A teenager fights his 'inner child' in McDonald's holiday ad

McDonald's is out with its U.K. Christmas ad, and it's one that will strike a chord with any parent of a teenager. This year the brand and its agency Leo Burnett have opted for a delightful animated spot, directed for the second year runing by Passion Pictures' Againstallodds, the Swedish talent who worked on Spanish Lottery's award-winning Justino spot of 2015, as well as holiday work for retailers like Very and Manor. It's the story of a mother and her teenage son, who we see in an epic struggle with his "inner child" despite his typically moody teen behavior during the holiday season. His mom desperately tries to get him into the holiday spirit, but he plugs in his earbuds or pulls up his hoodie, despite the little boy illustrated within him looking hopeful or excited. However, a trip to the Golden Arches drive-thru has him looking a little more perky (burgers will always cheer up a teenage boy) and when mom throws a snowball, he gives in and starts having fun. The spot ends with him leaving the McDonald's "Reindeer Treat" carrot snacks out for Santa, a continuation of the brand's "Reindeer Ready" theme of the past few years. The spot breaks this weekend during the ITV reality show "I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here." While it doesn't directly reference the pandemic (other than the drive-thru element), like several this year the campaign does have a charitable element; the soundtrack, a cover of "Forever Young" by singer Becky Hill, will be released a single with 10 pence from every download going to food redistribution charity FareShare. "It’s been a really challenging year and I hope our contribution to the competitive Christmas campaign window raises a much-needed smile,” comments McDonald's Michelle Graham-Clare, Vice President, Menu and Marketing.

A teenager fights his 'inner child' in McDonald's holiday ad

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