Death of a Unicorn is a 2025 American dark fantasy comedy horror film directed by Alex Scharfman in his feature film debut. The film stars Paul Rudd and Jenna Ortega as a father and daughter whose accidental killing of a unicorn sets off a series of chaotic and magical events. Premiering at the South by Southwest Festival on March 8, 2025, and released theatrically by A24 on March 28, 2025, the film blends elements of fantasy, horror, and dark comedy. Despite receiving mixed reviews from critics, Death of a Unicorn has garnered attention for its unique premise and performances.
Overview
In Death of a Unicorn, lawyer Elliot Kintner (Paul Rudd) and his teenage daughter Ridley (Jenna Ortega) are en route to a weekend retreat at the estate of Elliot's boss, Odell Leopold (Richard E. Grant), in the Canadian Rockies. During their journey, they accidentally strike and injure a small unicorn. When Ridley touches its horn, she experiences strange, cosmic visions, which Elliot abruptly stops by bludgeoning the creature with a tire iron, splashing blood on them both.
Upon arriving at the Leopolds' estate, the Kintners hide the unicorn's body in their car. Soon after, Ridley discovers that the unicorn's blood has miraculously healed her acne, and Elliot finds that his vision has improved and his allergies are gone. The Leopolds eventually discover the unicorn still alive in the car, and their assistant Shaw shoots it. Upon learning of the unicorn's magical healing properties, Odell suggests they experiment with it, leading to a series of events that blur the line between fantasy and reality.
Cast and Crew
Director: Alex Scharfman
Lead Actor: Paul Rudd
Paul Rudd stars as Elliot Kintner, a well-meaning father whose accidental killing of a unicorn sets off the film’s chaotic and magical events. Rudd brings his signature charm and comedic timing to the role, balancing humor with genuine emotional depth. His portrayal of Elliot captures the essence of a character caught between everyday life and extraordinary circumstances, making him both relatable and compelling as the central figure of the story.
Lead Actress: Jenna Ortega
Jenna Ortega plays Ridley Kintner, Elliot’s teenage daughter, who becomes intricately involved in the unicorn’s magical aftermath. Ortega delivers a captivating performance, blending wit, curiosity, and resilience, perfectly complementing Rudd’s character. Her portrayal adds layers to the narrative, exploring themes of adolescence, discovery, and unintended consequences in a fantastical setting.
Supporting Cast
The supporting cast features an ensemble of talented actors who bring additional depth and humor to the film. Will Poulter stars as Shepard, Téa Leoni as Belinda, Richard E. Grant as Odell Leopold, Anthony Carrigan as Griff, Sunita Mani as Dr. Bhatia, Jessica Hynes as Shaw, Steve Park as Dr. Song, David Pasquesi as the Pilot, Denise Delgado as Ridley’s Mom, Kathryn Erbe as the Tapestry Video Narrator, and Nick Wittman as Mercenary #1. Each actor adds unique energy to the film, helping to enrich the story’s chaotic and fantastical atmosphere.
Music Composer: Dan Romer and Giosuè Greco
The musical score for Death of a Unicorn is composed by Dan Romer and Giosuè Greco. Their work enhances the movie’s mystical and suspenseful tone, blending eerie melodies with whimsical motifs to match the story’s balance of chaos and fantasy. The music underscores key moments, elevating the emotional impact and drawing audiences deeper into the magical world the film creates.
Production Company
Death of a Unicorn is produced by Ley Line Entertainment, Square Peg, Secret Engine, Monoceros Media, and The Royal Budapest Film Co. These companies collaborated to bring a high-quality, imaginative vision to life. The production emphasizes strong visual effects, intricate set designs, and creative storytelling, ensuring that the magical and chaotic universe of the film is fully realized on screen.
Run Time: 1 Hour 47 Minutes
The film has a runtime of 1 hour 47 minutes, providing a tightly paced yet immersive experience. The duration allows for a full exploration of the fantastical storyline, character development, and comedic chaos without overstaying its welcome, keeping viewers engaged from start to finish.
Budget and Box Office
Death of a Unicorn was produced on an estimated budget of $15 million. Despite its unique premise and star-studded cast, the film struggled to achieve commercial success. Upon its release, it grossed approximately $12.9 million domestically and $3.5 million internationally, culminating in a total worldwide gross of $16.4 million
This performance indicates that the film fell short of recouping its production costs, making it a financial disappointment for A24. While the film garnered attention for its imaginative take on the fantasy genre, it ultimately did not translate into box office success
Story
Death of a Unicorn opens with Elliot Kintner (Paul Rudd), a mild-mannered lawyer, and his teenage daughter Ridley (Jenna Ortega) traveling to the remote estate of Elliot’s employer, Odell Leopold (Richard E. Grant), in the Canadian Rockies. The seemingly ordinary weekend getaway quickly turns surreal when the Kintners accidentally strike a small unicorn on the road. Ridley, curious and mesmerized, touches the unicorn’s horn, experiencing sudden visions of cosmic and otherworldly phenomena. Elliot, panicked, kills the creature with a tire iron, inadvertently setting off the chain of fantastical and chaotic events that define the story.
