Critic Reviews

An argument can be had about what will end up being the “best” animated feature released in 2026 — it’s early — but there’s little chance another film can dethrone Decorado as the most mind-bending.

Though the surrealism and playfulness of the short film have been streamlined for a narrative feature, “Decorado” still feels like a fully fleshed-out, focused work in its own right.

It becomes overwhelming, even at 95 minutes (this might have worked better as an episodic series). Still, Vazquez has undoubtedly captured the dissociative jitters of living in a time when an entity like Amazon, Inc. seems to increasingly govern every move we make.

The final notes are disappointingly underwhelming, but the emotional journey leaves a lasting impression.

Vázquez’s deadpan directorial style, which occasionally swerves into grim spoofs of Looney Tunes-style antics, perfectly suits the animated dystopia.