Spanish animation filmmaker Alberto Vazquez earned rave reviews for features “Birdboy: The Forgotten Children” and “Unicorn Wars”. Let me add to the praise, because his latest film, “Decorado”, is the best movie of 2026 so far.
Mice husband and wife Arnold and Maria live in the community of ALMA. They’re struggling, financially and emotionally, and Arnold in particular gets the feeling something’s “off”. What follows is Arnold and Maria’s quest for the truth and true happiness — a gritty, layered, sometimes funny, often poignant and surprising saga.
“Decorado” is packed with commentary — on society, living conditions, control, television and the media, with direct jabs at Disney and Warner Bros. in the form of unique, memorable characters Duck Roni and a fairy named Depression. The developments / “twists” in the story are presented in such blunt, matter of fact fashion, that a few moments might make you legitimately gasp. There’s such attention to detail in the dialogue and the visuals.
Vazquez, a multiple Goya Award winner, told me in our recent Animation Scoop Interview that he was inspired by “The Truman Show” (one of my 10 all-time favorite films). And he wanted Arnold and Maria’s relationship to feel as realistic as possible. “Decorado” is going to resonate with a lot of people, especially adults. This is one of the finest animated features for grown-ups I’ve seen in the past 10 years.
LCJ GRADE: A
Running Time: 95 min.