Are you ready for Christmas yet? You will be after you see the new John Lewis advert.
The retailer is kicking off the festive season a fortnight earlier than usual with a typically sentimental TV ad – a two-minute tale of a young alien experiencing her first Christmas on earth, complete with obligatory mince pies and a novelty Christmas jumper. Not to mention a stone-cold 80s classic as soundtrack.
Titled the ‘Unexpected Guest’, the story follows space traveller Skye crash-landing festivities in the woods near the home of 14-year-old Nathan, who introduces her to the all important traditions of scoffing mince pies, decorating the tree and, to Skye’s slight confusion, wearing Christmas jumpers.
If you’re wondering about the music, the soundtrack is a cover of the 80s hit, Together In Electric Dreams, by 20-year-old London singer and songwriter Lola Young. Philip Oakey and Giorgio Moroder’s song reached number three in the singles chart on its release in 1984 – and stayed in the charts for 13 weeks.
John Lewis are clearly trying to tap into public enthusiasm for a traditional Christmas after last year’s “cancelled” celebrations and last minute lockdowns.
This ad is being released a fortnight earlier than usual – with Christmas-related searches on the John Lewis website up 50% on this time last year, the retailer said. Every product shown is from John Lewis, with customers encouraged to “shop key scenes”, including the decorated Christmas tree and dinner table.
