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Is it possible that corporations can actually affect positive change in the world? Probably not, but while some throw meager sums at charity while earning profits off exploitative labor practices, others throw money at great artists. Which is why we have to thank Spanish apparel brand Zara for at least having great taste in filmmakers. The clothing retailer has hired Italian director Luca Guadagnino, maker of the lush romance “Call Me By Your Name,” to make a 43-minute short film called “O Night Divine.” If this is what it takes to get people to watch a short film, then deck the halls. Presumably, Guadagnino had full creative control, as he was able to enlist some other top-tier talent to flesh out this fanciful little Christmas treat. The film also features a score from Pedro Almodóvar’s trusted composer Alberto Iglesias.

“O Night Divine” stars John C. Reilly as a fully...

It’s become a holiday tradition almost as old as Christmas itself for a major brand to secure some top filmmaking talent for their latest ad campaign timed to the busy season of shopping. Zara has done just that, teaming with Luca Guadagnino (who is editing his latest film) for a 43-minute short film entitled O Night Divine.

Shot by Arseni Khachaturan (Beginning), written by Michael Mitnick (who previously teamed with the director on The Staggering Girl), and scored by Pedro Almodóvar’s frequent composer Alberto Iglesias, the cast includes John C. Reilly, Alex Wolff, Hailey Gates, Samia Benazzouz, Chloe Park, Valerio Santucci, Francesca Figus, Tania Hanyoung Park, and Shi Yang Shi.

The film takes place on a snowy Christmas Eve at a grand mountainside hotel in St. Moritz, Switzerland, following five people’s lives who magically intersect to unlock a madcap night of outrageous adventures and joyous celebration. All...