“Death of a Unicorn” A Bizarre, Intriguing Film

In the latest new release from A24, “Death of a Unicorn, a father and daughter accidentally hit and kill a unicorn while en route to a weekend retreat, where his billionaire boss seeks to exploit the creature’s miraculous curative properties.

When I first saw the trailers for this movie, I was a little skeptical at first and did have primarily minimum expectations when I checked it out. I must say I am really surprised with how this movie turned out and this movie could have a spot in my annual year-end list down the road!

“Death of a Unicorn” is a bizarre, unpredictable movie that can really surprise you with its twists and turns that are scattered throughout. A24 is one of those studios that releases some refreshing, different features that can really entertain you and this movie is no different.

The balance between the horror elements and comedic timing in “Death of a Unicorn” is brilliantly executed, which can be tough to do with balancing those elements together. The horror elements really kick in during the second half where we see more of the unicorns coming to get the body of the little unicorn that was hit. Some of those moments were quickly seen during the movie’s trailers.

Now, the horror elements can seem light at times and when the unicorns rampage through the estate, it’s probably one of the most entertaining moments of this movie. Both Jenna Ortega and Paul Rudd (who still looks like he doesn’t age) do really well in this movie and Ortega has a few comedic bits that can give you a light chuckle. Some of the humor in this movie can be a little dry, but for this movie it absolutely works!

The twists and turns that we see throughout the movie really work and kept me really intrigued. And, don’t worry I won’t be spoiling any of the major twists and turns here! The story-line that involves everyone discovering that the unicorns might help with creating powerful medicinal properties is actually really interesting and helps you stay hooked.

So, if you’re looking for something really different, make sure to give “Death of a Unicorn” a chance. Sure, this movie can be bizarre and weird at times, but it will surely entertain you.

Cast: Jenna Ortega (Ridley); Paul Rudd (Elliot); Anthony Carrigan (Griff); Richard E. Grant (Odell); Will Poulter (Sherpard); Jessica Hynes (Shaw); Sunita Mani (Dr. Bhetia); Steve Park (Dr. Song); Tea Leoni (Belinda)

Writer/director: Alex Scharfman

Trivia: “Death of a Unicorn” was announced in May 2023 and filming began in Hungary a couple months after the movie’s announcement. The production was granted a waiver to continue with its production during the 2023 SAG AFTRA strike, as A24 isn’t part of the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers.

MPA: R for strong violent content, gore, language and some drug use   (running time 107 minutes)

• Alex Scharfman happened to initiate the casting of Jenna Ortega right before her smash hit Netflix series, Wednesday, launched her into the stratosphere of the industry. "We sent [Death of a Unicorn] to her the weekend before Wednesday premiered [in November 2022]," Scharfman told The Hollywood Reporter. "So I don't know what we would've done if we didn't get Jenna. It's such a hard role, and she does such an incredible job with it."

• The trailer ends with a shot of the black unicorn growling in Ridley's face, with her facing the camera while the unicorn is shot from the side, in a manner similar to the famous shot of the xenomorph growling in Ripley's face in Alien³. (And of course, Ridley's name being not only the same as the director of the original Alien, but also one letter off from Ripley.)

• Alex Scharfman's directorial debut.

https://youtu.be/62pyfjnzIuc?si=Ws3c5I9R7_5lp4OY