Decorado (2025) Movie Script
1
My darling, do you ever
feel like the world around us
is getting stranger and
stranger?
Like it was all just a--a...
A what?
Ah, what a beautiful
morning. I love you.
Good morning,
love of my life.
Ah, you look radiant this
morning.
Hey! Turn that down!
Stop running,
Ronnie Duck!
We're your friends!
Ronnie Duck!
Help me, please!
Somebody get me outta here!
It's an ALMA TV
show.
Almighty Limitless
Megacorporative Agency.
Arnold,
please turn down the volume.
I'm trying to work here.
B--b--but it's
"The Adventures of Ronnie Duck."
He's my favorite.
But darling,
Ronnie Duck is just a cartoon.
This is your life.
And you're wasting it.
What time is it?
Oh, I'm gonna be late for work.
Arnold, you've been
unemployed for years.
Hello! How are you
this morning, Mr. Arnold?
Good morning, Mrs.
Bearcub.
Did you see what
happened to
the forest last night?
Who do you think could have
started it?
It was probably one
of those
deadbeat possums up to no good.
Don't you think so, Miss
Micaela?
I may be new here but
I can tell you that
the poor always try
to find ways to spread their
sorrow.
Hello.
Good morning, dear
neighbor!
Mother, our neighbors
are no more
than well-carved marionettes.
Shadows on our cave all.
Shapeless, voiceless
forms that leave
no impressions on our memories.
- Hey!
- Ah!
Hey!
Good morning, Mr.
Arnold.
Would you like to buy any
ALMA-brand products today?
A lavender air freshener to
cover up that pesky fire smell?
Or maybe a brand new TV for the
"Best of Ronnie Duck" marathon?
I don't need anything
today, Mr. Mushroom.
Oh, Mr. Arnold,
please!
You have to buy something from
me! Please, please!
I don't want anything!
I don't need your products.
I don't need your gadgets.
I just need money!
Oh!
That's so shallow.
But what do I do?
I don't have the money to sell
you money!
Hey, you're
not one of those
pathetic unemployed
mice, are you?
Yeah, I am.
I've been looking
for a job for years,
but I haven't been
able to find one.
I can't stand
parasites like you!
I'm an essential worker, you
know!
Every day I carry important
mail-
Oh, hey, Arnold.
How's life treating you?
You remember me, don't you?
Ah, hello, Mr. Gregory.
Well, you know, I'm trying.
But how are you?
Honestly, Arnold,
I can't complain.
Listen, how has Mara been?
I haven't heard from her
in quite a while.
Well, she's okay.
She's a little stressed about
her work, but it'll be fine.
Send her my warmest
regards.
That poor woman.
I think of her often.
Well, I better leave.
Being ALMA's deputy director
is a big responsibility.
There's a long workflow pipeline
to manage and, uh, the masses,
they don't really want to work.
I've been out of work
for years!
Is there anything--anything
at all you could give me?
Get a move on,
Sempronius.
I have an urgent letter to
write.
Huh?
You're truly
pathetic!
Huh?
Help!
We don't want
poor people here!
Hey! Hey, stop!
Stop it!
Leave him alone!
He's just a poor beggar.
I'm calling the police.
Look, we are
the police, you idiot!
Oh!
You need to
learn to mind your own business.
- Excuse me, Mr. Beggar?
- Huh?
Wait, aren't you the
famous actor, Ronnie Duck?
Me? No, no, no!
Yes! Yes, you are!
You're bloated and have maybe
peed on yourself,
but I'd recognize Ronnie Duck
anywhere!
You were my favorite ALMA star
when I was a kid.
It's been so long
since someone recognized me.
You were my idol.
Yeah, I had it all.
And look where I am now.
Cast aside, just like
a child's broken toy.
I laugh, but I cry.
I laugh, but I cry!
Say, got any spare change on
you?
It'd really help your idol out.
Uh, sorry. I don't have
any money, but, um...
Mm?
Hey, what the hell's this?
You couldn't even spare a
dollar?
How 'bout a quarter?
Or spare change?
Spare change!
Am I crazy or is there
weird stuff going on lately?
Like we're constantly being
watched?
Our neighbors, other people.
Ronnie Duck is out there begging
for spare change.
Poor Ronnie Duck.
What happened to him?
Stop!
The same thing is going to
happen to us, Arnold. Look!
Oh.
We only have two months
before they kick us out.
Just two months!
We'll end up living on the
streets.
Or worse, in the forest!
Where are we gonna get the money
from, Arnold?
I don't know, darling.
I mean, how can I find a job
if the market is so bad that
the great Ronnie Duck is
panhandling?
Arnold, I already have
enough on my plate supporting us
without having to worry about
you.
Do whatever you want, but do
something.
I just want you to be happy.
I try. Sometimes I feel
like I'm completely worthless.
Huh?
Hey!
A nice, long vacation.
That's exactly what I
need now.
To get out of here for a while,
bro.
Yeah.
I'd spend all day
in that lake if I
could afford to.
I wish we had some
money, Chicken Crazy.
What a shitty life.
Hmm.
It totally sucks being
poor, dude.
Hey, well you should at
least be grateful that you have
a place that's paid off.
Place where you feel safe,
place they
can't take away from you, place-
Checkmate!
Oh, it's not
fair!
You're crazy, Chicken
Crazy.
Very, very crazy.
It's not fair.
It's not fair!
No matter what I do,
I always lose! Why?
You two don't even hear
a word I'm saying.
We only have two months before
the bank forecloses on us.
Arnold, you know ALMA
doesn't care about
little people like us.
But you're not alone, bro.
You'll always have your best
friend, remember?
We'll end up on the
streets!
Or worst, in the forest!
Eh, the forest isn't
as bad as they say.
I can take you.
I know it real well.
Come on, let's go right now!
B--b--but it's
dangerous. It's dangerous!
It's dangerous.
It's dangerous!
Dangerous!
Oh, God, we shouldn't be
here.
They're gonna put us in prison!
Calm down, Arnold.
Already investigated the place.
The forest is full
of secrets and mysteries.
All sorts of different
animals are living out here.
Folks who have had a hard time
adapting.
Look, there's little Jerry.
You remember him?
Yeah, we used to play in
the park together.
My God!
Ah, don't worry. He's
all right.
He gets to spend
all day laughin'
and hangin' out
with his friends.
This way, this way.
Decorado
There are also evil
creatures.
Unholy demons who
can steal your soul,
but with devilish musical flair.
Decorado
Decorado
Here's something
you're really gonna appreciate.
There are mermaids here!
Beautiful mermaids!
Mermaids? Are you
serious?
I heard
they're half fish,
half female, and 100% passion!
Ah!
Ah!
Hello. What's your name?
But why?
Why won't anybody love me?
Why am I such a monster?
Ramiro, this place is
horrible.
We need to go home now.
Besides, Mara must be worried
sick.
At least you
have someone
who worries about you, bro.
Someone who really loves you.
There aren't a lot of folks you
can trust these days.
Oh!
Hey, what's going on?
You're acting weird.
Uh,
there's something that's
been bothering me for a while.
I've been keeping it a secret,
but I know I can trust you two.
Okay, this might sound crazy,
but...
But doesn't our world feel
strange to you?
Our neighbors,
the people,
the ALMA company,
even your own families?
Do you not see it?
The people are actors, man!
They've been watching us!
You noticed it, too?
I thought I was the only one!
I thought I was crazy!
They all told me I was!
I've been called
crazy, too!
No, you're absolutely
not!
They're the crazy ones, not us!
Listen.
I've been investigating
and collecting clues,
and I think there's a way out of
here, you guys.
Have you ever wondered what lies
beyond?
Beyond what?
Beyond this forest, man!
Another place, another way of
livin'!
Somewhere we can be free!
Oh, no. Run!
No!
- No! Ramiro!
- Ramiro!
No!
organ music playing
But why?
Why did you have to take him
from us?
Why?
Damn you, Giant
Owl!
Damn you!
organ music ends
What a thoughtful
gesture from ALMA.
It's the most expensive wreath
they make.
Ramiro would have
wanted it that way.
They say he'd sneak
into the forest.
Who'd ever want to go
in there?
Yeah.
Ramiro was crazy
for wandering around in
the forest all alone.
I heard he
was doing drugs with possums.
Always say no to drugs,
my child.
No!
Mara, dear, how have you
been?
You have to come by the center
soon.
We never see you anymore.
Oh, well, uh,
I barely have free time.
- So much work.
- Hah.
You'd have more time if you
divorced that useless husband.
Like I did with your father.
Mom, it's just that...
Arnold.
Stay strong,
Arnold.
At least you and I still have
each other.
Now I'm your best friend
in this crazy world.
Stop! Stop right
there, Mr. Chicken Crazy!
You're under arrest!
No! No!
You have the
right to remain silent.
Everything you say will be used
against you in a court of law.
Let go of me!
You are hereby
under arrest for arson!
For burning the forest!
organ music playing
Leave me alone,
you lying dogs!
I didn't do
anything!
