"The spot oozes Anderson’s signature cinematic style as it tells a story of compassion and coming-together for the festive season"
8/10
With Christmas Day fast approaching, competition is hotting up as brands vie to be crowned best Christmas ad for 2016. Last week, H&M dropped the mic when it released its four-minute short film, directed by none other than Wes Anderson.
Created in collaboration with agency Adam & Eve/DDB, the spot oozes Anderson’s signature cinematic style as it tells a story of compassion and coming-together for the festive season.
As the man behind The Royal Tenenbaums and Rushmore, Anderson is an expert when it comes to representing the unconventional.
It’s no surprise then that "Come together", starring Adrien Brody, tells the story of a Christmas far less ordinary. Following an "unaccompanied" minor on a train, the young boy ends up spending Christmas day with a group of generous strangers, leaving viewers feeling surprisingly warm and fuzzy inside. H&M’s clothes are worn by the characters and blend in seamlessly with Anderson’s typical retro décor and deadpan humour.
H&M aren’t the only retailer enlisting the help of film professionals this season. Burberry’s "The tale of Thomas Burberry" beautifully re-imagines the events that have shaped its colourful history over the years, starring household names like Sienna Miller and Domhnall Gleeson and is directed by Academy Award-winner, Asif Kapadia. Indeed, H&M is no stranger to putting celebrities in the spotlight. Its Christmas ad last year featured Katy Perry; however, the brand has taken attention away from the cast this year, instead focusing on the quality of its storyline, characters and setting.
Luring in Hollywood talent doesn’t come cheap and brands aren’t afraid to spend big bucks when it comes to enticing consumers over the holiday period. Raking in over 4.3 million video views on YouTube since being released just three days ago, it’s clear H&M has struck a chord amid stiff competition.
