John Lewis and Partners have kicked off festivities in 2021 with their latest Christmas advert and this year it is the power of a sweet friendship between teenager Nathan and alien Skye which will tug at viewers' heartstrings.
The two-minute advert is soundtracked by up and coming 20-year-old British singer-songwriter Lola Young, from South London, who performs her version of 80s classic, Together in Electric Dreams, which was originally released by Philip Oakey and Giorgio Moroder in 1984.
The advert "celebrates the magic of Christmas moments experienced for the first time" with the prospect of families and friends being together this year after they were unable to celebrate with each other 12 months ago.
This time it is 14 year old boy Nathan and alien Skye who will be the stars of the show.
The commercial sees Nathan on his way home from school when he spots a flashing light in the distance and chases it to the woods beside his home.
Here he encounters 14 year old space traveller, Skye and her ship from another galaxy.
Nathan adapts his own Christmas jumper, to break the ice, by adding a star and twinkly lights - just like Skye’s.
The pair then spark a friendship and as Nathan helps her to discover the magic of her first Christmas.
This done by Nathan introducing Skye to some of his favourite Christmas moments, bringing her fairy lights from his family’s tree, which she is able to power the lights herself by channeling her powers.
Next Nathan brings Skye a mince pie, after a festive meal with family and friends, and she delights at trying this for the first time.
Together, their friendship grows while watching Christmas films and playing in the snow.
Sadly, it comes the time when Skye has fixed her ship and must return to her home planet and the pair are to be separated.
In a bittersweet, heartwarming moment, Nathan gifts her his Christmas jumper, the same one he was wearing when they first met, and the pair say goodbye just before she boards her ship.
As Skye leaves, she disappears into the night sky and leaves a twinkling star on a Christmas tree in the distance.
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."
