‘Death of a Unicorn’ Movie Review: A24’s Touching Tale of Unicorn Revenge That Made Me Cry

“Death of a Unicorn”may seem improbable as a poignant exploration of grief and loss, yet it succeeds brilliantly in doing just that. This A24 production combines humor and raw violence, creating a narrative that evokes a surprising emotional response, more so than Will Poulter’s character might suggest.

Introduction to Everyday Grief

The story follows Elliot (portrayed by Paul Rudd) and his daughter Ridley (played by Jenna Ortega) as they journey to visit the wealthy Leopold family. Elliot is employed as a lawyer for Odell Leopold (Richard E. Grant) and his wife, Belinda (Téa Leoni).Their lives take a wild turn when the self-indulgent Shepard Leopold (Will Poulter) finds a unicorn unexpectedly placed on their doorstep.

A Fateful Encounter with a Unicorn

During their drive, Elliot and Ridley accidentally hit a young unicorn. In a moment of panic, Elliot persuades Ridley to bring the wounded unicorn along, unveiling its revered healing abilities. This decision ignites a narrative filled with themes of revenge, heartache, and the intense violence that ensues when unicorn horns become involved.

More than Just a Horror Comedy

On the surface, the film appears as a bizarre tale where angry unicorns reign if you dare disrupt their offspring. However, it delves deeper into familial strain. Following the death of Elliot’s wife, he becomes emotionally distant, avoiding conversations with Ridley about their shared grief and instead opting for a facade of normalcy.

Exploring Themes in “Death of a Unicorn”

Ultimately, the movie presents a darkly comedic reflection on human suffering. Here, you confront a mythical creature that is far from heroic. If director and writer Alex Scharfman had solely aimed for a bloody spectacle, the film would still entertain, but it offers so much more.

Capitalism and Grief

The film presents profound commentary on fatherhood and mourning, woven through a critique of the excesses of the wealthiest 1%.The Leopolds epitomize avarice, possessing everything and yet driven by greed to exploit the unicorn’s magical healing blood for personal gain.

As Elliot grapples with his financial struggles to safeguard his daughter, the contrasting pursuits of wealth among adults add an intriguing layer to the story. All the while, they face the imminent danger of a furious unicorn seeking retribution for its injured child.

Gruesome Humor and Emotional Depth

While the film’s comedic violence is undeniably graphic and hilarious, with Poulter delivering unforgettable lines, it also courageously addresses the reality of grief amidst chaos. This chaos mirrors the tumultuous nature of mourning—an overwhelming experience where multiple events unfold simultaneously, including the risk of being pursued by an enraged unicorn.

With a stellar ensemble cast and a uniquely humorous premise, “Death of a Unicorn”stands as another resonant success for A24.

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