Original subtitles

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 María 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, María 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!

María, 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 María.

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!

María, 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 María,

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, María.

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.

María, 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, María.

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.

María, 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?

María, 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, María?

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?

María, 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, María?

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, María.

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.

María, 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.

María.

María'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.

María, 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.

María!

María, no! Come back, María!

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!

María!

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!

María!

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?

María, 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, María.

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, María?

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, María.

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 ♪