Decorado: A Dystopian Animated Satire Examined

“Decorado” follows Arnold, a mouse in Anywhere where ALMA (Almighty Limitless Megacorporation Agency) controls jobs, housing, policing, and distributes “happiness” pills. Unemployed and in a failing marriage with illustrator María, Arnold suspects his world is a scripted set. After his friend’s death, he probes ALMA’s role in crime and surveillance, seeking an exit from the artificial stage.

New York Times

The concept began as a 2012 comic by Alberto Vázquez, became a 2016 short film that won a Goya, and was expanded into a feature that premiered in Spain in 2025. GKIDS released it in North America on May 15, 2026.

Interview: Decorado Director Alberto Vazquez

Alberto Vázquez directs and co-writes with F. Xavier Manuel Ruiz. Voices include Asier Hormaza (Arnold), Aintzane Gamiz (María), and Kandido Uranga (Gian Owl). GKIDS distributes in the U.S. Vázquez’s prior films “Birdboy” and “Unicorn Wars” each won the Goya for Best Animated Film.

Variety Magazine

The film critiques late-stage capitalism and corporate surveillance through ALMA’s tech-agribusiness blend, while portraying unemployment, marital strain, and escapism. Vázquez calls it a “brilliant microcosm” that examines work, identity, and romance as resistance to systemic control.

Variety Magazine

GKIDS announced a U.S. theatrical run starting May 15, 2026, with Spanish audio, subtitles, and an English dub, noting its goal to bring “independent and daring animation.” In an Anime Corner interview, Vázquez said the film blends visual elements to make viewers “think about their life” about control, and affirmed that “the art style is good, the script is good, and the direction is good.”

Interview: Decorado Director Alberto Vazquez

The New York Times criticizes the film for insufficiently contextualizing Anywhere, noting “too many unanswered questions remain,” including the stage director’s identity and the cast’s complicity. Variety adds that relentless twists sometimes obscure the central message, creating a “letdown” for viewers seeking clearer resolution.

New York Times

Sources use two versions of ALMA’s name: “Almighty Limitless Megacorporation Agency” and “Almighty Limitless Megacorporative Agency.” The film’s debut is cited as 2025 in Spain and 2026 in North America, creating a timeline gap. Runtime is listed as 1 hour 35 minutes, with no alternate cut documented. Vázquez’s comparison of ALMA to Google, Amazon, and Monsanto is implied, not explicit.

Interview: Decorado Director Alberto Vazquez

• “Don’t you think everything is a bit strange lately?” — Arnold, middle-aged mouse.

New York Times

• “The world is a wonderful stage, but it has a deplorable cast,” — Gian Owl, ALMA surveillance entity.

New York Times

• “It is not a symptom of health to adapt to a sick society,” — Young cat.

Variety Magazine

• “A: I like surprising the audience, so that is deliberate.” — Alberto Vázquez, director.

Interview: Decorado Director Alberto Vazquez

GKIDS plans a limited theatrical run through summer 2026, followed by streaming on partner platforms. The film is slated for international festival entries, and Vázquez hints at possible sequels expanding the “Decorado” universe.

Interview: Decorado Director Alberto Vazquez