The unicorn is a mythical being that has captured the imaginations of many, gracing the covers of fantasy novels, adorning childhood bedrooms, and appearing on various merchandise. In Alex Scharfman‘s comedic horror film, Death of a Unicorn, this iconic creature is depicted in a surprising light—a misunderstood yet ferocious killing machine. Similar to the outrageous Cocaine Bear, Death of a Unicorn takes the established tropes of a monster movie and splashes them with humor and gore, creating a unique blend that is both thrilling and absurd. The film’s charm lies in its ability to balance its over-the-top violence with genuine emotion, showcasing a big heart hidden beneath the chaos.

Discover the Plot of ‘Death of a Unicorn’

In the film, we follow Elliott (Paul Rudd) as he endeavors to be a supportive father to his teenage daughter, Ridley (Jenna Ortega), especially in the wake of his wife’s death. Their father-daughter relationship is strained, highlighted in the opening scene where they share a poignant moment while waiting for a flight. Ridley is accompanying Elliott to a corporate retreat at the estate of Odell Leopold (Richard E. Grant) in the breathtaking Canadian Rockies. As fate would have it, Leopold is battling a terminal illness, and the irony is palpable—his family, including his snobbish wife Belinda (Téa Leoni) and their troubled son Shepard (Will Poulter), runs a pharmaceutical company, yet they struggle to find a cure for their patriarch.

On their way to the retreat, a freak accident occurs where Elliott and Ridley accidentally hit and supposedly kill a unicorn. In a swift, grim act of mercy, Elliott puts the creature out of its misery, resulting in a shower of purple blood that splatters onto him and Ridley. Upon arriving at the Leopold estate, the duo discovers a shocking twist: their health issues have mysteriously healed after coming into contact with the unicorn’s blood. Ridley’s acne disappears, and Elliott’s allergies vanish. However, the unicorn they thought was dead is very much alive, and the Leopold family, eager to exploit the creature’s rare abilities for profit, soon find themselves facing a far greater threat as the unicorn’s parents unleash a wave of bloody chaos upon the estate.

Embrace the Absurdity: ‘Death of a Unicorn’ Knows Its Genre

The zany trailers for Death of a Unicorn are humorously set to the sounds of The Beach Boys, promoting the film as “from the studio behind Everything Everywhere All at Once.” This choice may seem odd upon viewing, as the film embraces its absurdity wholeheartedly. While it revels in its silliness, it remains unapologetically a gory horror-comedy without aspirations for deeper meaning.

However, the film showcases a surprising depth of character. Even though many characters are quite despicable, the performances of Ortega and Rudd shine through with natural charisma. As viewers anticipate the hilarious demise of the Leopold family, it becomes impossible not to root for Elliott and Ridley. Their innocence and relatability resonate, anchored by a father-daughter dynamic that successfully pulls at your heartstrings, even with the comedic backdrop of a murderous unicorn.

While the Leopolds are depicted as obnoxious, they provide a hysterical contrast. Poulter truly stands out as Shepard, expertly balancing comedic timing with a convincing portrayal of a self-absorbed character, a role he’s previously excelled in films like We’re the Millers and Midsommar. Leoni returns to the screen after a decade, delivering a memorable performance as the smarmy Belinda, easily embodying a character that audiences will love to hate.

Experience Alex Scharfman’s Captivating Directorial Debut

After experiencing Death of a Unicorn, audiences may be astonished to discover that director Alex Scharfman is making his directorial debut. He fully embraces the film’s outrageousness, presenting unicorns with a fresh and practical design that diverges from traditional portrayals. These creatures are not just horned horses; they feel like true monsters, and while it’s amusing to see them depicted as lethal beings, it ultimately works in the film’s context.

However, the film does have its pacing issues, particularly when it comes to building suspense. There are instances where Death of a Unicorn attempts to deliver jump scares, yet amidst the balance of humor and gore, it primarily feels like a comedy. Nonetheless, the kill scenes are impressively brutal and inventive. The film does not shy away from showcasing unique and gory methods of unicorn-induced demise. It is the type of movie that likely resonates more with an audience in a theater than when watching alone at home.

The phrase “Eat the Rich” has emerged as a notable subgenre in recent cinema, often used in satire. Death of a Unicorn fits comfortably within this trend. While it lacks subtlety, viewers seeking nuanced storytelling should probably steer clear of a film titled Death of a Unicorn. This film addresses political themes that resonate universally, particularly condemning the practices of big pharmaceutical companies. Rather than presenting a “both sides” narrative, it confidently portrays the Leopolds as the true monsters in this tale.

Death of a Unicorn proves to be a captivating experience—a clever, sharp-horned, and blood-soaked horror-comedy that deserves to be viewed on the big screen with fellow moviegoers. Thanks to a talented ensemble cast and Scharfman’s assertive direction, audiences will find exactly what they seek from a film with such an outrageous premise.

Death of a Unicorn premiered at the 2025 SXSW Film Festival and is set to hit theaters on March 28.