The Gifting Hour | John Lewis & Partners | Christmas Ad 2024

Give knowingly 🎁 No matter how late you leave it. #TheGiftingHour

Description:
The film opens with seeing the main protagonist Sally rushing past customers who are exiting the John Lewis store on a winter’s day. We continue to see Sally rush through the store searching and looking around the cosmetic counters for something to buy.

JL Tanoy VO: “John Lewis is closing in 15 minutes”

She then makes her way to a row of dresses to which she starts to rummage through. We then see her pause as sometimes catches her attention behind the dresses.

We then see Sally walk through the gap of the dresses entering a magical portal of different types of dresses and fabrics. She then miraculously appears to come out of an antique looking wardrobe and ends up in an attic, which is perceived to have not been explored in a while. As she walks out, some Christmas ball balls fall onto the floor.

Sally then makes her way to a treasure chunk on the middle of the floor where we see a picture of herself and her little sister as children. She then starts to rummage through the trunk as if she is searching for something. We then see child Lauren appear on the staircase of the attic who pokes her head through the staircase.

Child Lauren VO: “What you looking for?”
Sally VO: “Something for you”
Child Lauren VO: “You’re not gonna find it!”
Sally VO: “No..not here”

Sally then makes her way down a large set of stairs, passing a huge teddy. We then hear Child Lauren shout down to her.

Child Lauren VO: “I don’t want a doll!”

Sally then finds herself walking in a hallway where she sees older teenage Lauren walk out of her room. She walks over to her and embraces her by holding her shoulders whilst teenage Lauren is on the phone.

Teenage Lauren VO: “I want a nose ring”

Sally VO: “Jewelry…”

Sally then makes her way down another set of stairs walking into what seems to be pregnant Adult Lauren playing post it note guessing game with her partner and friends. We then see Sally walk up to adult Lauren and hold her hands.

Adult Lauren VO: “Is it a politician? Sis come and help me”

In Unison VO: “It’s happening”

Sally VO: “Everything going to be fine, he’s healthy, he’s amazing!”

Adult Lauren VO: “He’s a boy?!”

We then see Sally walk towards the kitchen whereby she sees young adult Lauren dancing with her mum in the kitchen.

Mum VO: “Sal come join us!”
Sally VO: “I can’t…”

The lights then fade back low as Sally reminisces on that memory. Sally then turns around and seems to find her way into teenage Lauren’s bedroom whereby she confronts her for taking her top.

Mum VO: “Go to your room!”
Sally VO: “This is mine!”

Teenage Lauren VO : “What’s your problem! It doesn’t even look good on you, just get out of my room!” “and you still haven’t found me a gift!”

As Sally leaves the room, she walks out of a door which leads her to walking out of the pub door on a snowy evening. We then see adult Lauren run up to her with excitement and joy on her face and embraces Sally with a warm hug.

Adult Lauren VO: “You actually came”
Adult Lauren VO: “I love this face”

Sally and Adult Lauren then make their way into the pub which then transitions and Sally ends up in teenage Lauren’s bedroom again where she is seen sitting with her boyfriend. Teenage Lauren is annoyingly bothered by Sally’s appearance and throws a teddy at her.

Teenage Lauren VO: “Sal get out!”
Sally then catches the teddy and hears adult Lauren call her.
Adult Lauren VO: “What you doing up there? Hurry up!”

Sally makes way down the stairs to meet Adult Lauren. The stairs then transition into an ice rink whereby Sally and Adult Lauren skate around and have a joyous time.

They both then jump on the sofa together which then transitions to Sally and Child Lauren sitting on a sofa in their house watching Wallace and Gromit.

We then see Child Lauren whisper into Sally’s ear and they give each other a big, warm hug. Sally then runs up the stairs, makes her way back through the closet and ends up in the John Lewis store, quite satisfied with a gift in her hand.

Sally makes her way out of the store and sees Adult Lauren and gives her a hug.

