Decorado

Decorado is a 2025 Spanish-Portuguese black comedy-drama directed by Alberto Vázquez, who co-wrote the screenplay with F. Xavier Manuel Ruiz. The feature-length project is adapted from Vázquez’s own acclaimed animated short film of the same name, expanding its themes of existential unease and surreal humor into a full narrative.

The story follows Mouse Arnold, a resident of the fictional city of Anywhere. Though he lives what appears to be a normal life, Arnold finds himself spiraling into existential doubt. His growing suspicion that the world around him is artificial — as if everything is merely a backdrop of scenery — drives him to question reality itself. This surreal framework allows the film to blend satirical humor, philosophical inquiry, and absurdist visuals into an unusual cinematic experience.

In developing the project, Vázquez described Decorado as “an existentialist fable about the meaning of life and the crises we go through.” The film draws inspiration from Jim Carrey’s The Truman Show, the stylized slapstick of classic Mickey Mouse cartoons, and the raw emotional intensity of Ingmar Bergman’s Scenes from a Marriage. These eclectic influences converge to create a layered narrative that oscillates between absurd comedy and profound reflection.

The film is produced by Abano Producións in collaboration with Uniko Estudio Creativo, Glow Animation, Sardinha Em Lata, and María y Arnold AIE. José Luis Ágreda worked as the art director, shaping the film’s unique visual palette, while Pamela Poltronieri served as the animation director. The result is an animated feature that juxtaposes whimsical character design with a darker emotional core, a hallmark of Vázquez’s distinctive style.

Decorado had its world premiere at the 20th Fantastic Fest on 21 September 2025, where it received early acclaim for its originality and boldness. Following this, it was selected to screen at the 58th Sitges Film Festival in October 2025, marking its Spanish premiere. It was also showcased in the ‘Cult’ strand of the 2025 BFI London Film Festival, further solidifying its reputation as a daring piece of animation aimed at adult audiences.

The film is scheduled for theatrical release in Spain on 24 October 2025, distributed by Barton Films. With its blend of surreal humor, existential questioning, and bold animation, Decorado is positioned as one of the most intriguing European animated features of 2025.