Death of a Unicorn: A Satirical Fantasy with a Dark Twist
Death of a Unicorn Review: A Crazy Mix of Horror and Comedy
A24 is back with another unique movie, Death of a Unicorn, directed by Alex Scharfman. This film is a wild mix of horror, comedy, and satire, packed with big themes like corporate greed, family struggles, and the unexpected trouble caused by a magical unicorn. Starring Paul Rudd, Jenna Ortega, and Will Poulter, it’s an unusual but fun ride, though not without its flaws.
Key Details:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | Death of a Unicorn |
| Director | Alex Scharfman |
| Genre | Horror-Comedy / Satire |
| Main Cast | Paul Rudd (Elliot Kintner), Jenna Ortega (Ridley Kintner), |
| Will Poulter (Odell Leopold Jr.), Richard E. Grant (Odell Leopold Sr.) | |
| Synopsis | A father and daughter accidentally hit a mythical unicorn with their car. |
| The discovery of the unicorn’s magical properties ignites greed, chaos, | |
| and supernatural vengeance. | |
| Themes | Corporate greed, environmental exploitation, moral dilemmas, family dynamics |
| Special Effects | Practical effects for unicorns, with CGI for certain scenes |
| Studio | A24 |
Story Summary
The movie follows Elliot Kintner (Paul Rudd), a corporate lawyer, and his teenage daughter Ridley (Jenna Ortega) as they head to a fancy mansion owned by Elliot’s boss, Odell Leopold (Richard E. Grant), a big-shot in the pharmaceutical world.
On the way, their car hits a unicorn—yes, an actual unicorn! What starts as a shocking accident soon turns into chaos when they discover that the unicorn has magical healing powers. The greedy Leopold family sees this as a golden opportunity to make billions, while Ridley, who has a strong moral compass, wants to protect the creature. Things take a dark and bloody turn when the unicorn’s family comes for revenge, leading to a crazy, action-packed climax.
Acting & Characters
- Jenna Ortega stands out as Ridley. She is a smart, strong-willed teenager who wants to do the right thing, and she brings a lot of heart to the film.
- Paul Rudd does a great job as her dad, balancing humor and emotion, though his character’s journey feels a bit rushed.
- Will Poulter steal the show as the arrogant and spoiled son of the Leopold family? His comedic timing is spot-on, adding fun moments to the film’s darker scenes.
What Works & What Doesn’t
- The movie is a sharp satire on corporate greed and how people exploit natural resources for profit. It cleverly connects fantasy with real-world issues.
- The horror elements are visually impressive, especially the practical effects used for the unicorns.
- The humor is hit-or-miss. Some jokes land well, but others feel awkward.
- The pacing is uneven—some parts of the movie feel rushed, while others drag.
- The CGI isn’t great in some scenes, probably due to a smaller budget.
Fans Review:
Jane R. (): ⭐⭐⭐⭐“This movie is everything I love about A24—super weird, a little dark, and makes you think. Jenna Ortega was amazing as Ridley; she felt so real and relatable. The mix of humor and horror kept me hooked, and the story was just so different. If you like movies that stick with you even after they’re over, definitely watch this!”
Mike T. (): ⭐⭐⭐“This film is… weird, but kind of in a good way? Some jokes landed, some didn’t, but the story was so unique I had to keep watching. Paul Rudd was solid, but Will Poulter stole the show. Not perfect, but if you’re into dark humor with a fantasy twist, it’s worth a watch.”
Sarah P. (): ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐“I’m obsessed! Never seen anything like this before. The unicorn effects were insane, and the whole message about corporate greed and nature hit home. It’s funny, creepy, and even emotional. A24 nailed it again—absolute must-watch!”
Ryan L. (): ⭐⭐“Really wanted to love this, but it didn’t work for me. The pacing was over the place, and some jokes didn’t land. But Jenna Ortega was incredible, and the unicorn scenes were stunning. Just not something I’d rewatch.”
Emily K. ()⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Where else are you going to see a unicorn revenge story mixed with business drama? Nowhere! This movie is crazy in the best way. The ending gets messy, but that just makes it more fun. If you like weird, daring movies, give this one a shot!
Also Read:
- Road House Review, Cast: A Modern Take on a Cult Classic
- The Substance Review: A Haunting Tale of Youth & Beauty
Death of a Unicorn is a bold, creative film with an unusual story. It doesn’t always hit the mark, but it’s entertaining, thought-provoking, and different from your usual horror flicks. If you enjoy A24’s unique style, you’ll find a lot to appreciate here.
Is it a perfect movie? No. But if you like dark humor, weird horror, and a little social commentary, this film is worth checking out. It’s a crazy ride that will stick with you long after the credits roll.
Would you watch Death of a Unicorn? Let us know!
