Review of “Death of a Unicorn” (2025)
“Death of a Unicorn,” directed by Alex Scharfman, is a bold attempt to reimagine the mythical unicorn as a terrifying creature in a horror-comedy setting. Featuring Paul Rudd and Jenna Ortega as a father-daughter duo, the film explores themes of grief, morality, and the consequences of exploiting nature for personal gain.
Plot Overview
The story begins with Elliot (Paul Rudd) and his teenage daughter Ridley (Jenna Ortega) on a road trip that takes a dark turn when they accidentally hit a unicorn. What follows is a chaotic series of events involving a wealthy pharmaceutical tycoon (Richard E. Grant) and his family, who seek to exploit the unicorn’s magical properties. The narrative shifts between heartfelt family drama and over-the-top monster movie chaos, with unicorns exacting revenge on humans.
Strengths
- Unique Premise: The film’s concept of turning unicorns into vengeful creatures is both fresh and intriguing.
- Strong Performances: Paul Rudd and Jenna Ortega deliver compelling performances, balancing humor and emotional depth.
- Social Commentary: The movie critiques the greed and hubris of the wealthy, drawing parallels to real-world issues.
Weaknesses
- Inconsistent Tone: The film struggles to balance its horror, comedy, and emotional elements, leading to a disjointed experience.
- Repetitive Action: The unicorn attack scenes, while initially thrilling, become monotonous over time.
- Underdeveloped Characters: Supporting characters, including the wealthy Leopold family, often feel like caricatures rather than fully realized individuals.
Verdict
“Death of a Unicorn” is an ambitious film that doesn’t fully deliver on its potential. While it offers moments of humor and horror, its uneven tone and lack of narrative cohesion hold it back from being truly memorable. Fans of offbeat horror-comedies may find it entertaining, but others might feel it falls short of its promise.