The new John Lewis Christmas advert is out and fans have been left an emotional wreck by the touching story of friendship and giving displayed in the short video.
The 2021 advert by the great British retailer tells the story of a young boy named Nathan who witnesses a space ship crashing to earth with the festive advert titled ‘Unexpected Guest’.
Heading to the crash site, he meets a young alien woman called Skye – who shimmers in a silver outfit and is spending her time repairing her ship.
The two meet and an innocent love story begins – with Nathan delighting the alien with a light-up Christmas jumper, and Skye displaying mild electrokinetic powers.
The video ends with the pair sharing a kiss before the alien’s ship departs – with the boy being left behind to watch her fly away on Christmas morning.
The advert is soundtracked by the Phil Oakey and Giorgio Moroder classic ‘80s song Together in Electric Dreams – which has been covered by emerging new music talent Lola Young.
The John Lewis adverts generally provoke a strong response from viewers every year – and the 2021 effort is no different, with fans revealing they’ve been left sobbing in their beds over the touching short film.
With the advert debuting at 6:30am this morning, one fan found herself starting her day in tears.
Taking to Twitter, she wrote: “Bloomin’ @JohnLewisRetail making me cry in bed this morning watching the sneak peak of their #UnexpectedGuest advert. It’s a Christmas cracker Christmas tree Mrs. Claus #electicdreams.”
Another tweeted: “Oh took every ounce of will power not to shed a tear or ten Face with tears of joy. I thought it was lovely and i love christmas so it’s certainly the perfect time.”
Another fan praising the advert tweeted: “It’s got some cute kids, it’s got a 1980s pop classic covered by a breathy female, it’s heartwarming. It’s a return to form from John Lewis.”
While another seemed inspired by the ad – which also shows the boy introducing the alien to mince pies.
They tweeted: “John Lewis Christmas ad is here! Crack open the Christmas Pies, it's Christmas!”
Some viewers took issue with the advert, however – with one accusing the retailer of being devoid of creative ingenuity.
They tweeted: “Looks like @JohnLewisRetail are ripping off The boy from Space this year! #johnlewisadvert #UnexpectedGuest.”
Another didn’t appreciate the vocal talents of Lola Young, tweeting: “I've just seen the John Lewis Christmas ad. Spoiler: the song they've ruined this year is Electric Dreams by Philip Oakey and Giorgio Moroder.”
While another took issue with the jumper that is gifted by the young lad to the alien – tweeting: “The John Lewis Christmas advert is out. Truthfully, not feeling it. It feels a bit lacking in its usual soul… maybe it’s because the jumper is a bit.. tacky? Just being honest, don’t @ me… still talking about and sharing so a marketing win for them!”
And a further fans slammed the advert as unrealistic, tweeting: “So the lad just disappears on Xmas day and his family aren’t concerned, a young girl crashes a space ship then fixes it in a day or 2! Oh and what kid likes mince pies? Plus no press see the ship crash? #johnlewisadvert.”
Claire Pointon, Director of Customer at John Lewis and Partners said about the advert: "There is nothing more magical than discovering the joy of Christmas for the first time and enjoying your favourite festive moments with loved ones.
"After the last 18 months, we wanted our advert to really celebrate this as we look forward to a brighter future.
"We know our customers are excited for this festive season more than ever, as they reconnect with family and friends.
"Through the story of Skye and Nathan we celebrate friendship and are reminded of the joy of experiencing Christmas for the first time."
