By Adam B. Vary

At the 2025 South by Southwest (SXSW) Film Festival, audiences were introduced to “Death of a Unicorn,” a darkly comedic horror film that blends mythical creatures with corporate satire. Directed by Alex Scharfman and produced by A24, the film features Jenna Ortega and Paul Rudd as a daughter-father duo entangled in a deadly encounter with unicorns. While the premise promises a unique cinematic experience, the execution has garnered mixed reactions from critics and viewers alike.

Plot Overview

“Death of a Unicorn” follows Elliot (Paul Rudd) and his daughter Ridley (Jenna Ortega) as they embark on a weekend retreat with a wealthy pharmaceutical family, the Leopolds. En route, they accidentally hit and kill a unicorn, a creature believed to possess miraculous healing properties. The Leopolds, led by the ailing patriarch Odell (Richard E. Grant) and his wife Belinda (Téa Leoni), see the unicorn as a lucrative opportunity. However, their attempts to exploit the creature’s powers unleash unforeseen horrors, leading to a series of gruesome events.

Critical Reception

The film’s reception has been polarized. The Guardian’s Adrian Horton described it as a “goofy eat-the-rich satire” that, despite its intentions, “feels longer” than its runtime due to a lack of self-awareness and chemistry among characters. Horton rated the film 2 out of 5 stars, indicating that while the concept had potential, the execution fell short. 

Similarly, Screen International’s Tim Grierson noted that the film “boasts plenty of raucous spirit but not the strongest execution,” suggesting that its various tones “never quite gel.” 

On the other hand, The Playlist’s Chase Hutchinson offered a more favorable perspective, praising the film as a “delightful debut” that is “infinitely more well-crafted and thoughtful than it has any business being.” Hutchinson highlighted the film’s clever humor and the strong performances of the cast, particularly Ortega and Rudd. 

Performances

Jenna Ortega’s portrayal of Ridley has been widely acknowledged for bringing depth to the character, balancing teenage angst with resilience. Paul Rudd’s Elliot offers a relatable everyman perspective, with his comedic timing providing levity amidst the horror. Richard E. Grant and Téa Leoni, as the Leopold couple, embody the excesses of wealth and moral ambiguity, though some critics felt their characters lacked depth.

Direction and Tone

Alex Scharfman’s direction attempts to weave together elements of horror, comedy, and social commentary. However, this amalgamation has led to critiques about the film’s tonal inconsistencies. Bloody Disgusting’s review mentioned that while the film brings “carnage and a more monstrous vision of the legendary creature,” the journey to the gory action is “a bumpy one.” 

Visual Effects

The depiction of unicorns as menacing creatures is central to the film’s horror aspect. Yet, the quality of the CGI has been a point of contention. RogerEbert.com’s review observed that the early visual effects appeared “janky,” though they improved in the latter half of the film. The review also noted that the unicorns’ portrayal lacked the tactile realism seen in classic creature features like “Jurassic Park.” 

Themes and Satire

“Death of a Unicorn” positions itself as a satire on corporate greed and the ethical boundaries crossed in the pursuit of profit. The Leopold family’s obsession with monetizing the unicorn’s healing properties serves as a critique of real-world pharmaceutical practices. However, some critics feel that the satire is heavy-handed and lacks the sharpness required to leave a lasting impact. JoBlo.com’s Chris Bumbray commented that while the film aspires to be a satire, it is “shockingly laugh-free and toothless.” 

Audience Reactions

Audience reactions have mirrored the critical divide. On platforms like Reddit, viewers have engaged in discussions about the film’s strengths and weaknesses. Some appreciate the unique premise and the performances, especially Ortega’s, while others express disappointment over the film’s pacing and tonal shifts. The film currently holds a 58% rating on Metacritic, indicating mixed or average reviews. 

“Death of a Unicorn” ventures into uncharted territory by merging mythical horror with corporate satire. While the film boasts commendable performances and an intriguing concept, its execution has left audiences and critics divided. As it prepares for a wider release on March 28, viewers will have the opportunity to experience this unconventional narrative and form their own opinions on its success in blending genres.