Heineken is celebrating the return to real-world socializing as countries unlock from COVD-19 regulations, in a spot that tells the story of a couple who connect during quarantine.

It's the latest ad from the beer brand and Publicis Italy/Le Pub, who have been documenting different ways people have been drinking together throughout the pandemic. It centers on a couple, Charlie and Lola, who meet online during lockdown. They slowly get to know each other virtually, chatting while gaming, videochatting, showing off dance moves, working out, cooking together, flirting with silly filters and (of course) drinking Heineken together. They even have their first argument without ever having actually met in real life. 

Eventually, restrictions ease, they say sorry and plan to meet for a first date.

The anticipation builds as we see the two heading nervously, excitedly, to their real-world destination. If you haven't watched the spot in full just yet, stop reading and do so now, because we don't want to ruin the twist of an ending.

The climax is not quite the upbeat fairytale conclusion we were expecting—it's a sting in the tail that delivers the message that real-life chemistry is better than a connection you might develop online. The finale is like a huge punch in the gut, but arguably, more memorable because of it. 

The spot, directed by Show Yanagisawa and shot in Japan, is airing first in Vietnam, to target Asian markets that are just now beginning to socialize normally again. Heineken says it will roll out in other markets as restrictions ease; although, with some European countries including the Netherlands and Austria going back into partial lockdowns, it's anyone's guess when we can safely say that life is really going back to normal.

“Since the start of the pandemic, and the launch of our ‘Socialise Responsibly’ platform, Heineken has been creating campaigns that aim to inspire people to get out and support their local bars and nightlife venues once it is safe to do so," said Bram Westenbrink, global head Heineken brand, in a statement. "'A Lockdown Love Story' does exactly that, creating a time-capsule of how we maintained connections during the pandemic and providing an optimistic outlook to the new and surprising opportunities that await as bars and nightlife venues return to normal.”