Death of a Unicorn is a dark fantasy comedy-horror film that explores the lengths to which people will go for power, health, and profit, all set against the backdrop of an unsuspecting and chaotic encounter with a mythical creature. The film, from A24 and directed by Alex Scharfman, is a satirical take on corporate greed, family dynamics, and the consequences of messing with nature.
The story centers on Elliot (Paul Rudd), a corporate lawyer working for a powerful pharmaceutical company, and his cynical teenage daughter, Ridley (Jenna Ortega). The two, whose relationship is strained, are on their way to a weekend retreat at the remote estate of Elliot's billionaire boss, Odell Leopold (Richard E. Grant). The weekend is meant to be a chance for Elliot to prove himself and secure a lucrative position that would change their lives.
However, their plans are derailed in a shocking and bizarre fashion. While driving through a secluded, snow-covered forest, Elliot accidentally hits and injures a creature that they can only describe as a unicorn. This discovery sets off a chain of events that spirals out of control. Ridley, drawn to the magical beast, has a mystical experience upon touching its horn, while Elliot, in a moment of panic and to end its suffering, bludgeons the creature with a tire iron.
When they arrive at the secluded estate, they attempt to hide their strange "roadkill" from the eccentric and wealthy Leopold family. However, the Leopolds, along with their aloof son Shepard (Will Poulter), soon discover the unicorn and, more importantly, its magical healing properties. The family immediately sees an opportunity for a new and highly profitable drug, and they bring in scientists to exploit the creature’s body for its restorative abilities.
The film's tone shifts from a dark comedy to a tense horror as the narrative progresses. While the Leopolds are gleefully trying to commodify the unicorn's healing powers, Ridley feels a growing sense of dread and moral responsibility. Her attempts to warn the family about the dangers of their actions are ignored, and her research into ancient myths about unicorns reveals a terrifying truth: this animal has a family of its own, and they are not happy.
The film then becomes a brutal fight for survival as two much larger, and far more ferocious, unicorns arrive to seek bloody revenge for the death of their foal. The Leopolds' isolated mansion turns into a battleground, with the father-daughter duo, the family, and the scientists fighting for their lives against creatures that are not just magical, but also terrifyingly lethal. The film's horror elements are visceral and intense, as the unicorns methodically hunt down those who harmed their child, delivering a fitting and violent comeuppance to the greedy and amoral.
Death of a Unicorn is a unique and unsettling film that blends a fairy-tale premise with a gritty, modern sensibility. It's a clever satire that uses its outrageous plot to deliver a powerful message about corporate exploitation and the hubris of humanity.
Death of a Unicorn is a 2025 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 44 minutes.
It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.9 and a MetaScore of 51.
