An Oddly Cute Farting Monster Stars in Michel Gondry’s John Lewis Christmas Ad

John Lewis launched its 2017 Christmas campaign today. Created by adam&eveDDB and directed by legendary French director Michel Gondry, ‘Moz The Monster’ is set to a cover version of The Beatles’ song ‘Golden Slumbers’, recorded by British band Elbow. 

The two minute film tells a heartwarming 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. Joe receive a mysterious, untagged gift for Christmas that fix his nighttime woes - or do they?

Director Michel Gondry needs little introduction to the advertising industry, but he is the mind behind one of the most awarded commercials of all time, Levi’s ‘Drugstore’. He’s represented by Partizan and is also known for his feature films Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, The Science of Sleep and The Green Hornet, plus a whole host of music videos.

He says: “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.”

Craig Inglis, John Lewis’s Customer Director, adds: "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 heartwarming and I’m sure it will be loved by all of our customers, young and old.” 

The ‘Golden Slumbers’ track will be included in Elbow’s ‘Best Of' album which will be released on November 24th. Guy Garvey, lead singer of the band, said: “This project was such a pleasure. Michel Gondry and the song did all the work for us. We are really proud to be involved.”

The film will first be shown on TV this evening at around 9.30pm on Channel 4 and at approximately the same time it will also be broadcast on all Sky’s own channels. 

As with previous Christmas campaigns, in addition to watching the ad people will be able to enjoy Moz and the story in a number of different ways. At the John Lewis flagship shop on Oxford Street visitors will be able to see and hear what’s thought to be the world’s first farting and snoring window as Moz plays in the rooms in Joe’s house. 

On Facebook people will be able to have fun 'mozifying' their face using their Facebook camera, and in 10 shops customers will be able to create their own monster selfie at a Monster Maker station. 

A recording of actress Sally Phillips reading the Moz The Monster story will be available for download from johnlewis.com, Sky boxes and Google Home. Google Home customers will also be able to personalise their story choosing their own sounds effects. 

This Christmas John Lewis has chosen Barnardo’s as its charity partner and will make a donation to the charity from the sale of Moz cuddly toys and mugs.