Dystopian Animated Film "Decorado" Explores Existential Crises in Surreal Society

The animated film "Decorado" from Spanish director Alberto Vázquez made its world premiere at the Fantastic Fest in 2022. The film, co-written by Vázquez and F. Xavier Manuel, blends classic cartoon visuals with dystopian themes, exploring existential crises in a surreal society.

The story follows Arnold, a middle-aged mouse living in constant suspicion that the world around him is a fake, constructed reality. Confronted by a powerful corporation known as ALMA (Almighty Limitless Megacorporative Agency) that controls every aspect of his life, Arnold decides to rebel against the system. The film tackles dark social themes such as corporate power, media control, social injustice, unemployment, and the search for meaning in a world that feels like a stage.

Vázquez drew inspiration from a range of sources, including classic animated cartoons, dystopian works like "1984" and "Brave New World," as well as the absurdist humor of filmmakers like Luis Buñuel. The result is a visually striking and thought-provoking exploration of the crises facing modern society and the individual's struggle to find authenticity in a world that often feels like a performance.