As the Kintners arrive at the Leopolds’ estate, they attempt to hide the unicorn’s body, but the creature’s magical properties soon manifest. Ridley discovers that the unicorn’s blood has miraculous healing powers, clearing her acne, while Elliot experiences improved vision and a sudden relief from his allergies. The story explores the absurd yet intriguing consequences of tampering with magical beings, juxtaposing the mundane human world with the mystical and unpredictable forces of the unicorn.
The Leopolds, particularly Odell, soon become aware of the unicorn’s supernatural abilities and see an opportunity to exploit them. They orchestrate a series of experiments and manipulations to harness the creature’s powers for personal gain. This leads to a tense and surreal clash between ethical boundaries, human greed, and the magical forces of the unicorn. Through this narrative, the story examines themes of curiosity, responsibility, and the unforeseen consequences of meddling with nature and the unknown.
The film escalates into a chaotic sequence of events as the characters grapple with both magical phenomena and their own moral choices. The unicorn, though injured and trapped, continues to influence those around it, blurring the lines between reality and fantasy. Each character’s interaction with the creature reveals deeper layers of their personality, ambitions, and vulnerabilities. The story’s structure combines dark humor, fantastical elements, and suspenseful tension, offering a narrative that is as whimsical as it is unsettling, while maintaining a consistent sense of wonder and unpredictability throughout the film.
Review
Death of a Unicorn is a bold and imaginative take on dark fantasy comedy, blending surreal horror with absurd humor. Director Alex Scharfman delivers a visually striking film that balances chaotic energy with moments of genuine tension. From the opening scene of the Kintners accidentally hitting a unicorn to the ensuing magical mayhem, the film establishes a unique tone that is unpredictable and intriguing, keeping audiences engaged throughout.
Paul Rudd shines in his role as Elliot Kintner, combining his trademark comedic timing with a more grounded, anxious energy that makes his character relatable. Jenna Ortega, as Ridley, brings depth to her teenage role, portraying a mix of curiosity, defiance, and wonder as she navigates the consequences of interacting with a magical creature. Their on-screen dynamic is a highlight of the film, providing both humor and heart amid the chaos.
The supporting cast, including Richard E. Grant, Will Poulter, and Téa Leoni, enhances the story with quirky and memorable performances. Each character is given moments to shine, from the opportunistic Odell Leopold to the eccentric assistants and scientists experimenting with the unicorn. Their interactions add layers of tension and comedy, making the fantastical plot feel both immersive and absurdly entertaining.
Visually, the film excels in creating a surreal and magical environment. The special effects and cinematography highlight the otherworldly nature of the unicorn and the bizarre consequences of its death, blending practical effects with subtle CGI to maintain a sense of realism within the fantasy. The Canadian Rockies setting, combined with detailed interior designs at the Leopolds’ estate, further grounds the story while accentuating the contrast between ordinary human life and magical chaos.
The film’s pacing is tight, with a mix of suspenseful moments, dark humor, and absurdity that keeps the narrative engaging. While some plot elements verge on the ridiculous, the film embraces this with confidence, allowing the audience to fully immerse themselves in its twisted and whimsical world. The musical score by Dan Romer and Giosuè Greco complements the tone perfectly, shifting seamlessly between eerie and playful as the story unfolds.
Magical Chaos and Dark Humor in Death of a Unicorn
Death of a Unicorn thrives on its unique blend of dark humor and fantastical chaos. The film takes a simple premise—the accidental killing of a unicorn—and turns it into a wild exploration of human greed, curiosity, and the unpredictable consequences of meddling with the magical. Each scene is layered with absurdity, from the surreal visions Ridley experiences to the Leopolds’ morally questionable experiments, creating a narrative that is as hilarious as it is unsettling.
Beyond the humor, the movie also explores deeper themes of family, responsibility, and the desire for perfection. Elliot and Ridley’s journey is not just about surviving the magical chaos but also understanding the impact of their actions on the world around them. Their evolving relationship, set against the backdrop of an increasingly surreal environment, adds emotional depth to the story while maintaining the film’s quirky and unpredictable energy.
Conclusion
Death of a Unicorn is a daring and imaginative film that successfully blends dark comedy, fantasy, and surreal horror into a uniquely entertaining experience. With strong performances from Paul Rudd and Jenna Ortega, the movie keeps audiences engaged through its unpredictable plot, magical chaos, and absurd humor. The interplay between human ambition and the mystical consequences of the unicorn’s powers creates a story that is both whimsical and thought-provoking.
While the film may not appeal to traditional fantasy audiences due to its unconventional tone, it stands out for its creativity, visual flair, and audacious storytelling. Death of a Unicorn is a cinematic adventure that pushes the boundaries of the genre, leaving viewers both amused and fascinated by the strange, magical world it so vividly portrays.