What happens when you mix a unicorn, a pharmaceutical CEO, and a father-daughter duo with terrible luck? You get Death of a Unicorn, A24's latest dark comedy that promises to be as bizarre as it is hilarious. With Jenna Ortega and Paul Rudd leading the charge, this film is already generating buzz, especially after the release of its second trailer. But is it all hype, or does this movie have the magic to stand out in A24's already stellar lineup? Let's dive in.
The Premise: A Unicorn, a Crisis, and a Whole Lot of Trouble
The story follows Riley (Jenna Ortega) and her father Elliot (Paul Rudd), who accidentally hit a unicorn with their car while en route to a crisis management summit. What starts as a bizarre accident quickly spirals into a moral and existential dilemma when they bring the unicorn to a retreat owned by a wealthy pharmaceutical CEO, Dell Leopold (Richard E. Grant). The unicorn, it turns out, holds the key to immortality—its flesh, blood, and horn possess supernatural curative properties. But as the Leopolds and their scientists begin harvesting the creature, they awaken something far more dangerous: the unicorn's vengeful parents.
The trailer teases a mix of dark humor, moral quandaries, and chaotic consequences. Lines like “We have a moral imperative to harvest every last one!” are delivered with the kind of deadpan seriousness that only Paul Rudd can pull off, while Jenna Ortega's Riley seems to be the voice of reason in an increasingly absurd situation.
The Cast: A24's Usual Suspects and Rising Stars
A24 has a knack for assembling stellar casts, and Death of a Unicorn is no exception. Paul Rudd, the king of charm and wit, is perfectly cast as the bumbling yet well-meaning Elliot. Jenna Ortega, fresh off her Wednesday fame, brings her signature mix of intensity and relatability to Riley. Richard E. Grant as the morally dubious CEO is a stroke of genius, and Will Poulter and Téa Leoni round out the ensemble with their usual flair.
The Director: A Promising Debut
Alex Scharfman, known for producing indie gems like Blow the Man Down and Resurrection, makes his feature directorial debut with this film. While the trailer doesn't reveal much new footage, Scharfman's background in indie cinema suggests a focus on character-driven storytelling and dark humor. However, the lack of substantial new material in the second trailer has left some fans skeptical about the film's overall quality.
The A24 Factor: Quirky, Dark, and Unpredictable
A24 has built a reputation for producing films that are anything but conventional. From Everything Everywhere All At Once to The Lighthouse, the studio thrives on bold, unconventional storytelling. Death of a Unicorn seems to fit right in with its mix of absurdity, moral complexity, and a touch of the supernatural. But will it live up to the high bar set by its predecessors?
Final Thoughts:
Death of a Unicorn has all the ingredients of a classic A24 film: a quirky premise, a stellar cast, and a director with a unique vision. However, the lack of new footage in the second trailer is a bit concerning. Will the film deliver on its promise of dark comedy and moral exploration, or will it fall flat under the weight of its own absurdity? Only time will tell.
As a fan of A24's offbeat storytelling, I'm cautiously optimistic. The combination of Paul Rudd's comedic timing and Jenna Ortega's dramatic chops is enough to pique my interest. But the real question is: can a movie about unicorns and immortality strike the right balance between humor and heart?
What do you think? Does Death of a Unicorn sound like a must-watch, or is it too out there for your taste? Let us know in the comments!
