There’s definite shades of the 2007 Cadbury Gorilla ad about Virgin Media’s new Highland Rider spot, created by VCCP London and directed by Jeff Low – who’s also led spots for Brewdog, Fanta, and Setapp.

It features a similarly anthropomorphised animal, lovingly rendered in 3D by Untold Studios and shown whizzing through the Scottish Highlands atop a Triumph Bonneville motorbike. The addition of Patrick Swayze’s She’s Like the Wind – also used to great effect in the 1987 film Dirty Dancing – is pretty inspired.

The film is charming throughout, from the opening close-up of the cow’s furry face, eyes closed as she enjoys the freedom of the road, to the way her legs are hooked awkwardly over the bike. According to Virgin Media, it’s an allegory for the brand’s speedy broadband – with the cow, who doesn’t appear to have a name, inspired to take a road trip after streaming “epic biking scenes”.

She’s set to re-appear throughout the rest of 2022 as part of Virgin Media’s new ‘Why Walk When You Can Ride’ brand campaign, although sadly it seems the cow is only a temporary feature rather than a long-term brand mascot.

Credits:
Agency: VCCP
ECDs: Jonathan Parker, Chris Birch
Deputy ECD: David Masterman
Senior Creatives: Jason Keet, James Hodson
Production Company: Biscuit Filmworks
Director: Jeff Low
Editor: Saam Hodivala @ ShiftPost
Post-Production Company: Untold Studios