Yeah? Then how
come we found multiple cans
of gasoline stockpiled in your
egg house?
Enough to burn down half the
forest!
I always knew that
chicken was crazy.
Please! No!
I told you it wasn't me!
I love plants! I swear! No!
No!
Cock-a-doodle do!
Cock-a-doodle-doo!
I didn't cock-a-doodle-do it!
I think you should come
downstairs.
You'll feel better.
You have to eat something.
Come on. Your favorite cartoons
are on right now.
Hmm, your rapid
heartbeat is cause for concern.
You need some rest
and relaxation,
and most importantly,
never go into the forest like
Ramiro did.
Mr. Arnold, you're suffering
from a condition called
derealization disorder.
Sometimes
life presents us
with extreme worries
and problems.
And those stressors can
make us experience
bizarre things that
aren't entirely real.
Huh?
It is no measure of
health to be well-adjusted
to a profoundly sick society.
Well, it's "normal."
Whenever you have
these feelings,
these pills can really help.
They're the same ones I take,
and they work great for me.
Doctor, I can't even
tell if any of this is real,
or it's all just a bad dream.
Arnold, in this world,
it's impossible to dream.
Decorado
The world
is a spectacular stage.
But it has a cast of deplorable
actors.
No! No, please
don't!
So I hear you
like to burn things, do ya?
No!
Ah, no, no!
No!
There's your
fire, you degenerate!
Look away, guys.
That chicken is just so crazy!
He's a foul fowl arsonist!
Am I an arsonist?
Look alive, Sparky.
- You've got a visitor.
- Huh?
You have to hold on.
Be strong.
You look good, man.
Here, I brought you your
favorite food to cheer you up.
Ah, wings!
Ah, thank you, Arnold!
I'm starving in here!
This place is
hell!
The food is just
horrible!
And I'm surrounded by criminals!
I know you're innocent!
I swear I will make ALMA get you
a public defender.
It's useless.
Every society needs
its fair share
of criminals to maintain
its equilibrium.
This is all very
strange.
You being unfairly imprisoned?
Poor Ramiro.
Oh, poor Ramiro.
Arnold!
Ramiro had a plan!
He told me about it!
He'd been spending a lot of time
investigating in the forest,
trying to find a way out of
here!
And you've gotta keep his flame
burning, Arnold!
Search! Search his house!
You're the only one who can do
it!
Keep the fire alive, Arnold!
Follow the fire!
Quit your
squawking.
Time's up, pal.
No!
Help, please!
Stop!
No!
Arnold! Arnold!
Water my garden!
Please, go water my garden!
Hey! What are you doing?
- Hey!
- Can't you see?
We're building.
But what about when he
gets out of prison?
Where's he gonna live?
Don't know, don't care.
He should have accepted the
buyout when he had the chance.
Huh?
Now, before you
say anything, I
already know
what you're thinking.
Sure, it's a little lived-in,
but this rustic property has
just been waiting a long time
for the right couple to give it
some love.
You'll probably have to do a bit
of renovating,
but if you ask me,
it's a worthwhile investment.
This is a pig sty in
the middle of nowhere!
Look sweetheart,
it's a charming
country get-away.
Besides, with Paradise Three-B
goin' up over here soon,
you'll be at the center of
everything before you know it.
Mr. Ronnie, I speak
for both of us
when I say we're
extremely interested.
You have a nose
for real estate.
This is a perfect
opportunity for
the right kind of
investor or speculator.
Why don't we head back
to my office for the paperwork?
We can discuss all
of your financing options there.
You know, the
previous tenant, Mr. Ramiro,
was actually a close friend of
mine.
Sadly, he passed away in
the Giant Owl attack.
Ah? Huh?
Huh?
You should quit.
Why push yourself?
Drawing's tough when you have no
talent.
What? Why would you say
that?
Because I've been
watching you and I
see your work ethic, or lack of.
You waste hours dwelling
on your insecurities.
And who are you, anyway?
I'm a fairy.
I can see that.
But what is your name?
Oh, sorry.
Let's start over.
My name is Depression.
See those happy
lovers down there?
Look at them.
Let yourself dwell on the past.
The nostalgia, the memories.
Those better days that
are never coming back.
You were quite the
looker,
and you had such grand plans
for the future, remember?
All you wanted was
to save money,
enjoy life, and be happy.
You were so close.
You did everything together.
You'll never feel
that kind of love again.
You'll never regain the passion
you had for each other.
You were together
against everything.
Against the system, ALMA,
your families, even yourselves.
Huh?
Oh!
The two of you, you're
fired! Get out!
But sometimes young
people don't consider
the consequences of their
actions.
So you decided
to work on your little drawings
instead of working towards your
future.
But what can you achieve with
your art?
Life has a way
of putting us in our place.
You walked away
like an immature child.
Actually, you've
never been able to help him.
And you can no
longer even pinpoint
the moment when you started
asking yourself,
"What's the point of it all?"
Huh?
Uh, huh?
Come on,
we gotta
finish this as soon as possible.
Careful, man.
This place is crawling with
cops.
Come on. I'll take you somewhere
safe.
Follow me.
You're lucky we found
you when we did.
Drink that.
It'll help you relax.
But why are you living
out here?
Anything or anyone
that society doesn't want you
to see ends up here in the
forest.
I used to be a lawyer for
ALMA. Seems like a lifetime ago.
And I was an engineer,
but sometimes
things happen in life
that are just out
of your control.
But have you ever
wondered what lies beyond?
Beyond what?
Beyond this damn forest!
Look at this map.
See?
It looks like there's some sort
of path that leads out of here.
Maybe you guys could come with
me and we could-
Hey, let me see! This
could be valuable, you know.
Wow! An unofficial
map of all the secrets
of the forest.
Hey, how much do you think ALMA
would pay for this?
Alma?
Who do you think gives
us this, you idiot?
Come on! Give us your
sneakers and empty your pockets,
and we promise not to hurt ya!
Ah, okay, this isn't
a very funny joke, you guys.
No, I refuse to hand
over-
Hello?
Excuse me, sir.
Is the exit this way?
What exactly
are you searching for?
The way out!
There's gotta be
some road across
these mountains, isn't there?
These are the Mountains
of Death.
Not even my mountain goats
dare cross them.
Everything's surrounded by
mountains.
Sharp as an old man's teeth.
Cold as they are steep.
There is only death.
So you're saying there's
no way to leave?
What are you escaping
from?
Everything!
I just wanna live an authentic
life!
To be free!
Freedom isn't determined
by physical location,
but rather by your
own emotional stasis
and the balance
within ourselves.
The only true freedom is freedom
from letting go
all your desires.
You may stay here with me.
In the mountains,
you can live a blissful life,
devoid of any attachments.
Stay here?
No, no, no, no, no, no, no.
Anyways, I could never leave
without Mara.
I have to go back
and fix all of this!
I hear you.
Sometimes our struggle
for balance requires
us to turn around
and confront what we've left
behind.
Safe travels and good luck, I
guess.
B--but how do I get home from
here?
Good luck, my friend.
Good luck.
Where have you been?
I've been worried sick!
And where did those bruises come
from?
Tell me where you were!
Uh, I was just out
looking for work.
Until 3:00 in the
morning, Arnold?
Ms. Micaela and
Mr. Bear came by earlier.
They were asking for you.
What?
Yeah! I had to lie
and tell them you were sick!
I know they're watching
me! Watching both of us!
Please, stop this
already!
Mara, is there really
no way for us to leave?
Leave what, Arnold?
Do you not hear what you're
saying?
Our relationship is
falling apart
and all you wanna do is run!
Maybe you're right.
Maybe there isn't a way out.
I think we should
separate for a while,
see if we can reset our lives.
I don't know.
Nowadays you just feel so
distant from me.
Like how you always disappear
when things get tough.
You're completely
tethered to the past!
You're clinging
to your delusions
while avoiding responsibilities,
instead of growing
up and getting a
job like the rest of us.
But Mara,
don't you see that everything in
your life revolves around work?
Do you still love me? Do you
have any feelings left for me?
There's a letter here for you!
A letter for you!
A letter!
Oh, no.
Another letter from the bank.
Wait.
Ramiro,
I don't know what to do.
I've tried everything!
Mr. Mushroom, is that
you?
What are you doing here?
Hey, what's going on?
Why are you following me?
Why are you all watching me?
Please don't hurt
me, Mr. Arnold!
I just wanna show you our new
line of products!
I'm too poor to buy
anything!
I'm broke, remember?
But Mr. Arnold,
you're the only person who will
still listen to my sales pitch!
You're the only real person in
this town!
I'm just a poor mushroom
working to make
a better life for my family!
Just like you!
I live in Zone E5, Mr. Arnold.
The worst in the whole city!
In a moldy mushroom house
with a sagging roof.
ALMA has already given an
ultimatum to its sellers,
and I have mouths to feed, you
know?
Dada,
I'm starving to death!
Dad,
is there anything
to eat besides dirt soup?
Son, gnaw on your
arm like I showed you.
That will mimic the sensation of
eating!
Daddy,
Pippo's trying to eat me alive.
