Father-daughter duo Elliott and Ridley hit a unicorn with their car and bring it to the wilderness retreat of a mega-wealthy pharmaceutical CEO.
In an unexpected twist on fairy tale lore, “Death of a Unicorn” reimagines these mythical beings not as gentle creatures of children’s stories but as formidable forces of retribution. The story centers on the father-daughter duo Elliot and Ridley Kintner (Paul Rudd and Jenna Ortega), whose Rocky Mountain road trip takes an extraordinary turn after they accidentally strike a unicorn in the middle of the road.
The plot shifts to the lavish compound of Odell Leopold (Richard E. Grant), a pharmaceutical tycoon, where the supposedly lifeless unicorn reveals its true nature. As the creature’s healing abilities come to light—showing power to cure ailments from poor eyesight to lethal diseases—Leopold’s profit-driven ambitions eclipse any ethical restraints. What begins as a tale of enchantment evolves into a stark examination of human avarice.
While echoing elements of Spielbergian storytelling, particularly reminiscent of “The Lost World: Jurassic Park,” director Alex Scharfman carves out his unique vision. His interpretation presents unicorns as beings capable of otherworldly grace and ruthless fury, symbolizing nature’s inherent duality. The storyline of parent unicorns seeking revenge for their stolen young powerfully illustrates the clash between natural order and human arrogance.
The cast brings depth to this fantastical premise. Rudd delivers a grounded performance as Elliot, complemented by Ortega’s portrayal of his daughter, who emerges as the story’s ethical compass. Will Poulter’s interpretation of Shepard Leopold stands out, creating an unnervingly believable portrait of calculated ruthlessness that resonates long after viewing.
Larry Fong’s cinematography transforms Hungarian locations into mesmerizing backdrops, capturing both epic scale and personal moments with equal skill. Under Scharfman’s guidance, the film maintains an equilibrium between meaningful drama and thrilling action sequences, ensuring the spectacular elements enhance rather than overwhelm the emotional narrative.
The film accomplishes a dual feat: offering insightful commentary on humanity while delivering captivating entertainment. Though the ending suggests potential sequels, the story feels complete—a distinctive quality in today’s franchise-driven film industry.
In Theaters Friday, March 28th
