Amazon Prime’s new ad, directed by Olivia Wilde, follows a young woman debating what to do with her facial hair. The spot has sparked controversy over its message, perceived representation issues, and incessant airplay.
While the ad isn’t overtly LGBT-themed, it skilfully brings up a rarely discussed issue – women’s facial hair. The commercial encourages viewers to accept and embrace their unique physical characteristics, which is a powerful, body-positive message.
Combining references to popular culture icons like Frida Kahlo and Freddie Mercury, boosts the ad’s appeal to a broader audience, but some viewers criticized the ad for cultural misappropriation. They argued that using moustaches to empower a woman could reinforce gender stereotypes.