A Taste of Love: Inside Waitrose’s 2025 Christmas Film

Waitrose is stirring up the season with “The Perfect Gift,” a charming four-minute Christmas short that blends romance, humour, and food in the most delightful way. Starring Keira Knightley and Joe Wilkinson, the film follows Phil—played by Wilkinson—a widower whose quiet festive routine is unexpectedly brightened when he crosses paths with the woman of his dreams at the Waitrose cheese counter. Their shared fondness for Sussex Charmer Mature Cheddar becomes the unexpected—and irresistibly British—spark of connection.

Created by Wonderhood Studios and brought to life with media support from MG OMD, the short positions Waitrose as more than a supermarket—leaning into its growing identity as a “food entertainment brand.” Directed by Molly Manners of One Day fame and produced by Biscuit Filmworks, the film feels every bit the cinematic Christmas treat.

Watch the Ad here:

Star Power and Festive Fun

Keira Knightley described the project as impossible to resist after reading a script where romance blooms over cheese—calling the film “silly, fun and delicious.” Joe Wilkinson echoed the sentiment with typically dry humour, saying that enjoying great food and falling in love with Knightley was a tough job, but someone had to do it.

A New Kind of Christmas Campaign

By opting for a longer-form festive story, Waitrose breaks from the traditional 30-second advertising mould, offering viewers a mini-movie experience complete with nostalgia, heart, and a soundtrack featuring James’ 90s classic “She’s a Star.”

Launched in the UK in November 2025, “The Perfect Gift” marks a milestone for the brand and the retail industry, showcasing how supermarkets can elevate seasonal advertising into meaningful, memorable storytelling.

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