Introduction
Death of a Unicorn (2025) is an unconventional blend of horror and satire that brings together mythical creatures, twisted morals, and a darkly comedic tone. Directed by Alex Scharfman and produced by indie powerhouse A24, Death of a Unicorn stars Paul Rudd and Jenna Ortega in a wildly imaginative journey filled with greed, ethics, and unicorns—yes, real unicorns. The film takes a shocking turn from a family outing to a nightmare of corporate exploitation, serving as both a fantastical escape and a searing critique of modern-day capitalism.
Table of Contents
Plot Summary
The story of Death of a Unicorn begins innocently enough: Elliot Kintner (Paul Rudd), a widowed father, and his teenage daughter Ridley (Jenna Ortega) embark on a road trip to a remote estate owned by Elliot’s billionaire employer, Odell Leopold (Richard E. Grant). Along the way, they accidentally run over a unicorn—a shocking event that spirals into a dark conspiracy involving secretive experiments, corporate interests, and vengeful supernatural forces.
What seems like a quirky mythical moment quickly evolves into a horror-laced drama. The unicorn’s mystical healing abilities attract the attention of Odell, who seeks to capitalize on its powers. But when a group of vengeful unicorns descends on the estate, the humans are forced to face the consequences of their greed and hubris.
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Character and Cast Breakdown
Paul Rudd as Elliot Kintner
A loving but morally conflicted father. Rudd brings charm and humanity to a man torn between loyalty to his boss and doing what’s right.
Jenna Ortega as Ridley Kintner
The moral compass of the story, Ridley is intelligent, observant, and brave. Ortega’s performance anchors the film emotionally and tonally.
Richard E. Grant as Odell Leopold
An eccentric billionaire with no boundaries when it comes to profiting from others’ pain. Grant plays the villain with theatrical flair.
Téa Leoni as Belinda Leopold
Odell’s elegant but complicit wife, a character who adds nuance to the family dynamic.
Will Poulter as Shepard Leopold
The conflicted son who questions his family’s ethics.
Anthony Carrigan as Griff
The butler with secrets of his own, lending both comic relief and mystery.
Sunita Mani & Steve Park as Dr. Bhatia and Dr. Song
Scientists whose discovery of the unicorn’s powers puts science on a collision course with myth.
Direction and Cinematic Style
Alex Scharfman’s directorial debut is nothing short of audacious. His stylistic choices—a mix of indie realism, surreal fantasy, and horror tropes—elevate Death of a Unicorn from quirky to unforgettable. The cinematography by Larry Fong is rich with contrast, combining pastoral landscapes with grotesque close-ups that enhance the unsettling mood.
Themes and Symbolism
1. Greed and Capitalism
Odell Leopold represents unchecked capitalism—willing to exploit a magical creature for pharmaceutical gains, a clear parallel to real-world bioethics.
2. Myth and Modernity
The unicorn, a symbol of purity and magic, is placed within a cold, capitalist structure, representing the loss of innocence in a profit-driven world.
3. Parent-Child Relationships
Elliot and Ridley’s bond anchors the story emotionally, showcasing how family values can be tested under extreme circumstances.
Production Timeline and Filming Locations
Filmed in Hungary during the summer of 2023, Death of a Unicorn benefited from a SAG-AFTRA exemption granted during the 2023 strikes. Despite the industry’s unrest, A24 pushed ahead with a talented indie cast and crew. The choice of Hungary added a remote, fairy-tale-like quality to the setting, enhancing the film’s surreal atmosphere.
Music and Soundtrack Analysis
Although the score was initially rumored to be composed by horror legend John Carpenter, the final soundtrack was composed by Dan Romer and Giosuè Greco. The music moves from whimsical to ominous, mirroring the movie’s tonal shifts. The use of string instruments and haunting lullabies creates an eerie soundscape that leaves a lasting impression.
A24’s Influence on the Film’s Tone
Death of a Unicorn fits perfectly within A24’s catalog of high-concept, boundary-pushing films like Hereditary and The Lobster. The studio’s support allowed the creative team to take risks, resulting in a film that’s as thought-provoking as it is bizarre.
Mythical Creatures in Modern Cinema
Unlike sanitized portrayals in family films, the unicorns in Death of a Unicorn are both majestic and terrifying. This darker interpretation challenges audiences to rethink mythological creatures as symbols of power, vengeance, and nature’s wrath.
Jenna Ortega’s Performance: A Critical Highlight
Jenna Ortega continues her rise as a horror icon, following her standout roles in Scream and Wednesday. In Death of a Unicorn, she proves her dramatic range, commanding the screen with subtlety and strength.
Reception and Reviews
Early screenings have generated buzz. Critics praise its originality and daring concept, while others are divided on its abrupt tonal shifts. However, almost all agree: it’s unlike anything else released in 2025.
Trailer Breakdown and Fan Theories
The official trailer teases moments of horror, humor, and fantasy without revealing key plot points. Fans have speculated about secret meanings, including:
- The unicorn being a guardian spirit
- Hidden messages in the mansion’s artwork
- Ridley’s mother possibly connected to the unicorns
Cultural Commentary
The film satirizes biotech, influencer culture, and billionaire excess. In a world obsessed with commodifying the extraordinary, Death of a Unicorn is a timely and scathing critique.
Social Media Buzz
#DeathOfAUnicorn trended globally following the trailer’s release. Fans praised the casting of Rudd and Ortega and drew comparisons to other A24 hits like Midsommar and The Witch.
Easter Eggs and Hidden Details
Sharp-eyed viewers have spotted:
- A painting that morphs slightly in different scenes
- The unicorn’s horn resembling a double helix
- Background characters mirroring Ridley and Elliot
Comparison to Other A24 Films
While Death of a Unicorn shares A24’s DNA of surreal storytelling, it stands out for its humor and fantastical elements—something closer to Everything Everywhere All At Once than The Lighthouse.
Behind-the-Scenes Insights
In interviews, Ortega shared that the unicorn prosthetics were so lifelike they disturbed the cast between takes. Rudd joked that this was his “weirdest buddy road trip movie ever.”
Unicorn Lore and Symbolism
Traditionally symbols of purity and grace, unicorns in this film represent untapped power, nature’s retaliation, and the consequences of exploitation. It’s a bold reimagining that reflects our modern disillusionment.
What the Ending Really Means
[Spoilers Ahead]
The film ends with a surreal confrontation between Ridley and a unicorn queen, hinting that humanity’s fate rests in a child’s hands. The open ending suggests a possible sequel or deeper mythological universe.
Final Verdict
Death of a Unicorn (2025) is a genre-defying, thought-provoking film that uses humor, horror, and myth to tell a deeply relevant story. With stellar performances, bold direction, and A24’s signature style, it’s one of the most talked-about films of the year—and for good reason.
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Source and Reference
IMDB, https://www.imdb.com/title/tt28443655/
