"The Gastronaut"

4 February 2026

90s

Spice Odyssey

An astronaut's culinary life flashes before his eyes as he sets off for home in the escape pod in this charming and funny ad for Waitrose. Fed up with a regime that labels sustenance as fuel, he fantasises about a chili prawn linguine, and when his dreams are shattered by the cruel reality, he decides that he can't take it any more.

Rather than accepting a Major Tom-style fate and drifting into oblivion, he parts company with the space station which has been at home and the computer that governs his life and makes his way to planet Earth, conveniently landing in a Waitrose car park and striding purposefully into the supermarket.

It is excellent to see a brand building on the success of its Christmas advertising with a bold statement about its year-round offer. Director Tom Speers, with considerable help from the boffins at Untold Studios, executes the tale with a superb blend of pathos, comedy and special effects. Hats off to Wonderhood Studios for providing the SMUGGLER director with a splendid concept, and a splendid script.

UK

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