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

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

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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