Inner Child
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The story
Why it stays with you
A teenager's hidden excitement for Christmas breaks through in McDonald's animated mother-and-son story.
Tom would rather retreat into his games than join his mum's Christmas activities. Inside, though, a younger version of him still wants to enjoy the season.
Inner Child turns that private tug of war into animation. The story follows a mother trying to reconnect with her teenage son, with a stop for reindeer treats helping his festive enthusiasm find its way out.
Directed by againstallodds for Leo Burnett, the film uses Becky Hill's stripped-back cover of Forever Young. It captures a small family transition: wanting to grow up while still wanting some of the magic that childhood made so easy.
First shown 12 November 2020. Playback checked 15 October 2026. Video availability may change.
Behind the advert
Director
againstallodds
Agency
Leo Burnett
Singer
Becky Hill
Credits & sources
- Brand
- McDonald's
- Year
- 2020
- Cut
- Full film
- Running time
- 1 min 30
- Shown
- Online and television
- Territory
- UK
- First shown
- 12 November 2020
- Director
- againstallodds
- Agency
- Leo Burnett
- Singer
- Becky Hill
- Passion Pictures project page (opens in a new tab) · checked 4 October 2026
- Universal Music Globe campaign case study (opens in a new tab) · checked 9 October 2026
- Official film and uploader metadata (opens in a new tab) · checked 4 October 2026
Record updated 15 October 2026.