Retailer John Lewis has today unveiled its annual Christmas advert, which has been one of the most eagerly anticipated UK festive ad campaigns in recent years.
Called Moz the monster, the advert will first be shown on TV this evening. It is now available to watch on social media channels and in John Lewis shops.
Set to a cover version of Golden Slumbers by The Beatles, and recorded by British band Elbow, the two-minute clip tells a heart-warming story of a little boy called Joe, who is kept awake by a 7ft imaginary Monster called Moz who is living under his bed.
The two form a friendship and play together every evening. But staying awake through the night starts to take its toll on Joe, who can hardly keep his eyes open during the day. For Christmas, Joe receives the perfect gift of a night light which helps him finally get some peace and quiet from Moz, and a good night’s sleep.
Just as the viewer thinks the ad has come to a close, Joe turns the light back off and hears the familiar rumblings of his friend and is reminded that he can bring Moz back any time he thinks of him.
Moz the monster was created by advertising agency Adam & Eve DDB and was directed by French director Michel Gondry, who is best known for his films Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, The Science of Sleep and The Green Hornet.
He has also directed commercials for companies such as Gap, Nike, Coca Cola, Pandora and Apple.
John Lewis customer director Craig Inglis said: “This year’s Christmas campaign brings to life the power of children’s imaginations and the joy of great friendships. Moz and Joe’s story is magical and heart-warming and I’m sure it will be loved by all of our customers, young and old.”
Michel Gondry added: “When I told my ex-girlfriend I was doing the next John Lewis Christmas film, she said, ‘You have big shoes to fill, this John Lewis commercial must make people cry, don’t forget.’ Last week I showed it to her and she cried. Phew.”
The John Lewis Christmas advert often heralds the start of the festive advertising period, with last year’s campaign – called Buster the Boxer – telling the story of a family’s pet boxer dog who enjoys bouncing on a new trampoline on Christmas Day.
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