Vázquez's 'Decorado': Darkly funny animated critique

Alberto Vázquez's latest animated feature, "Decorado," offers a darkly humorous and poignant exploration of existential dread amplified by the pressures of late-stage capitalism. The film introduces characters living in a state of paranoia, feeling trapped in an artificial world controlled by the omnipresent ALMA corporation. This bleak reality, populated by adorable yet troubled anthropomorphic animals and mushrooms, expands on Vázquez's previous award-winning works.

At the story's heart is Arnold, a middle-aged mouse struggling with derealization and unemployment, whose marriage is strained by financial woes and psychological distress. His wife, Maria, is visited by the Depression Fairy, who fuels their marital discord. Meanwhile, former star Ronnie Duck lives in destitution, highlighting the harsh consequences of the corporate system.

The narrative delves into absurdist hopelessness, extracting macabre comedy from dire situations, such as starving mushroom children resorting to cannibalism. The film critiques societal seduction by manufactured happiness and the daily grind that forces individuals to conform, paralleling real-world acceptance of war and chaos. Arnold, aided by the specter of his deceased friend Ramiro, seeks authentic emotion beyond the confines of ALMA's influence.

Distributed by GKIDS in the U.S., "Decorado" stands out in the animation landscape for its unconventional, adult-oriented themes. The hand-drawn film challenges the notion of animation as solely for children, presenting a mind-bending fable that strives for timeless commentary on societal unease without relying heavily on modern technology.