Death of a Unicorn presents a strange mix of ideas. The film markets itself with dark whimsy. It teases intrigue and flashes of satire. But it delivers disappointment instead.
From the beginning, Paul Rudd feels off. His classic charm never shows up. He delivers lines, but without spark. The quick wit and warmth he’s known for is completely missing. He gives a performance, but it lacks any of the energy and presence we can generally expect from Rudd. Will Poulter, on the other hand, steals every scene. He brings unpredictable energy and fully embraces the bizarre material. He keeps viewers on edge in the best way. His commitment stands out. Without him, the film would offer far less entertainment.
The unicorn itself comes with strange handling. The story hints at mystery but never builds it. It flirts with lore, then drops it. The film introduces a magical creature, then does almost nothing with its mythology. It wastes a huge opportunity to create a richer world.
Death of a Unicorn joins the fast-growing “eat the rich” genre. It mocks the wealthy and highlights corruption, but without much depth. The satire feels lazy and surface-level. The same themes appear, but nothing fresh comes from them. In a crowded space, this film contributes very little. At the very least, it should have been fun. The premise—a unicorn hit by a car and a bizarre cover-up—sets the stage for absurdity. But I struggled to stay interested. Scenes drag. Jokes miss their mark. Pacing becomes a problem early on. Even the more chaotic and gory moments can’t hold attention. What could have become a cult classic ends up as background noise.
The film tries to shock but underplays the moments. It skips emotional beats, builds little tension, and wants to be quirky, but won’t fully commit. By the halfway point, I found myself checking out. Even the absurd premise couldn’t keep me engaged. The visuals feel competent but forgettable. The film uses color sparingly and chooses a sterile look—maybe on purpose? But the atmosphere stays flat. Nothing about the visuals stick. The unicorn, when it finally appears, looks oddly fake. The film turns a creature of myth into a lifeless prop.
By the time the credits roll, I’m already forgetting what I watched. The film can’t hold attention. The characters blur together. The stakes never feel real. I felt relief more than emotion once it ended. Disappointment lingers longer than any scene. A24 has been pumping put movies that fit its ” indie aesthetic” but recently their films seem more formulaic, comparable to that of the superhero genre. I know what to expect, and I’m definitely getting it, but in a way that is starting to feel cheap, and this film is the perfect example of that.
Final Thoughts
Death of a Unicorn has all the right pieces. It has the cast, the concept, and the potential. But it forgets the heart, the humor, and the imagination. In the end, the only real thing that dies is its potential.
2.5/5
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My childhood consisted of weekly visits to Hollywood Video and Sunday morning calls to the local movie theater to hear the showtimes for the day. It was during my sixth trip to the theater to see The Dark Knight (2008) that I realized my love of movies may not be considered "typical." This love led me to completing a bachelor's degree in media arts with a special focus in film from Montclair State University. When I'm not rambling on about movies on TikTok, I am feeding into my online shopping addiction, reading a mystery book with specifically a female lead who has a troubled past, or most likely just eating chocolate chip cookies.
My Favorite Movies: Call Me By Your Name, Scream, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, 12 Angry Men, and Almost Famous.