Let’s get this out of the way: Death of a Unicorn is a wild ride that goes places I did not expect. Few studios are as bold as A24 when it comes to pushing the boundaries of storytelling, so it makes sense they would pick this film up, but walking into the movie at a 10 AM screening, I was not ready for where it would take me.
Directed by Alex Scharfman, Death of a Unicorn is a wild amalgamation of social satire, horror, and comedy set against the backdrop of a pharmaceutical mogul’s lavish estate. The story follows Elliot, played by Paul Rudd, and his daughter Ridley, portrayed by Jenna Ortega, as they become enveloped in a bizarre adventure involving a unicorn, its magical properties, and the ruthless pursuit of wealth…I said it was a wild ride.
Yet, as wild as it may seem, at its core, Death of a Unicorn is a commentary on the excesses of the wealthy and their willingness to exploit anything for profit, even the wonders around us. The Leopold family, led by the ailing Odell (Richard E. Grant), exemplifies this theme, with the actors embracing the concept with gusto. They are a caricature of the elite, with their eccentricities and selfishness on full display, with everything simply a means to an end, even the impossible. This is evident when they discover through a series of mishaps that unicorn’s blood can cure any ailment, leading them to exploit it without regard for the consequences.
“While the film’s concept is absolutely bananas, it is Death of a Unicorn’s cast that makes it all work in an odd way.”
While the film’s concept is absolutely bananas, it is Death of a Unicorn’s cast that makes it all work in an odd way. Paul Rudd shows real depth as the slimy yet pitiful Elliot, who is desperate to please his employers at the expense of his relationship with Ridley. Jenna Ortega brings a raw emotional depth to her character, often serving as the voice of reason amidst the chaos and greed.
However, even with the strength of the leads, it is Will Poulter who steals the show as Shepard, the boisterous and unhinged son of the Leopolds, whose selfish antics provide much of the film’s comedic relief. But even beyond that, everyone in the cast knew what they were making and leaned into the insanity, making it work all the better.
Death of a Unicorn is a strange horror film, one I never expected, but it is its use of satire that feels oddly poignant for the time we all live in. It attempts to tackle themes of classism and the exploitation of nature in a way that works but never goes deep enough to hit the core of the issues. The satire is not as biting or clever as it could be, relying more on caricatures of the wealthy rather than nuanced commentary.
There could have been so much more done with the characters to truly lean into the duplicitous way they fake being good only to exploit everyone, but it falls a bit short. Despite this, the film’s ambition and energy make up for the areas in which it falters, especially in its critique of big pharma and the commodification of precious life.
“Despite its flaws, Death of a Unicorn is undeniably entertaining and a truly unique work of film.”
The film’s pacing is frenetic and uneven, moving from a slow-burning family drama to a full-blown creature feature, making it feel too long and rushed all at the same time. The transition is abrupt but manages to work surprisingly well, thanks to the cast’s chemistry and the sheer audacity of the plot. Once the unicorns (oh yes, there are more than one) are unleashed, the film becomes a gory horror show reminiscent of classic monster movies, gore and all.
The creature design is impressive, with the unicorns being both majestic and terrifying. However, the CGI is inconsistent, taking away from what could have been amazing, often feeling like a letdown compared to the practical effects used in the film’s opening scenes. Had Death of a Unicorn embraced mostly practical effects, the end result could have been much more impressive, but it still works; it just lacks some of the potential impact it could have brought to the screen.
Despite its flaws, Death of a Unicorn is undeniably entertaining and a truly unique work of film. It’s a film that thrives on its unpredictability and the sheer absurdity of its premise. The gore is graphic and darkly humorous, making for a viewing experience that is both shocking and amusing. The film’s climax is particularly satisfying, balancing humour and heart in a way that feels both surprising and fitting. I will say the end did not deserve to be as heartbreaking as it was, but well done to everyone involved for making me feel things after I just watched unicorns tear people apart.
Death of a Unicorn is a film that will appeal to those who enjoy offbeat humour and are not deterred by its uneven execution or the insanity of the premise. It’s a wild ride that, despite its flaws, manages to entertain, engage, and scratch the surface of making a point. The cast’s performances are memorable, and the film’s ambition is admirable. While it may not be the most nuanced or clever satire, it is certainly unique and enjoyable in its own right.
