When Death of a Unicorn was first announced, the collective reaction was likely, “This can’t possibly be a real film.” And yet, here we are. Whether you love or hate horror comedies, the genre is thriving, and A24, along with writer-director Alex Scharfman, has eagerly added to the chaos with this darkly hilarious, genre-bending spectacle.
Deep in the northern mountains, in a land untouched by man, rare species roam, but none as unique as what widowed single father Elliot Kintner (Paul Rudd) and his angsty teenage daughter Ridley (Jenna Ortega) encounter on their way to a weekend retreat. While driving to Elliot’s boss’s estate, they accidentally hit a mystical creature—a unicorn. But unicorns aren’t real… right?
The creature’s shimmering purple blood proves otherwise. It possesses miraculous healing properties: Ridley’s acne vanishes, Elliot’s vision is suddenly perfect, and his chronic allergies? Gone. This discovery sets off a grotesque, greed-fueled hunt by the wealthy and powerful Leopold family, determined to exploit the unicorn’s magic for their own gain. But Ridley feels an unexplainable connection to the creature, especially after stumbling upon a portrait of her late mother alongside a unicorn tapestry. Inspired by medieval mythology and The Hunt of the Unicorn tapestries housed in The Cloisters, the film cleverly weaves history into its absurdist horror.
At its core, Death of a Unicorn is an eat-the-rich satire that hilariously skewers the insatiable greed of the elite. The Leopold family embodies the worst of capitalism, justifying their monstrous actions under the guise of progress: “Here’s to being reborn.” Meanwhile, the unicorn’s plight parallels Elliot’s relationship with Ridley, a father trying to protect his child from the world’s cruelty.
What makes this film shine is its complete and utter self-awareness. It never takes itself too seriously, instead embracing its absurdity with confidence. The balance between horror and comedy is pitch-perfect, delivering genuine jump scares one moment and laugh-out-loud ridiculousness the next.
Jenna Ortega and Paul Rudd are the heart of the film, fully leaning into their unexpected roles. Ortega, usually cast in brooding, intense roles, flexes her comedic chops while maintaining emotional depth. Rudd, stepping away from his typical charming everyman persona, delivers a more morally ambiguous, layered performance. Their dynamic adds an unexpected gravitas to an otherwise wild premise.
In an era overrun with predictable franchise films, Death of a Unicorn is a breath of fresh (and slightly deranged) air. Walking in with zero expectations, I found myself completely enthralled by its fearless originality. It’s the kind of movie that reminds us why we go to theaters to be surprised, entertained, and left with something to talk about long after the credits roll. If you’re looking for something gloriously weird, sharply satirical, and riotously funny, this film is your next must-watch.