Dad! Dad! Dad! Dad! Dad!
It's hard.
It's so very hard.
Say, would you like to buy a
mushroom kid?
Adopting a needy child
could bring back
the passion to your marriage!
Just buy one! Please, Arnold!
So the rest of us can eat!
It shouldn't be like
this.
How I hate ALMA.
Me, too.
More than anything in the world.
But, shh, they're always
listening!
I miss Ramiro.
He'd know exactly what to do
right now.
Ramiro was my best friend.
And he could always come up
with a plan to save us.
Hmm.
If you want to see Ramiro,
I think I know how to.
What? You do?
Hmm.
When you're on the streets
as much as I am,
you end up learning a thing or
two.
And I'm pretty sure
I know a way for you
to contact your friend
on the other side.
Oh. Ah!
Satisfaction guaranteed!
Thank you for meeting
me, Mara.
It's been much too long
since we last spoke.
I'm not sure exactly
what you want.
In your letter you said you need
to talk to me, but why?
I just wanted to catch
up. So how are you?
Not so great.
I haven't had many commissions,
we owe months of rent,
and our house is about
to get foreclosed on.
I don't know what we're gonna
do.
Mara, it's okay.
Don't worry about the bank
anymore. I'll handle it.
With all of my contacts there,
I'll get your debt canceled.
Besides, my cousin
is the art director
for the "Daily ALMA" newspaper.
I'll talk to him for you.
Look, your drawings are
fantastic, Mara.
And they deserve to be
published.
Gregory, I really don't
know how to thank you.
You didn't have to be so
generous.
Listen. Being the
deputy director of a company
as complex as ALMA
is a great responsibility.
As a mature mouse, I know
exactly what I want in life.
You're a wonderful woman and you
deserve
a better life than you have.
Mara, if you wanted,
we could leave this place
together and never come back.
And I could give you
a stable life free of worry.
You want to be free, right?
Mara, he doesn't deserve you.
He loves you, but I love you
more.
I always did.
What's wrong?
I don't know! I'm stuck
on this!
Drawing for the "Daily ALMA"
is such a big responsibility.
Maybe
you're stuck because
you weren't hired
for your talent.
You're well-connected.
You don't deserve this job,
and deep down you know it.
Time for breakfast!
Come on. You have to eat
something.
What's wrong, Mara?
Are you okay?
I don't know, Arnold.
What if I'm not really qualified
for this job?
I don't have what it
takes.
Why is everything always
so difficult?
You were right.
My whole life revolves
around work,
and I'm not even good at it!
I don't even know if I wanna
keep drawing anymore!
Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey!
You're an incredibly talented
artist. I admire you, really!
At
least you have a passion.
Something that drives and moves
you.
Not like me.
Arnold, you don't look
well lately.
Have you been taking your
medication?
I don't trust it.
Why don't you trust it?
Mara,
are you seeing other people?
I don't, uh...
If you were,
I'd understand it.
I know you haven't been happy
with me.
I'd get it if you wanted to
leave.
Before anything, we're friends,
and I love you as a person.
I don't--I don't know.
You're wonderful.
Your life'll never
change if you stay.
Darling, you deserve more.
He's another manipulative liar
and everything is his fault.
That's not true!
You're the liar!
No!
Psst, psst, come
here!
This way, Mr. Arnold!
I did it!
I swiped the magic harp!
We can use this to contact any
spirit in the afterlife.
All you have to do is strum
the strings...
while dramatically incanting
the departed's name forward
and backwards three times!
Uh, are you sure?
Yes!
Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes.
Ramiro, Orimar.
Ramiro, Orimar.
Ramiro, Orimar!
Ooh!
- Huh?
- Arnold!
Ha, ha, where's the party, bro?
Ramiro, it's really you!
I missed you so much, my
friend.
Hey, got any beer, huh?
Ah! Thank you. I was
parched.
Let's party tonight, bro!
No, no, no, no,
no, no! We can't throw a party!
Parties are dangerous.
We're so goin' out.
Huh?
Stop! Police!
Quick, run!
What is this?
You're not hiding any
ghosts at home, are you, Mara?
Don't be silly, Micaela.
There's no such thing as ghosts.
Oh, God, they're gonna
find me!
Why am I even here?
I'm supposed to be in Heaven
with the other
good animals and lots of cheese!
Ramiro, I summoned your
spirit because I need answers.
I found your map, I followed it
through the forest,
and I spoke to the hermit,
but there are only mountains!
There's no way out!
I don't know, bro.
I'm just a ghost--a reflection.
I'm dead and empty inside.
My memories are all screwed up.
I mean, the only thing--
the only thing I remember is...
Those terrible eyes
that came from the sky.
That bird took me and threw me
into his filthy nest.
And in the distance,
I saw a path.
A way out of the forest.
I'm afraid the
only way outta here
is guarded by the Giant Owl.
Finding it is certain death.
Oh, my God!
What am I gonna do now?
Huh? No, what am I gonna
do?
I'm the one who's dead,
remember?
And not to be that guy,
but it's very selfish
that you invoked
my spirit without
asking my permission.
Yeah, you're right.
I summoned you without stopping
to think about your feelings.
It's just that I really needed a
friend.
I missed you.
So, I'm sorry.
It was wrong of me.
What's he doing up here?
Don't look at me!
I was invoked!
No, no, no, you see,
I invoked him because-
You're practicing black
magic!
Arnold, as we speak,
the police are looking
everywhere for ghosts!
You'll get arrested!
Do you even realize
the mess
we're getting ourselves into?
You've gone mental!
Both of you!
Hey, don't stress about
it, bro.
Now we get to spend all day,
every day together.
What more could you want?
I'm so sorry I hit you.
Well, you've hurt
me.
But no matter how hard you try,
you can never get rid of me,
Mara.
I feel so bad.
You're the only person
who actually listens to me.
I might
not come back,
but one of my sisters will!
Melancholy, Anxiety, or Anguish!
So you better watch your back!
You're a disgrace
to this company!
This is the gravest
and most vile infraction
that any employee can commit.
You traded
in unofficial ALMA products!
Piracy is destroying
businesses.
You are a
disappointment! As punishment,
you're being reassigned to a job
more fitting of your station!
Arnold.
Arnold!
Mr. Mushroom?
Is that you?
Yes, it's me, Mr.
Arnold!
They're forcing me to clean
the sewers now as punishment!
It's so dark and lonely here.
Huh?
I don't understand
what's going on anymore!
They know you're
not taking your pills, Arnold!
They know everything!
Everything!
Hey, shut up
and get
back to work, filthy mushroom!
Take this, and
take this!
Former child star
and multi-hyphenate artist
Little Ronnie Duck starred
in such classics
as "A Little Duck in Duckburg"
and "The Duck's Shoes."
Overworked and robbed
of a childhood,
a young independent producer
saved him
from his father's claws
and became his manager.
Little Ronnie Duck grew up and
found his most enduring success
with "The Crazy
Ronnie Duck Show."
Universally adored,
he was appointed
as the town crier
of ALMA's famous annual parade--
the most important event of the
year.
A blessed ALMA Day
to everyone!
A year later,
in a dramatic turn,
he wrote, directed, and starred
in "A Peak of Ridiculousness."
The critics of prestigious
festivals fell at his feet.
But a
general lack of interest
in auteur cinema
found him destitute.
After plummeting into
a cycle of addiction,
he is rumored to have tried to
escape,
but was found by
childhood friends
nearly dead in the mountains.
Broke and lost to the annals
of entertainment history,
he's said to be making
a comeback film
in which he plays a beggar.
Oh, I'm broken,
just like a child's toy!
I laugh, but I cry.
I laugh, but I cry!
Did you see that,
Ramiro?
That was Gregory
and our creepy neighbor Micaela!
They brainwashed Ronnie Duck!
He tried to escape like us,
but he didn't get away!
It makes sense now!
Hey, Ramiro, are you even
listening to me right now?
Please someone,
help me get out of here!
Ronnie! Where are you?
Get out here now!
Oh, good morning!
Grr, come here!
Stop it, no!
Don't hurt me!
You lied to me, Ronnie!
It's all a big cover-up!
I saw a report on TV!
Who are you?
Who are you really, goddamn it?
Oh.
You don't remember?
I'm Ronnie Duck. I'm your idol!
My destiny and yours are linked
forever.
I'm also suffering from
derealization, like you!
That's right.
I know what
it's like to feel like a
mere spectator
to your own life, like you're
outside of your own body.
Everything's nonsense--unreal!
Like some kind of dream.
It's normal!
Who's laughing? Who?
Uh, Arnold,
don't try to argue with it.
Remember, the audience is always
right.
You're lying to me
again, aren't you?
You're like everyone else!
Just like everyone else!
Stop resisting!
I'm placing you under arrest.
We can do this the easy way
or the hard way.
Are you okay, Mr.
Ronnie?
We came as fast as we could.
Need anything?
Uh, no, no. I'm
fine.
Thank you very
much, officer.
And good morning!
I'm sorry.
I'm so sorry.
