The Wasteland Reviewer

Death of a Unicorn (2025) Written Review

How would you react to hitting an animal with your car, but that animal turns out to be a mythical creature…a unicorn? This is the basis for the new fantasy/horror/comedy from A24, Death of a Unicorn. We have a father/daughter combo making their way through a giant animal reserve to seal the deal that will make sure they never have to worry about money ever again. The challenge is this deal with a filthy rich and morally bankrupt family and this father is desperate for financial security after the loss of his wife. But things go sideways when a pair of concerned parents crash this weekend getaway…the parents of the young unicorn. 

How does writer/director Alex Scharfman wrangle this crazy concept of a film? There is a tough tightrope of tones as the film is consistently funny yet also supposed to be legitimately scary as well. The humor sticks the landing time-and-time again. This is a hilarious film that will have you laughing through the runtime. Scharfman can find some inspired moments of tension, fear, and terror as well. This has a more pulpy and fun horror feel as Scharfman is certainly channeling the likes of Jurassic Park. The film is even able to deliver some effective emotion and heart when it comes to the father/daughter duo at the core of the film. There is some serious trauma that they are processing and this unbelievable experience with this unicorn family changes things for them. There is inspired and crisp filmmaking (as you should expect from every A24 film). The music also lays down a synthy and rousing vibe to the film that gives each scene a little bit of extra appeal. For this film to work, you also have to feel like these creatures are real and for a smaller film, the CGI turns out quite well.

Does Scharfman’s script rise to the occasion? As mentioned before, this film is consistently funny and much of that comes from some great writing. The dialogue pops with clever satire and hilarious moments in the character dynamics. The messaging of the film is quite important and relevant but much of it is delivered in an overly blunt and obvious fashion. There are a few great lines of dialogue between the father and daughter (Elliot and Ridley) but their big emotional moment in the climax of the film feels a bit too spelled out (but the actors salvage the emotion with strong performances). The film navigates corporate greed, classicism, animal rights, and big Pharma…so it has plenty to say. Much of this is confronted with biting satire and darkly funny moments which makes it easier to digest. But even so, many of the themes are swung at the audience like a sledgehammer. This can be a bit frustrating after a while, but the overall experience is too fun to ignore. The way Scharfman can incorporate centuries of unicorn lore is quite impressive and works well for the story and tension building. The actual plot gives way to some simple monster movie beats, but the humor goes a long way in making this feel so engaging. 

How does this fun ensemble handle so many fantastical and relevant ideas? Paul Rudd is our neurotic and desperate father. You can tell he loves his daughter but there is a struggle in him. You can read all the conflict on Rudd’s face when he must choose between his daughter’s idolism and the financial security of this egotistical boss and family. Rudd delivers his own brand of quirky charm as well as some strong emotional beats as well. Jenna Ortega is a little bit more vulnerable in this performance than some of her other tough and dry performances. Her chemistry with Rudd is the heart and soul of the film. Richard E. Grant and Tea Leoni are doing some great work here as they embody the egotistical and condescending vibes of their characters well. Will Poulter is an absolute riot as he fully commits to his role as the aloof and muscle-bound manchild of this rich family. Anthony Carrigan steals many scenes with his reactions and physical performance as “the help”. Sunita Mani and Steve Park each get their moments to stand out too as the scientists in the room. This film would not be as funny without some impeccable comedic timing from this impressive cast.

Is Death of a Unicorn a big genre-bending win for A24? This is certainly not on the same level of craft and execution as some of the studio’s best work (Ari Aster even acts as a producer on this one). But this is a consistently funny and entertaining ride that delivers on its fantasy and horror elements as well. A top notch cast really ties Scharfman’s efforts together. Death of a Unicorn is a thoroughly entertaining experience that still has a lot to say (even if it is quite bluntly said).