Death of a Unicorn

Death of a Unicorn (2025) Movie Synopsis

Death of a Unicorn (2025) is a genre-bending dark comedy that blends absurdism, horror, and corporate satire into a singularly surreal cinematic experience. Directed by Alex Scharfman and produced under A24, the film stars Paul Rudd and Jenna Ortega as a quirky father-daughter duo who accidentally hit a unicorn with their car—an event that spirals into a bizarre chain reaction involving biotech conglomerates, government conspiracies, and mythological exploitation. With its razor-sharp script and bold visual style, the film dissects themes of commodification, environmental decay, and innocence lost in the face of greed.

Critics are hailing Death of a Unicorn as one of A24’s most subversive offerings in years. Jenna Ortega delivers a breakout performance full of sardonic wit and emotional clarity, while Paul Rudd leans into a darker, more introspective version of his signature charm. The film’s satirical edge resonates strongly, drawing parallels to real-world corporate overreach and the ethical absurdities of modern capitalism. Viewers have praised its tonal balance—moving seamlessly from laugh-out-loud comedy to deeply unsettling moments without sacrificing narrative cohesion.

Visually, the film is an aesthetic anomaly in the best way. The cinematography by Christopher Blauvelt juxtaposes dreamlike landscapes with clinical, fluorescent interiors to mirror the story’s escalating surrealism. The practical effects used to bring the unicorn to life—and death—are unsettlingly realistic, grounding the fantastical premise in tangible emotion. The score by Ariel Marx underscores the tonal shifts with eerie elegance, giving the film a rhythmic pulse that keeps the viewer on edge. Each frame is meticulously composed to provoke discomfort and curiosity in equal measure.

Death of a Unicorn (2025) is ultimately a critique of how wonder is often exploited and discarded in pursuit of profit. It challenges viewers to reckon with the loss of innocence in a commodified world, where even mythical creatures aren’t safe from commercialization. With its bold performances, unique vision, and sharp social commentary, the film doesn’t just entertain—it unsettles, provokes, and lingers in the mind long after the credits roll. A24 once again proves its mastery of genre-defying cinema with a film that dares to ask: what happens when the impossible becomes expendable?

Death of a Unicorn Trigger Breakdown