Thank you for using the last
of our savings to pay my bail.
You should be thanking
Gregory.
He's the one who ended up
bailing you out.
Without his help,
you'd be in prison right now.
Mara, I need to figure
out what's happening to me.
Haven't you noticed
how everything's so strange?
It's like we're in a-
Arnold, you're obsessed,
but you need to
drop this idea, okay?
Look, I'm getting more
commissions from the paper,
and the bank is forgiving our
debt.
I just need you to take your
pills and get healthy for me.
All I want is just to be
free.
So do I, Arnold.
So do I.
You're shaking a lot.
Just a little cold.
Music was my refuge in
the darkness.
I could express any emotion
through my harp,
but without it,
my life no longer has meaning.
In this world, monsters are the
only ones who truly know love.
Bein' a ghost sucks.
What kinda life can you lead
when you don't have one?
You feel lonely, invisible,
and empty inside.
These fences are
barriers that prevent us
from understanding the absurdity
of our lives.
I'm afraid I'll never learn
who I really am.
Because I've always just done
what I was told to.
Sometimes we're forced to
make choices we don't want to.
For our own good.
I just want a normal life.
Like everyone else.
With vacations,
a respectable job, hobbies.
I'm sorry I couldn't understand
you.
But I choose this for myself.
Even if it hurts.
I hope you can forgive
me.
Mara.
Mara's gone,
Arnold. For good.
Leave me alone, Ramiro.
It's better this
way, brother.
Don't forget, she's never
let you be yourself.
It's better to go
live in the forest
where you can escape
reality through drugs.
Don't you think, bro?
Yeah, of course.
Hey, uh, do you want another
beer?
No, no!
I'd much prefer
a delicious cup of ALMA coffee.
Wait a minute!
You're not Ramiro!
Why are you following me?
Why?
Poor animals.
Come in, please.
Hello, good afternoon!
Is this Citizen Resources?
I'm Pippo and I'm excited
to be your new sales intern.
Yes, yes. Come
in. Of course.
We've been expecting you, Pippo.
Good boy.
Please, follow
me.
How are you feeling, kid?
I'm very nervous, sir.
I've been trying to memorize
the entire ALMA catalog.
Just memorize
the addresses.
Addresses? But why?
What am I gonna do?
What we all do,
Pippo.
What we all do.
It's always the same.
Every year we have several
characters who deviate,
and we have to get them back.
Look what happened to your
father, Pippo.
I hope you never follow in his
footsteps.
And those
who go off script
or never learn to
adapt tend to disappear.
Yes, it's a
shame.
Take Arnold, for instance.
We've tried everything with him.
We've made him suffer,
we broke him,
but Arnold has no values.
He only wants to destroy
everything!
ALMA, his partner, his life.
And he had a life where
he could feel free!
But no. He only thinks
about his own desires,
not about the good of society.
Do you think he'll
die, Boss?
He's already
dead.
Mara, on the other
hand, is valuable.
She already accepted the offer
and gone with Gregory.
They make such a wonderful
couple!
Now the only
thing left to
do is to catch Ramiro's ghost.
How's the investigation going?
Any updates, Fake Ghost?
Why are you crying?
Wait a second!
Who are you?
It's Arnold! Ooh!
Hey, hurry! Catch
him!
Don't let him escape!
Arnold!
Arnold, stop!
W--we're your best
friends, Arnold! Wait!
Warning. Warning.
An escaped lunatic with violent
tendencies is at large.
Danger! Danger!
Hey! Stop right
there!
Hey, we're your
friends! Don't run away!
Where do you think
you're goin'?
No, please! Don't hurt
me!
Please, don't! No!
I still can't tell how
much of this is real,
or if it's all just a dream.
Arnold, in this world,
it's impossible to dream.
It's true.
In this world,
it's impossible to dream.
Mara!
Mara, no!
Come back, Mara!
Oh, where am I?
Of course.
It's obvious.
This is the only way
to ever
really truly be free, isn't it?
Arnold!
Arnold!
No!
Mara!
Hold on. Is this real life?
Or just another bad dream?
Oh!
I'm sorry!
I'm so, so sorry!
But what happened to
you?
You don't even
want to know
what I went through to
escape from there!
Look at us!
Look at what they've done to us!
Mara!
They brought us both here
for this exact moment!
But I know what I feel is
real.
I've realized my life is
meaningless.
But with you--
with you, I felt free.
Forgive me.
I think I'm going crazy.
And who isn't?
Do you think we can start
over?
As if none of this had happened?
Mara, it doesn't matter
what forces brought us here.
What only matters is
what we choose to build for
ourselves from here on out.
Hi, good afternoon,
Mr. Arnold.
Hello, sir.
Is something wrong?
If there's any problem,
I'll happily go to the
factory and fix it.
No, no, it's not
that.
I just wanted to
see your face...
when I gave you the good news in
person.
Are you ready?
It's the best news ever!
You're the guest speaker
for this year's ALMA Day parade!
Oh, my darling,
I'm so proud of you!
But--but me?
Are you sure?
Yes, Arnold. You!
'Cause of your model behavior,
ALMA has decided to show you off
as an example
of what all citizens should
aspire to.
They want you to speak about
the new housing plans
and how excited you are
for Paradise Three-B!
You're the ideal
ALMA citizen.
Ah! Oh, thank you very
much, Mr. Ronnie, sir.
It's a great honor.
Thank you. Thank you.
Good morning!
Arnold, tomorrow.
Tomorrow?
I dunno, Mara.
It feels like for the first time
in a long time,
we're doing all right.
I'm getting promoted, and I'm
the commencement speaker.
We are turning into them,
Arnold. Tomorrow.
Tomorrow.
Tomorrow.
Tomorrow.
Tomorrow.
marching band playing
Hello,
our esteemed neighbor.
Do you want to walk down
to the parade with us?
Uh, no, thank you.
I'm just, uh, way too nervous.
I should stay and prepare my
speech.
It's a great
responsibility.
Oh, a word of advice.
Always be yourself.
band playing continues
Do you need
help, Mrs. Old Lady?
Follow me, Boss.
I'll lead the way.
I believe this
is the safest route, Boss!
Please don't call me
Boss.
Uh, you sure it's this
way?
Come on!
It's right here!
Whoa!
Oh, it stinks!
I kinda like it.
And so for
the culmination of
the great ALMA Day festivities,
we christen this brand new
lower-middle-class
housing development,
Paradise Three-B!
Now,
then, let's give
a round of applause
to Mr. Arnold
who is ALMA's employee of the
year!
We're so proud of
you, Arnold.
Uh?
Mr. Arnold?
Mr. Arnold!
Please, find your
way to the stage!
Mr. Arnold?
Where are you?
He's not here! Not here!
They escaped to the
sewers!
They've fled, sir.
They're going into the forest!
They've escaped!
I can't believe it!
Let's rile
ourselves up into an angry mob
and drag them out of the forest!
Oh, no!
We won't be able to get through!
It's your fault!
You're the ones who created me!
I hope Chicken's okay.
Come on!
We have to stick to the plan!
I think this is
the exit.
Hey, this way!
Stand back.
It's my time to shine.
Uh, huh? Eh?
Huh?
He's not here, guys.
He's not here?
Ah, what luck!
Where do you think
you're going, Mara?
Gregory?
I'm so scared!
After all I've done for
you, for both of you,
you go and do this?
You have betrayed ALMA!
We're leaving, you filthy
rat!
Don't try to stop us!
You don't know
what you're doing.
Come back to me, Mara.
I promise this won't happen
again.
I'd rather die
than go back with you!
We're getting out of
here!
Arnold, just forget
about her.
If you stay,
you could live in Zone A,
have a nice car,
and a big swimming pool.
We could even get you a new
wife.
You'll be Deputy Director.
Deputy Director!
Really? Deputy Director?
But who's the Director?
Yeah, who's the director
of ALMA, Gregory?
That's not what's
important.
What's important is the system.
People conforming to society.
That's being civilized.
You're wrong, Gregory!
What really matters is love.
Love's the only real thing in
this whole world,
which means everything else is
fake!
You don't know what it's
like to truly love, Gregory!
I--I...
Gregory can't answer
you because he is incapable
of knowing the meaning of love.
He is a shell of a
man in a nice suit
who only does what ALMA says.
Hey, you! Just shut up!
What do you know, dumb bird?
Don't you dare-
Be thankful you're
much smarter
than poor Gregory is.
You are the only ones who
have figured out
that the true answer is love.
It's the only real thing in this
world.
You are free to go.
Ah, please.
Get me out of here.
It's beautiful.
What's happening?
Arnold!
You were right!
Forgive me!
I never believed you!
This is all fake!
It's not real!
Like it was a...
A...
Decorado!
Decorado
Decorado
Decorado
Decorado
Decorado
Decorado
So it was true all
along!
Everything is a movie set!
Yes, Arnold.
It's all a movie set.
But at least this is our movie.
Decorado
Decorado
Decorado
Decorado
Decorado
Decorado
Decorado
Decorado
Decorado
Decorado
Decorado
Decorado,
Decorado
My darling, do you ever
feel like the world around us
is getting stranger and
stranger?
