“Death of a Unicorn”: Whimsical fantasy meets poignant reality.

10-Word Film Review

Whimsical horror film blends corporate satire and mythical unicorn revenge. A tale unlike any other awaits!

The Skinny

A24 never fails to push the boundaries of storytelling, and with **”Death of a Unicorn,”** they deliver yet another mesmerizing experience. The film centers on **Elliot** (played by **Paul Rudd**) and **Ridley Kintner** (**Jenna Ortega**), an endearingly dysfunctional father-daughter duo whose road trip takes a shocking turn when they accidentally stumble upon the grisly death of a unicorn—on the highway, no less.

This tragic event ignites a bizarre sequence of events, plunging the pair into a **surreal corporate nightmare**. Elliot’s boss, the megalomaniac billionaire **Odell Leopold** (played by **Richard E. Grant**), sees the unicorn’s remains as a goldmine of power and profit. This sets the stage for a **psychedelic descent into corporate greed** and moral decay, guaranteed to leave viewers questioning the ethics locked within our world.

Here Be Spoilers…

What We Like:

Marking the **feature debut** of **Alex Scharfman**, “Death of a Unicorn” masterfully intertwines **blood-soaked surrealism** with heart. Beneath the layers of corporate satire and glittery carnage lies an unexpectedly **tender** portrayal of a father-daughter bond that resonates deeply. For anyone who has experienced those tumultuous teenage years, filled with slamming doors and unresolved conflict, the dynamic between Rudd and Ortega is palpable.

The film boldly reimagines the creature feature genre, dragging unicorns—often associated with **glittery fairy tales**—into a **gruesome horror** narrative. While it tricks viewers into expecting a **Jurassic Park-esque** homage, it ultimately surprises with an original story brimming with chaos and absurdity. With its **A24 badge of pride**, this film is artful, unsettling, and beautifully bizarre.

More than just a captivating adventure, the film serves as a *biting critique of moral hypocrisy*. Take the Leopolds, who initially demand transparency and character assessment before entering business with Elliot. However, once they catch wind of the unicorn’s magical powers, their ethical stance evaporates like mist, highlighting how **self-interest often masquerades as philanthropy**.

One standout moment occurs when Ridley touches the unicorn’s horn, leading to a breathtaking tonal shift. This scene unfolds like a **visual poem**, resonating with **wonder**, **grief**, and a mystical quality that feels almost sacred. Equally striking is the transformation of the adult unicorn’s mane—moving from black to white, symbolizing a journey from anguish to acceptance, capturing the essence of the creature’s emotional evolution.

What We Didn’t Like:

Heads up: if you’re expecting a traditional **horror** film, **”Death of a Unicorn”** may leave you feeling puzzled. While the unicorns evoke an eerie presence, they lack the sheer terror one might anticipate. Rather than ferocious beasts, they appear more as **slightly annoyed woodland spirits**. While the **gore** is certainly present—true to A24 fashion—this film resembles a **surrealist thriller** more than a straight horror experience.

Moreover, some narrative elements, like the unicorn’s calming moment with a broken horn, raise eyebrows. If such a resolution exists, why the chaos? It leaves viewers pondering in a manner that tends toward confusion rather than intrigue.

The final act teeters on the edge of an emotional climax, but as the film unravels into an ambiguous ending, it feels as though the writers lost their footing. Whether the unicorns spare them as a gift, a punishment, or an act of mercy remains unclear, creating a feeling of underwhelming closure.

In summation, this tale feels like one of those **”leave-your-brain-at-home”** cinematic experiences that thrives on its whimsical absurdity.

What to Look Out For:

“Death of a Unicorn” features the **15th-century “Hunt of the Unicorn” tapestries**, intricate works housed at The Met Cloisters in New York. With rich symbolism tied to **religious allegory** and **courtly love**, their presence enhances the film’s exploration of **innocence**, **sacrifice**, and the juxtaposition between myth and modernity.

Don’t miss your chance to catch “Death Of A Unicorn,” which will debut on **May 1st at The Projector**.