"Virtual Insanity"

24 July 2026

2 mins 02s

Hats off to you.

Because Disney's live-action stab at 'Moana' was so bad (police have issued an arrest warrant for Dwayne Johnson's wig), remakes are on easy street for the rest of the year. All they need to do is, er, not be 'Moana'. That means Beefeater Gin's remake of the Jamiroquai 'Virtual Insanity' promo from 1996 is already a complete success!

OK, let’s watch the ad for real, shall we? To promote the brand's new alcohol-free spirit, Jay Kay, for it is he, dons the custom hat and Berghaus fleece once more, though Julien & Quentin replace Jonathan Glazer in the director's chair(s). They may have less time to work with (2'2" compared to 3'54"), but they manage to visit more rooms than before, which sets up the brand's tagline rather well.

Another tweak to the formula is that the floor moves instead of the walls and furniture. It's a real gas to watch in full flow, as an older Jay Kay throws shapes, swaps hats, and stays below the drink-drive limit. Jamiroquai Easter eggs and blink-and-you'll-miss-them nods to the level of craft involved (set plans are pinned to a wall near the end) add to the sense this was made with repeat trips in mind.

UK

Gin