Like it was all just a--a...
A what?
Ah, what a beautiful
morning. I love you.
Good morning,
love of my life.
Ah, you look radiant this
morning.
Hey! Turn that down!
Stop running,
Ronnie Duck!
We're your friends!
Ronnie Duck!
Help me, please!
Somebody get me outta here!
It's an ALMA TV
show.
Almighty Limitless
Megacorporative Agency.
Arnold,
please turn down the volume.
I'm trying to work here.
B--b--but it's
"The Adventures of Ronnie Duck."
He's my favorite.
But darling,
Ronnie Duck is just a cartoon.
This is your life.
And you're wasting it.
What time is it?
Oh, I'm gonna be late for work.
Arnold, you've been
unemployed for years.
Hello! How are you
this morning, Mr. Arnold?
Good morning, Mrs.
Bearcub.
Did you see what
happened to
the forest last night?
Who do you think could have
started it?
It was probably one
of those
deadbeat possums up to no good.
Don't you think so, Miss
Micaela?
I may be new here but
I can tell you that
the poor always try
to find ways to spread their
sorrow.
Hello.
Good morning, dear
neighbor!
Mother, our neighbors
are no more
than well-carved marionettes.
Shadows on our cave all.
Shapeless, voiceless
forms that leave
no impressions on our memories.
- Hey!
- Ah!
Hey!
Good morning, Mr.
Arnold.
Would you like to buy any
ALMA-brand products today?
A lavender air freshener to
cover up that pesky fire smell?
Or maybe a brand new TV for the
"Best of Ronnie Duck" marathon?
I don't need anything
today, Mr. Mushroom.
Oh, Mr. Arnold,
please!
You have to buy something from
me! Please, please!
I don't want anything!
I don't need your products.
I don't need your gadgets.
I just need money!
Oh!
That's so shallow.
But what do I do?
I don't have the money to sell
you money!
Hey, you're
not one of those
pathetic unemployed
mice, are you?
Yeah, I am.
I've been looking
for a job for years,
but I haven't been
able to find one.
I can't stand
parasites like you!
I'm an essential worker, you
know!
Every day I carry important
mail-
Oh, hey, Arnold.
How's life treating you?
You remember me, don't you?
Ah, hello, Mr. Gregory.
Well, you know, I'm trying.
But how are you?
Honestly, Arnold,
I can't complain.
Listen, how has Mara been?
I haven't heard from her
in quite a while.
Well, she's okay.
She's a little stressed about
her work, but it'll be fine.
Send her my warmest
regards.
That poor woman.
I think of her often.
Well, I better leave.
Being ALMA's deputy director
is a big responsibility.
There's a long workflow pipeline
to manage and, uh, the masses,
they don't really want to work.
I've been out of work
for years!
Is there anything--anything
at all you could give me?
Get a move on,
Sempronius.
I have an urgent letter to
write.
Huh?
You're truly
pathetic!
Huh?
Help!
We don't want
poor people here!
Hey! Hey, stop!
Stop it!
Leave him alone!
He's just a poor beggar.
I'm calling the police.
Look, we are
the police, you idiot!
Oh!
You need to
learn to mind your own business.
- Excuse me, Mr. Beggar?
- Huh?
Wait, aren't you the
famous actor, Ronnie Duck?
Me? No, no, no!
Yes! Yes, you are!
You're bloated and have maybe
peed on yourself,
but I'd recognize Ronnie Duck
anywhere!
You were my favorite ALMA star
when I was a kid.
It's been so long
since someone recognized me.
You were my idol.
Yeah, I had it all.
And look where I am now.
Cast aside, just like
a child's broken toy.
I laugh, but I cry.
I laugh, but I cry!
Say, got any spare change on
you?
It'd really help your idol out.
Uh, sorry. I don't have
any money, but, um...
Mm?
Hey, what the hell's this?
You couldn't even spare a
dollar?
How 'bout a quarter?
Or spare change?
Spare change!
Am I crazy or is there
weird stuff going on lately?
Like we're constantly being
watched?
Our neighbors, other people.
Ronnie Duck is out there begging
for spare change.
Poor Ronnie Duck.
What happened to him?
Stop!
The same thing is going to
happen to us, Arnold. Look!
Oh.
We only have two months
before they kick us out.
Just two months!
We'll end up living on the
streets.
Or worse, in the forest!
Where are we gonna get the money
from, Arnold?
I don't know, darling.
I mean, how can I find a job
if the market is so bad that
the great Ronnie Duck is
panhandling?
Arnold, I already have
enough on my plate supporting us
without having to worry about
you.
Do whatever you want, but do
something.
I just want you to be happy.
I try. Sometimes I feel
like I'm completely worthless.
Huh?
Hey!
A nice, long vacation.
That's exactly what I
need now.
To get out of here for a while,
bro.
Yeah.
I'd spend all day
in that lake if I
could afford to.
I wish we had some
money, Chicken Crazy.
What a shitty life.
Hmm.
It totally sucks being
poor, dude.
Hey, well you should at
least be grateful that you have
a place that's paid off.
Place where you feel safe,
place they
can't take away from you, place-
Checkmate!
Oh, it's not
fair!
You're crazy, Chicken
Crazy.
Very, very crazy.
It's not fair.
It's not fair!
No matter what I do,
I always lose! Why?
You two don't even hear
a word I'm saying.
We only have two months before
the bank forecloses on us.
Arnold, you know ALMA
doesn't care about
little people like us.
But you're not alone, bro.
You'll always have your best
friend, remember?
We'll end up on the
streets!
Or worst, in the forest!
Eh, the forest isn't
as bad as they say.
I can take you.
I know it real well.
Come on, let's go right now!
B--b--but it's
dangerous. It's dangerous!
It's dangerous.
It's dangerous!
Dangerous!
Oh, God, we shouldn't be
here.
They're gonna put us in prison!
Calm down, Arnold.
Already investigated the place.
The forest is full
of secrets and mysteries.
All sorts of different
animals are living out here.
Folks who have had a hard time
adapting.
Look, there's little Jerry.
You remember him?
Yeah, we used to play in
the park together.
My God!
Ah, don't worry. He's
all right.
He gets to spend
all day laughin'
and hangin' out
with his friends.
This way, this way.
Decorado
There are also evil
creatures.
Unholy demons who
can steal your soul,
but with devilish musical flair.
Decorado
Decorado
Here's something
you're really gonna appreciate.
There are mermaids here!
Beautiful mermaids!
Mermaids? Are you
serious?
I heard
they're half fish,
half female, and 100% passion!
Ah!
Ah!
Hello. What's your name?
But why?
Why won't anybody love me?
Why am I such a monster?
Ramiro, this place is
horrible.
We need to go home now.
Besides, Mara must be worried
sick.
At least you
have someone
who worries about you, bro.
Someone who really loves you.
There aren't a lot of folks you
can trust these days.
Oh!
Hey, what's going on?
You're acting weird.
Uh,
there's something that's
been bothering me for a while.
I've been keeping it a secret,
but I know I can trust you two.
Okay, this might sound crazy,
but...
But doesn't our world feel
strange to you?
Our neighbors,
the people,
the ALMA company,
even your own families?
Do you not see it?
The people are actors, man!
They've been watching us!
You noticed it, too?
I thought I was the only one!
I thought I was crazy!
They all told me I was!
I've been called
crazy, too!
No, you're absolutely
not!
They're the crazy ones, not us!
Listen.
I've been investigating
and collecting clues,
and I think there's a way out of
here, you guys.
Have you ever wondered what lies
beyond?
Beyond what?
Beyond this forest, man!
Another place, another way of
livin'!
Somewhere we can be free!
Oh, no. Run!
No!
- No! Ramiro!
- Ramiro!
No!
organ music playing
But why?
Why did you have to take him
from us?
Why?
Damn you, Giant
Owl!
Damn you!
organ music ends
What a thoughtful
gesture from ALMA.
It's the most expensive wreath
they make.
Ramiro would have
wanted it that way.
They say he'd sneak
into the forest.
Who'd ever want to go
in there?
Yeah.
Ramiro was crazy
for wandering around in
the forest all alone.
I heard he
was doing drugs with possums.
Always say no to drugs,
my child.
No!
Mara, dear, how have you
been?
You have to come by the center
soon.
We never see you anymore.
Oh, well, uh,
I barely have free time.
- So much work.
- Hah.
You'd have more time if you
divorced that useless husband.
Like I did with your father.
Mom, it's just that...
Arnold.
Stay strong,
Arnold.
At least you and I still have
each other.
Now I'm your best friend
in this crazy world.
Stop! Stop right
there, Mr. Chicken Crazy!
You're under arrest!
No! No!
You have the
right to remain silent.
Everything you say will be used
against you in a court of law.
Let go of me!
You are hereby
under arrest for arson!
For burning the forest!
organ music playing
Leave me alone,
you lying dogs!
I didn't do
anything!
Yeah? Then how
come we found multiple cans
of gasoline stockpiled in your
egg house?