Adult Lauren VO: “What took you so long?”
Sally VO: “You”

Lauren then smiles at Sally, gives her a warm shoulder tap and tries to have a sneak peek at the present. They then walk off together.

Super: The secret to finding the perfect gift?
Super: Knowing where to look

We then see a reflected window shoot of Sally and Child Lauren who smile and walk off together.

Logo: John Lewis

[antonydandrea]

Remember when John Lewis ad was a big deal. I didn't even know when this came out and just had to search for it

[junef]

Best part of this Advert is Sonnet by The Verve... Richard Ashcroft is such a talent. I love it ❤

[cookie_clc]

this year marks the tenth year I've watched the John Lewis Christmas commercials. every year, as Christmas approaches, I make it a point to watch each of their ads. from the cute penguin in 2014 to the man on the moon, each ad has moved me deeply, as if rekindling the warmth and joy of the holiday season. Each ad is not just a display of the brand's creativity, but a heartwarming story that touches the softest part of my heart.Especially the "Man on the Moon" from 2015, which still has a profound impact on me. It was that commercial that inspired me to pursue a career in advertising. One day, during the Christmas season, I will definitely visit the UK and John Lewis! from China❤

[Tamaldo]

Watching this on Christmas eve for the first time because I had no idea it was already out until I specifically searched for it

[sophiecassidy]

The actress nails it when she sees her mum in the kitchen - makes me tear up. This is such a rich and detailed ad. Just spotted the old fashioned John Lewis boxes in the loft, and the mum again, asleep in the armchair underneath the granny square blanket. Best John Lewis ad since the penguin. Congratulations to all those involved in making this - I love it! (In case you hadn’t guessed)

[SimonNorth-hmrm]

As a father of two pre-school girls, and I came to parenthood late, I'm 53, I was very moved by this ad, knowing that after I'm long gone, my daughters will always have each other.

[niamhy]

This advert isn’t confusing. Those who feel it feel it. ❤

[charlottebtvideos]

As someone that has lost sisters this beautiful ad could not be clearer, it has made me reflect on everything we were together, what I would get them now as a gift if only I new I would lose them. It has made me think about what I would have re- considered for every gift I gave them before. Reflecting back, I would have shared something that showed how much I cherished every moment with them and was a reminder of why.
This incredible message means so much to me .. and has made me remember again every little moment with them that I had forgotten - thankyou ❤😢❤

[stevenkaye]

Say what you want about the advert as a whole, but the part that I thought was very poignant was when her mum and sister are dancing in the kitchen and ask her to join, and she says "I can't" with tears in her eyes -- subtlety implying that their mum isn't here any more. You could blink and miss it, but that part got me.

[realessence]

It's not your typical Christmas advert but I like it. It's about going back to different times in your life, thinking of those who are still here and those who are no longer. Just appreciate what you have today. Happy Christmas.

[jamesbaskerville]

Thank you for reminding the nation what a beautiful song Sonet is

[nourissa]

I got married a couple of months ago and living without my family was a bit hard for me at the beginning. But being truthful, not having my sister by my side everyday has been the hardest challenge I've ever had to face. Thank you for this beautiful advert, it warmed my heart 💚

[motherofgrom]

The Bear who had never seen Christmas, Moz, Buster, Monty, Edgar - those are the adverts that brought so much joy to my children. And the books to go with them!

[angelagrove]

As someone who has lost a sister this makes complete sense to me. I'd give anything to be able to go back like this. Just beautiful.

[casseroleland]

They never cease to amaze at Christmas.

[Mavericka]

I am just here to hear Richard Ashcroft xx

[deroiste]

How are people confused by this? 😂 she’s seeing her sister through the different years to see if she can come up with a perfect gift for her. Like how is that confusing 😅

[danielledelpico]

This advert made me cry. The bond between sisters is so special. They really are the friend that sees you through every era of your life. Thank you John Lewis for yet another memorable ad.

[andrewharripersad]

Richard Ashcroft honestly has the most underrated voice of all time. Such a talented musician.

[naightspeed]

its giving eternal sunshine of the spotless mind