Bestads Best TV/Film of the Week: Waitrose’s ‘The Perfect Gift’ via Wonderhood Studios, London
Each week Bestads showcases standout global advertising work as reviewed by a top international creative director or team. This week’s best TV/film is Waitrose’s ‘The Perfect Gift’ via Wonderhood Studios.
The film was chosen by this week’s guest judge Steph Van Niekerk, Executive Creative Director at TBWA Hunt Lascaris, Johannesburg.
“Not all Christmas ads are created equal, but wow, this one is in a league of its own. Keira Knightley, playing herself, and Joe Wilkinson as the wonderfully awkward Phil, are perfectly cast in a feel-good spot that plays more like a full-scale mini movie,” says Van Niekerk. “As entertaining as its big movie energy is, it still delivers clear product truths and integration that work extremely hard for the brand.
“The moment they fall in love over a shared passion for cheese in the middle of a Waitrose is the kind of Christmas miracle we all want to believe in. The piece is well paced, well plotted and beautifully performed, with dialogue that is beautifully believable. It is completely engaging, which feels like a small festive miracle in itself. A standout piece of work that balances charm with retail messaging.”
The Perfect Gift is a first-of-its-kind four-minute romantic comedy short created by Wonderhood Studios, with media planning by MG OMD and production by Biscuit Filmworks. The new campaign stars comedian and actor Joe Wilkinson reprising his Phil character from last year, alongside award-winning actress Keira Knightley, in a feel-good tale where food, and a shared love of Waitrose products, becomes the ultimate expression of love. Directed by Molly Manners, the mini-movie pays homage to UK romcom classics, while standalone 60- and 30-second trailers, OOH posters, product films, and social content extend the story. The campaign also includes podcast appearances and press junket–style social content, blending storytelling and brand activation in a new ‘food entertainment’ approach for the supermarket.
Click here to read Steph’s full review.
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