Enough to burn down half the
forest!
I always knew that
chicken was crazy.
Please! No!
I told you it wasn't me!
I love plants! I swear! No!
No!
Cock-a-doodle do!
Cock-a-doodle-doo!
I didn't cock-a-doodle-do it!
I think you should come
downstairs.
You'll feel better.
You have to eat something.
Come on. Your favorite cartoons
are on right now.
Hmm, your rapid
heartbeat is cause for concern.
You need some rest
and relaxation,
and most importantly,
never go into the forest like
Ramiro did.
Mr. Arnold, you're suffering
from a condition called
derealization disorder.
Sometimes
life presents us
with extreme worries
and problems.
And those stressors can
make us experience
bizarre things that
aren't entirely real.
Huh?
It is no measure of
health to be well-adjusted
to a profoundly sick society.
Well, it's "normal."
Whenever you have
these feelings,
these pills can really help.
They're the same ones I take,
and they work great for me.
Doctor, I can't even
tell if any of this is real,
or it's all just a bad dream.
Arnold, in this world,
it's impossible to dream.
Decorado
The world
is a spectacular stage.
But it has a cast of deplorable
actors.
No! No, please
don't!
So I hear you
like to burn things, do ya?
No!
Ah, no, no!
No!
There's your
fire, you degenerate!
Look away, guys.
That chicken is just so crazy!
He's a foul fowl arsonist!
Am I an arsonist?
Look alive, Sparky.
- You've got a visitor.
- Huh?
You have to hold on.
Be strong.
You look good, man.
Here, I brought you your
favorite food to cheer you up.
Ah, wings!
Ah, thank you, Arnold!
I'm starving in here!
This place is
hell!
The food is just
horrible!
And I'm surrounded by criminals!
I know you're innocent!
I swear I will make ALMA get you
a public defender.
It's useless.
Every society needs
its fair share
of criminals to maintain
its equilibrium.
This is all very
strange.
You being unfairly imprisoned?
Poor Ramiro.
Oh, poor Ramiro.
Arnold!
Ramiro had a plan!
He told me about it!
He'd been spending a lot of time
investigating in the forest,
trying to find a way out of
here!
And you've gotta keep his flame
burning, Arnold!
Search! Search his house!
You're the only one who can do
it!
Keep the fire alive, Arnold!
Follow the fire!
Quit your
squawking.
Time's up, pal.
No!
Help, please!
Stop!
No!
Arnold! Arnold!
Water my garden!
Please, go water my garden!
Hey! What are you doing?
- Hey!
- Can't you see?
We're building.
But what about when he
gets out of prison?
Where's he gonna live?
Don't know, don't care.
He should have accepted the
buyout when he had the chance.
Huh?
Now, before you
say anything, I
already know
what you're thinking.
Sure, it's a little lived-in,
but this rustic property has
just been waiting a long time
for the right couple to give it
some love.
You'll probably have to do a bit
of renovating,
but if you ask me,
it's a worthwhile investment.
This is a pig sty in
the middle of nowhere!
Look sweetheart,
it's a charming
country get-away.
Besides, with Paradise Three-B
goin' up over here soon,
you'll be at the center of
everything before you know it.
Mr. Ronnie, I speak
for both of us
when I say we're
extremely interested.
You have a nose
for real estate.
This is a perfect
opportunity for
the right kind of
investor or speculator.
Why don't we head back
to my office for the paperwork?
We can discuss all
of your financing options there.
You know, the
previous tenant, Mr. Ramiro,
was actually a close friend of
mine.
Sadly, he passed away in
the Giant Owl attack.
Ah? Huh?
Huh?
You should quit.
Why push yourself?
Drawing's tough when you have no
talent.
What? Why would you say
that?
Because I've been
watching you and I
see your work ethic, or lack of.
You waste hours dwelling
on your insecurities.
And who are you, anyway?
I'm a fairy.
I can see that.
But what is your name?
Oh, sorry.
Let's start over.
My name is Depression.
See those happy
lovers down there?
Look at them.
Let yourself dwell on the past.
The nostalgia, the memories.
Those better days that
are never coming back.
You were quite the
looker,
and you had such grand plans
for the future, remember?
All you wanted was
to save money,
enjoy life, and be happy.
You were so close.
You did everything together.
You'll never feel
that kind of love again.
You'll never regain the passion
you had for each other.
You were together
against everything.
Against the system, ALMA,
your families, even yourselves.
Huh?
Oh!
The two of you, you're
fired! Get out!
But sometimes young
people don't consider
the consequences of their
actions.
So you decided
to work on your little drawings
instead of working towards your
future.
But what can you achieve with
your art?
Life has a way
of putting us in our place.
You walked away
like an immature child.
Actually, you've
never been able to help him.
And you can no
longer even pinpoint
the moment when you started
asking yourself,
"What's the point of it all?"
Huh?
Uh, huh?
Come on,
we gotta
finish this as soon as possible.
Careful, man.
This place is crawling with
cops.
Come on. I'll take you somewhere
safe.
Follow me.
You're lucky we found
you when we did.
Drink that.
It'll help you relax.
But why are you living
out here?
Anything or anyone
that society doesn't want you
to see ends up here in the
forest.
I used to be a lawyer for
ALMA. Seems like a lifetime ago.
And I was an engineer,
but sometimes
things happen in life
that are just out
of your control.
But have you ever
wondered what lies beyond?
Beyond what?
Beyond this damn forest!
Look at this map.
See?
It looks like there's some sort
of path that leads out of here.
Maybe you guys could come with
me and we could-
Hey, let me see! This
could be valuable, you know.
Wow! An unofficial
map of all the secrets
of the forest.
Hey, how much do you think ALMA
would pay for this?
Alma?
Who do you think gives
us this, you idiot?
Come on! Give us your
sneakers and empty your pockets,
and we promise not to hurt ya!
Ah, okay, this isn't
a very funny joke, you guys.
No, I refuse to hand
over-
Hello?
Excuse me, sir.
Is the exit this way?
What exactly
are you searching for?
The way out!
There's gotta be
some road across
these mountains, isn't there?
These are the Mountains
of Death.
Not even my mountain goats
dare cross them.
Everything's surrounded by
mountains.
Sharp as an old man's teeth.
Cold as they are steep.
There is only death.
So you're saying there's
no way to leave?
What are you escaping
from?
Everything!
I just wanna live an authentic
life!
To be free!
Freedom isn't determined
by physical location,
but rather by your
own emotional stasis
and the balance
within ourselves.
The only true freedom is freedom
from letting go
all your desires.
You may stay here with me.
In the mountains,
you can live a blissful life,
devoid of any attachments.
Stay here?
No, no, no, no, no, no, no.
Anyways, I could never leave
without Mara.
I have to go back
and fix all of this!
I hear you.
Sometimes our struggle
for balance requires
us to turn around
and confront what we've left
behind.
Safe travels and good luck, I
guess.
B--but how do I get home from
here?
Good luck, my friend.
Good luck.
Where have you been?
I've been worried sick!
And where did those bruises come
from?
Tell me where you were!
Uh, I was just out
looking for work.
Until 3:00 in the
morning, Arnold?
Ms. Micaela and
Mr. Bear came by earlier.
They were asking for you.
What?
Yeah! I had to lie
and tell them you were sick!
I know they're watching
me! Watching both of us!
Please, stop this
already!
Mara, is there really
no way for us to leave?
Leave what, Arnold?
Do you not hear what you're
saying?
Our relationship is
falling apart
and all you wanna do is run!
Maybe you're right.
Maybe there isn't a way out.
I think we should
separate for a while,
see if we can reset our lives.
I don't know.
Nowadays you just feel so
distant from me.
Like how you always disappear
when things get tough.
You're completely
tethered to the past!
You're clinging
to your delusions
while avoiding responsibilities,
instead of growing
up and getting a
job like the rest of us.
But Mara,
don't you see that everything in
your life revolves around work?
Do you still love me? Do you
have any feelings left for me?
There's a letter here for you!
A letter for you!
A letter!
Oh, no.
Another letter from the bank.
Wait.
Ramiro,
I don't know what to do.
I've tried everything!
Mr. Mushroom, is that
you?
What are you doing here?
Hey, what's going on?
Why are you following me?
Why are you all watching me?
Please don't hurt
me, Mr. Arnold!
I just wanna show you our new
line of products!
I'm too poor to buy
anything!
I'm broke, remember?
But Mr. Arnold,
you're the only person who will
still listen to my sales pitch!
You're the only real person in
this town!
I'm just a poor mushroom
working to make
a better life for my family!
Just like you!
I live in Zone E5, Mr. Arnold.
The worst in the whole city!
In a moldy mushroom house
with a sagging roof.
ALMA has already given an
ultimatum to its sellers,
and I have mouths to feed, you
know?
Dada,
I'm starving to death!
Dad,
is there anything
to eat besides dirt soup?
Son, gnaw on your
arm like I showed you.
That will mimic the sensation of
eating!
Daddy,
Pippo's trying to eat me alive.
