When two icons of Mexican craftsmanship come together, the result is bound to be something special — and that’s exactly what happened when Guillermo del Toro teamed up with PATRÓN Tequila for a stunning new short film titled “The Perfect Pour.”
Launched last week as part of PATRÓN’s latest global campaign, the visually rich short marks the Academy Award–winning director’s first-ever commercial — and it’s every bit as imaginative, soulful, and meticulous as fans of his films might expect.
Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Hacienda PATRÓN in Jalisco, Mexico, the cinematic piece transforms what seems like a simple moment of pouring a glass of tequila into a powerful reflection on artistry, heritage, and the beauty of doing things the right way.
From the moment the film begins, del Toro’s signature visual style is unmistakable. What starts as a quiet, carefully captured pour slowly pulls back to reveal the intricate choreography behind the shot: lights, cameras, crew members, and meticulous direction all working together to create the perfect moment.
It’s a clever metaphor for the tequila itself.
Just as filmmaking requires patience, teamwork, and precision, every bottle of PATRÓN is crafted using time-honored methods and just three ingredients — 100% Weber Blue Agave, water, and yeast — by dozens of skilled artisans in Jalisco.
“Perfection isn’t rushed — it’s built frame by frame, pour by pour,” del Toro shared about the collaboration. “I believe in artistry over industry, soul over process, and making things without compromise. That’s what drew me to this collaboration with PATRÓN. This film is about honoring craft, intention, and the beauty that comes from doing things the right way.”
To bring the project to life, del Toro assembled a Mexican-led creative powerhouse filled with longtime collaborators and award-winning talent.
Behind the camera was Academy Award–recognized cinematographer Guillermo Navarro, known for his work on the hauntingly beautiful Pan’s Labyrinth. Sound design came from Nathan Robitaille, whose credits include the Oscar-winning fantasy romance The Shape of Water.
The production also tapped acclaimed motion capture performer Terry Notary, celebrated for his work on blockbuster franchises like Avatar and Planet of the Apes, alongside VFX director Dennis Berardi and illustrator Guy Davis.
Adding another distinctive layer to the film’s magical atmosphere is Mexican stop-motion animator Karla Castañeda, whose artistic touch helps bring the campaign’s imaginative elements to life.
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In true del Toro fashion, the film leans into folklore-inspired visuals — including a stylized skeleton crew that assists behind the scenes of the shot.
But the playful imagery isn’t just for aesthetics.
The skeletons symbolize the many hands behind both the filmmaking process and every bottle of PATRÓN tequila. Just as it takes a full team to craft a perfect cinematic moment, the brand notes that more than 60 skilled artisans contribute to producing each bottle of tequila at Hacienda PATRÓN.
At its heart, “The Perfect Pour” is about honoring the people and traditions behind the craft. Filming on location in Jalisco — the birthplace of tequila — allowed the campaign to fully embrace Mexican culture and artistry while spotlighting the patience, discipline, and pride that define both filmmaking and tequila-making.
For PATRÓN, partnering with del Toro felt like a natural fit.
“From day one, we’ve never compromised on how we craft our tequila,” said Roberto Ramirez-Laverde, Global Senior Vice President at PATRÓN Tequila. “Guillermo shares that same dedication to greatness and refusal to compromise.”
The ad spot originally debuted on March 18th during ESPN’s Golden State Warriors and the Boston Celtics NBA matchup — however, the campaign is now rolling out across TV, digital, and social platforms worldwide.
