Alberto Vázquez's 'Decorado,' the director's third feature film, expands his 2016 Goya-winning short into an animated exploration of societal breakdown, featuring characters trapped in a world manipulated by the all-seeing ALMA.
Anthropomorphic Beings in Bleak Realities
In 'Decorado,' Vázquez employs his signature style of adorably drawn anthropomorphic animals facing grim existential crises. This thematic dissonance places him among the most distinctive animation directors today, pushing against the notion that animation is solely for children.
Vázquez's characters, living under the influence of ALMA (Almighty Limitless Megacorporative Agency), question their fabricated reality. A quote from a young cat in the film captures this sentiment: 'It is not a symptom of health to adapt to a sick society.' The film critiques the widening economic gap and the harsh realities of late-stage capitalism.
Characters Caught in ALMA's Grip
Arnold, a jobless mouse voiced by Asier Hormaza, represents the struggle against societal pressures. His wife, Maria, faces her own challenges, influenced by the Depression Fairy, a character that underscores the couple's deteriorating marriage. Financial woes and Arnold's mental health strain their relationship, while ALMA's Gregorio shows interest in Maria.
Other characters, like Ronnie Duck, voiced by Vázquez, and the ominous Gian Owl, contribute to the film's exploration of despair. The forest outside society harbors misfits, including a drug-addicted rodent and a harp-playing demon, exposing the absurdity and hopelessness of Vázquez's world.
Macabre Humor and Social Commentary
'Decorado' uses dark humor to critique societal norms. Mr. Mushroom's children resort to cannibalism, while Chicken Crazy enjoys fried chicken, illustrating the perverse normalcy in this world. Arnold's quest for freedom reflects the film's central theme: the price of conforming to societal expectations.
Vázquez refrains from overt modern references, striving for timelessness in his allegorical tale. Arnold, with the help of a ghostly friend, seeks genuine emotion beyond the forest's confines, risking everything for a chance at authenticity.
GKIDS Brings 'Decorado' to U.S. Audiences
Thanks to distributor GKIDS, known for promoting independent animation, U.S. audiences can experience Vázquez's challenging, hand-drawn work. In an animation industry often resistant to adult themes, 'Decorado' stands out as a contender for 2026's most mind-bending animated feature.
Source: https://variety.com/2026/film/news/decorado-review-1236748793/