Dad! Dad! Dad! Dad! Dad!
It's hard.
It's so very hard.
Say, would you like to buy a
mushroom kid?
Adopting a needy child
could bring back
the passion to your marriage!
Just buy one! Please, Arnold!
So the rest of us can eat!
It shouldn't be like
this.
How I hate ALMA.
Me, too.
More than anything in the world.
But, shh, they're always
listening!
I miss Ramiro.
He'd know exactly what to do
right now.
Ramiro was my best friend.
And he could always come up
with a plan to save us.
Hmm.
If you want to see Ramiro,
I think I know how to.
What? You do?
Hmm.
When you're on the streets
as much as I am,
you end up learning a thing or
two.
And I'm pretty sure
I know a way for you
to contact your friend
on the other side.
Oh. Ah!
Satisfaction guaranteed!
Thank you for meeting
me, Mara.
It's been much too long
since we last spoke.
I'm not sure exactly
what you want.
In your letter you said you need
to talk to me, but why?
I just wanted to catch
up. So how are you?
Not so great.
I haven't had many commissions,
we owe months of rent,
and our house is about
to get foreclosed on.
I don't know what we're gonna
do.
Mara, it's okay.
Don't worry about the bank
anymore. I'll handle it.
With all of my contacts there,
I'll get your debt canceled.
Besides, my cousin
is the art director
for the "Daily ALMA" newspaper.
I'll talk to him for you.
Look, your drawings are
fantastic, Mara.
And they deserve to be
published.
Gregory, I really don't
know how to thank you.
You didn't have to be so
generous.
Listen. Being the
deputy director of a company
as complex as ALMA
is a great responsibility.
As a mature mouse, I know
exactly what I want in life.
You're a wonderful woman and you
deserve
a better life than you have.
Mara, if you wanted,
we could leave this place
together and never come back.
And I could give you
a stable life free of worry.
You want to be free, right?
Mara, he doesn't deserve you.
He loves you, but I love you
more.
I always did.
What's wrong?
I don't know! I'm stuck
on this!
Drawing for the "Daily ALMA"
is such a big responsibility.
Maybe
you're stuck because
you weren't hired
for your talent.
You're well-connected.
You don't deserve this job,
and deep down you know it.
Time for breakfast!
Come on. You have to eat
something.
What's wrong, Mara?
Are you okay?
I don't know, Arnold.
What if I'm not really qualified
for this job?
I don't have what it
takes.
Why is everything always
so difficult?
You were right.
My whole life revolves
around work,
and I'm not even good at it!
I don't even know if I wanna
keep drawing anymore!
Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey!
You're an incredibly talented
artist. I admire you, really!
At
least you have a passion.
Something that drives and moves
you.
Not like me.
Arnold, you don't look
well lately.
Have you been taking your
medication?
I don't trust it.
Why don't you trust it?
Mara,
are you seeing other people?
I don't, uh...
If you were,
I'd understand it.
I know you haven't been happy
with me.
I'd get it if you wanted to
leave.
Before anything, we're friends,
and I love you as a person.
I don't--I don't know.
You're wonderful.
Your life'll never
change if you stay.
Darling, you deserve more.
He's another manipulative liar
and everything is his fault.
That's not true!
You're the liar!
No!
Psst, psst, come
here!
This way, Mr. Arnold!
I did it!
I swiped the magic harp!
We can use this to contact any
spirit in the afterlife.
All you have to do is strum
the strings...
while dramatically incanting
the departed's name forward
and backwards three times!
Uh, are you sure?
Yes!
Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes.
Ramiro, Orimar.
Ramiro, Orimar.
Ramiro, Orimar!
Ooh!
- Huh?
- Arnold!
Ha, ha, where's the party, bro?
Ramiro, it's really you!
I missed you so much, my
friend.
Hey, got any beer, huh?
Ah! Thank you. I was
parched.
Let's party tonight, bro!
No, no, no, no,
no, no! We can't throw a party!
Parties are dangerous.
We're so goin' out.
Huh?
Stop! Police!
Quick, run!
What is this?
You're not hiding any
ghosts at home, are you, Mara?
Don't be silly, Micaela.
There's no such thing as ghosts.
Oh, God, they're gonna
find me!
Why am I even here?
I'm supposed to be in Heaven
with the other
good animals and lots of cheese!
Ramiro, I summoned your
spirit because I need answers.
I found your map, I followed it
through the forest,
and I spoke to the hermit,
but there are only mountains!
There's no way out!
I don't know, bro.
I'm just a ghost--a reflection.
I'm dead and empty inside.
My memories are all screwed up.
I mean, the only thing--
the only thing I remember is...
Those terrible eyes
that came from the sky.
That bird took me and threw me
into his filthy nest.
And in the distance,
I saw a path.
A way out of the forest.
I'm afraid the
only way outta here
is guarded by the Giant Owl.
Finding it is certain death.
Oh, my God!
What am I gonna do now?
Huh? No, what am I gonna
do?
I'm the one who's dead,
remember?
And not to be that guy,
but it's very selfish
that you invoked
my spirit without
asking my permission.
Yeah, you're right.
I summoned you without stopping
to think about your feelings.
It's just that I really needed a
friend.
I missed you.
So, I'm sorry.
It was wrong of me.
What's he doing up here?
Don't look at me!
I was invoked!
No, no, no, you see,
I invoked him because-
You're practicing black
magic!
Arnold, as we speak,
the police are looking
everywhere for ghosts!
You'll get arrested!
Do you even realize
the mess
we're getting ourselves into?
You've gone mental!
Both of you!
Hey, don't stress about
it, bro.
Now we get to spend all day,
every day together.
What more could you want?
I'm so sorry I hit you.
Well, you've hurt
me.
But no matter how hard you try,
you can never get rid of me,
Mara.
I feel so bad.
You're the only person
who actually listens to me.
I might
not come back,
but one of my sisters will!
Melancholy, Anxiety, or Anguish!
So you better watch your back!
You're a disgrace
to this company!
This is the gravest
and most vile infraction
that any employee can commit.
You traded
in unofficial ALMA products!
Piracy is destroying
businesses.
You are a
disappointment! As punishment,
you're being reassigned to a job
more fitting of your station!
Arnold.
Arnold!
Mr. Mushroom?
Is that you?
Yes, it's me, Mr.
Arnold!
They're forcing me to clean
the sewers now as punishment!
It's so dark and lonely here.
Huh?
I don't understand
what's going on anymore!
They know you're
not taking your pills, Arnold!
They know everything!
Everything!
Hey, shut up
and get
back to work, filthy mushroom!
Take this, and
take this!
Former child star
and multi-hyphenate artist
Little Ronnie Duck starred
in such classics
as "A Little Duck in Duckburg"
and "The Duck's Shoes."
Overworked and robbed
of a childhood,
a young independent producer
saved him
from his father's claws
and became his manager.
Little Ronnie Duck grew up and
found his most enduring success
with "The Crazy
Ronnie Duck Show."
Universally adored,
he was appointed
as the town crier
of ALMA's famous annual parade--
the most important event of the
year.
A blessed ALMA Day
to everyone!
A year later,
in a dramatic turn,
he wrote, directed, and starred
in "A Peak of Ridiculousness."
The critics of prestigious
festivals fell at his feet.
But a
general lack of interest
in auteur cinema
found him destitute.
After plummeting into
a cycle of addiction,
he is rumored to have tried to
escape,
but was found by
childhood friends
nearly dead in the mountains.
Broke and lost to the annals
of entertainment history,
he's said to be making
a comeback film
in which he plays a beggar.
Oh, I'm broken,
just like a child's toy!
I laugh, but I cry.
I laugh, but I cry!
Did you see that,
Ramiro?
That was Gregory
and our creepy neighbor Micaela!
They brainwashed Ronnie Duck!
He tried to escape like us,
but he didn't get away!
It makes sense now!
Hey, Ramiro, are you even
listening to me right now?
Please someone,
help me get out of here!
Ronnie! Where are you?
Get out here now!
Oh, good morning!
Grr, come here!
Stop it, no!
Don't hurt me!
You lied to me, Ronnie!
It's all a big cover-up!
I saw a report on TV!
Who are you?
Who are you really, goddamn it?
Oh.
You don't remember?
I'm Ronnie Duck. I'm your idol!
My destiny and yours are linked
forever.
I'm also suffering from
derealization, like you!
That's right.
I know what
it's like to feel like a
mere spectator
to your own life, like you're
outside of your own body.
Everything's nonsense--unreal!
Like some kind of dream.
It's normal!
Who's laughing? Who?
Uh, Arnold,
don't try to argue with it.
Remember, the audience is always
right.
You're lying to me
again, aren't you?
You're like everyone else!
Just like everyone else!
Stop resisting!
I'm placing you under arrest.
We can do this the easy way
or the hard way.
Are you okay, Mr.
Ronnie?
We came as fast as we could.
Need anything?
Uh, no, no. I'm
fine.
Thank you very
much, officer.
And good morning!
I'm sorry.
I'm so sorry.
Thank you for using the last
of our savings to pay my bail.
