"Orca"

29 October 2025

60s

It's all in the delivery.

There's no mention of her in the press release of the credits, but this charming ad for Barclays owes a great deal to a fantastic voiceover performance from Katherine Parkinson. Director David Shane, doubtless recognising that the visual aspect needed to be subtle here to ensure it augmented the beautifully delivered VO, coaxes appropriately understated performances from his actors.

Good as it is, DAVID can't help wondering if the original germ was the thought of being on the sofa with your mother when creatures from the natural world do what comes naturally. That comedy standard of awkwardness would serve this idea well, but would also make a nervous client shake in their handmade Italian shoes... and God only knows what System1 would make of such boldness.

Instead, the closeness between Orca and calf fuels the parallel as a young(ish) man decides it may be time to fly the nest. With Barclays providing hope to those looking to get on the housing ladder with various supportive schemes, it must be time for him to pack up his stuff.

UK

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