Bond in the family

With each generation, the gap between them seems to get larger — in terms of the way they engage and what holds their interest. 

I struggled to engage with my dad over his love of gardening. I also find that I can't muster much enthusiasm for the TikTok dance routines my teenage daughter seems to base her day around.

So what brings families together? Sports? World events? Family meals? Bond?

From the very first moment I started watching Bond, it has been a connection that I've shared with my dad (and then my grandad) for years. 

Conversation between us doesn't always flow. We are family, and so obviously have shared experiences. We love each other, but in terms of things in common? Well, those are limited.

As time passes, the one thing that remains constant is the presence of Bond. When we finally sit down in the cinema to watch No Time To Die, we will be repeating an experience our parents and grandparents have enjoyed for many years. 

At some point, they will have had that excitement of seeing the gun barrel sequence and hearing that music overture for the first time. These shared experiences become etched in our memories. We watch Bond escape another seemingly impossible situation, knowing that years ago, the older generations of our family were also wondering how he was going to get out of a similar set-piece.

Wherever we are in the world, I know that my dad and I will always get together for a trip to the cinema for the latest Bond film. When we gather for family events, it's likely at some point that one of the Bonds will be screened, reeling us in with nostalgia.

Discussing a Bond re-watch with friends and family, it was so interesting to hear how common these shared experiences of Bond within families are.

One friend told me about his first memories of Bond, spending Sundays with his Grandad, repeatedly watching The Man with the Golden Gun as that was their shared favourite, with something for everyone to enjoy. 

Another friend told me how much of a fixture 007 played in her childhood. Bond was pivotal in her relationship with her dad, and they'd enjoy weekends together with Bond as a treat. The two of them would make up implausible escapes and wild theoretical situations for Bond. She also connected with her sister over her love of James Bond theme tunes. 

It seems Bond brings so many families closer and is a focal point for connecting, because we want to, not just because we're related.

I look forward to sharing Bond with my family for generations to come. My son sits with me, and his eyes light up at the gun barrel sequence — just like many generations before him.