You should be thanking
Gregory.
He's the one who ended up
bailing you out.
Without his help,
you'd be in prison right now.
Mara, I need to figure
out what's happening to me.
Haven't you noticed
how everything's so strange?
It's like we're in a-
Arnold, you're obsessed,
but you need to
drop this idea, okay?
Look, I'm getting more
commissions from the paper,
and the bank is forgiving our
debt.
I just need you to take your
pills and get healthy for me.
All I want is just to be
free.
So do I, Arnold.
So do I.
You're shaking a lot.
Just a little cold.
Music was my refuge in
the darkness.
I could express any emotion
through my harp,
but without it,
my life no longer has meaning.
In this world, monsters are the
only ones who truly know love.
Bein' a ghost sucks.
What kinda life can you lead
when you don't have one?
You feel lonely, invisible,
and empty inside.
These fences are
barriers that prevent us
from understanding the absurdity
of our lives.
I'm afraid I'll never learn
who I really am.
Because I've always just done
what I was told to.
Sometimes we're forced to
make choices we don't want to.
For our own good.
I just want a normal life.
Like everyone else.
With vacations,
a respectable job, hobbies.
I'm sorry I couldn't understand
you.
But I choose this for myself.
Even if it hurts.
I hope you can forgive
me.
Mara.
Mara's gone,
Arnold. For good.
Leave me alone, Ramiro.
It's better this
way, brother.
Don't forget, she's never
let you be yourself.
It's better to go
live in the forest
where you can escape
reality through drugs.
Don't you think, bro?
Yeah, of course.
Hey, uh, do you want another
beer?
No, no!
I'd much prefer
a delicious cup of ALMA coffee.
Wait a minute!
You're not Ramiro!
Why are you following me?
Why?
Poor animals.
Come in, please.
Hello, good afternoon!
Is this Citizen Resources?
I'm Pippo and I'm excited
to be your new sales intern.
Yes, yes. Come
in. Of course.
We've been expecting you, Pippo.
Good boy.
Please, follow
me.
How are you feeling, kid?
I'm very nervous, sir.
I've been trying to memorize
the entire ALMA catalog.
Just memorize
the addresses.
Addresses? But why?
What am I gonna do?
What we all do,
Pippo.
What we all do.
It's always the same.
Every year we have several
characters who deviate,
and we have to get them back.
Look what happened to your
father, Pippo.
I hope you never follow in his
footsteps.
And those
who go off script
or never learn to
adapt tend to disappear.
Yes, it's a
shame.
Take Arnold, for instance.
We've tried everything with him.
We've made him suffer,
we broke him,
but Arnold has no values.
He only wants to destroy
everything!
ALMA, his partner, his life.
And he had a life where
he could feel free!
But no. He only thinks
about his own desires,
not about the good of society.
Do you think he'll
die, Boss?
He's already
dead.
Mara, on the other
hand, is valuable.
She already accepted the offer
and gone with Gregory.
They make such a wonderful
couple!
Now the only
thing left to
do is to catch Ramiro's ghost.
How's the investigation going?
Any updates, Fake Ghost?
Why are you crying?
Wait a second!
Who are you?
It's Arnold! Ooh!
Hey, hurry! Catch
him!
Don't let him escape!
Arnold!
Arnold, stop!
W--we're your best
friends, Arnold! Wait!
Warning. Warning.
An escaped lunatic with violent
tendencies is at large.
Danger! Danger!
Hey! Stop right
there!
Hey, we're your
friends! Don't run away!
Where do you think
you're goin'?
No, please! Don't hurt
me!
Please, don't! No!
I still can't tell how
much of this is real,
or if it's all just a dream.
Arnold, in this world,
it's impossible to dream.
It's true.
In this world,
it's impossible to dream.
Mara!
Mara, no!
Come back, Mara!
Oh, where am I?
Of course.
It's obvious.
This is the only way
to ever
really truly be free, isn't it?
Arnold!
Arnold!
No!
Mara!
Hold on. Is this real life?
Or just another bad dream?
Oh!
I'm sorry!
I'm so, so sorry!
But what happened to
you?
You don't even
want to know
what I went through to
escape from there!
Look at us!
Look at what they've done to us!
Mara!
They brought us both here
for this exact moment!
But I know what I feel is
real.
I've realized my life is
meaningless.
But with you--
with you, I felt free.
Forgive me.
I think I'm going crazy.
And who isn't?
Do you think we can start
over?
As if none of this had happened?
Mara, it doesn't matter
what forces brought us here.
What only matters is
what we choose to build for
ourselves from here on out.
Hi, good afternoon,
Mr. Arnold.
Hello, sir.
Is something wrong?
If there's any problem,
I'll happily go to the
factory and fix it.
No, no, it's not
that.
I just wanted to
see your face...
when I gave you the good news in
person.
Are you ready?
It's the best news ever!
You're the guest speaker
for this year's ALMA Day parade!
Oh, my darling,
I'm so proud of you!
But--but me?
Are you sure?
Yes, Arnold. You!
'Cause of your model behavior,
ALMA has decided to show you off
as an example
of what all citizens should
aspire to.
They want you to speak about
the new housing plans
and how excited you are
for Paradise Three-B!
You're the ideal
ALMA citizen.
Ah! Oh, thank you very
much, Mr. Ronnie, sir.
It's a great honor.
Thank you. Thank you.
Good morning!
Arnold, tomorrow.
Tomorrow?
I dunno, Mara.
It feels like for the first time
in a long time,
we're doing all right.
I'm getting promoted, and I'm
the commencement speaker.
We are turning into them,
Arnold. Tomorrow.
Tomorrow.
Tomorrow.
Tomorrow.
Tomorrow.
marching band playing
Hello,
our esteemed neighbor.
Do you want to walk down
to the parade with us?
Uh, no, thank you.
I'm just, uh, way too nervous.
I should stay and prepare my
speech.
It's a great
responsibility.
Oh, a word of advice.
Always be yourself.
band playing continues
Do you need
help, Mrs. Old Lady?
Follow me, Boss.
I'll lead the way.
I believe this
is the safest route, Boss!
Please don't call me
Boss.
Uh, you sure it's this
way?
Come on!
It's right here!
Whoa!
Oh, it stinks!
I kinda like it.
And so for
the culmination of
the great ALMA Day festivities,
we christen this brand new
lower-middle-class
housing development,
Paradise Three-B!
Now,
then, let's give
a round of applause
to Mr. Arnold
who is ALMA's employee of the
year!
We're so proud of
you, Arnold.
Uh?
Mr. Arnold?
Mr. Arnold!
Please, find your
way to the stage!
Mr. Arnold?
Where are you?
He's not here! Not here!
They escaped to the
sewers!
They've fled, sir.
They're going into the forest!
They've escaped!
I can't believe it!
Let's rile
ourselves up into an angry mob
and drag them out of the forest!
Oh, no!
We won't be able to get through!
It's your fault!
You're the ones who created me!
I hope Chicken's okay.
Come on!
We have to stick to the plan!
I think this is
the exit.
Hey, this way!
Stand back.
It's my time to shine.
Uh, huh? Eh?
Huh?
He's not here, guys.
He's not here?
Ah, what luck!
Where do you think
you're going, Mara?
Gregory?
I'm so scared!
After all I've done for
you, for both of you,
you go and do this?
You have betrayed ALMA!
We're leaving, you filthy
rat!
Don't try to stop us!
You don't know
what you're doing.
Come back to me, Mara.
I promise this won't happen
again.
I'd rather die
than go back with you!
We're getting out of
here!
Arnold, just forget
about her.
If you stay,
you could live in Zone A,
have a nice car,
and a big swimming pool.
We could even get you a new
wife.
You'll be Deputy Director.
Deputy Director!
Really? Deputy Director?
But who's the Director?
Yeah, who's the director
of ALMA, Gregory?
That's not what's
important.
What's important is the system.
People conforming to society.
That's being civilized.
You're wrong, Gregory!
What really matters is love.
Love's the only real thing in
this whole world,
which means everything else is
fake!
You don't know what it's
like to truly love, Gregory!
I--I...
Gregory can't answer
you because he is incapable
of knowing the meaning of love.
He is a shell of a
man in a nice suit
who only does what ALMA says.
Hey, you! Just shut up!
What do you know, dumb bird?
Don't you dare-
Be thankful you're
much smarter
than poor Gregory is.
You are the only ones who
have figured out
that the true answer is love.
It's the only real thing in this
world.
You are free to go.
Ah, please.
Get me out of here.
It's beautiful.
What's happening?
Arnold!
You were right!
Forgive me!
I never believed you!
This is all fake!
It's not real!
Like it was a...
A...
Decorado!
Decorado
Decorado
Decorado
Decorado
Decorado
Decorado
So it was true all
along!
Everything is a movie set!
Yes, Arnold.
It's all a movie set.
But at least this is our movie.
Decorado
Decorado
Decorado
Decorado
Decorado
Decorado
Decorado
Decorado
Decorado
Decorado
Decorado
Decorado,
Decorado