commitment and promise to safety remains unchanged. For 100 years, this promise has defined the brand, and now it culminates in the remarkable new EX90: A testament to Volvo’s ability to honor its heritage while embracing the future. Truly powerful!
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cQX-QXxwGvA
Sicelo Joja – 28.11.2024
What Caught My Eye This Week 