Death of a Unicorn: the horror comedy starring Jenna Ortega to watch in 2025

Death of a Unicorn, produced by A24, is generating significant buzz ahead of its anticipated release in Spring 2025. Directed by Alex Scharfman, this dark comedy features a star-studded cast, including Paul Rudd and Jenna Ortega, alongside notable actors such as Richard E. Grant, Téa Leoni, and Will Poulter.

The narrative follows a father-daughter duo, portrayed by Rudd and Ortega, who accidentally hit and kill a unicorn while traveling to a weekend retreat. Their journey takes a chaotic turn when they discover that the unicorn possesses miraculous curative properties, which attract the attention of Rudd's character's billionaire boss, played by Grant. The plot thickens as the duo attempts to conceal the unicorn's body, only for it to be discovered, leading to dire consequences as another unicorn seeks revenge on those who harmed its kin.

Adding to the film's allure, the score is composed by legendary filmmaker John Carpenter, along with Cody Carpenter and Daniel Davies. This musical collaboration is expected to enhance the film's unique atmosphere.

#Inspiration

Death of a Unicorn is inspired by a unique blend of fantasy and dark comedy elements.The film delves into themes of greed and consequence, as the characters grapple with the ramifications of their actions. The narrative hints at satirical undertones, reflecting on how society often commodifies rare and mystical entities for profit. As the plot unfolds, the story takes a darker turn, introducing elements of horror when it becomes clear that the unicorn has a vengeful parent seeking retribution for its death.

Director Alex Scharfman, making his feature film debut, crafted this surreal story to explore both comedic and macabre aspects of human nature when faced with extraordinary circumstances. The film's unique premise combines whimsical fantasy with horror-comedy elements, drawing comparisons to other genre-blending films like Cocaine Bear.

#The Unicorn

The choice of a unicorn as the central mythical creature in Death of a Unicorn draws on the rich historical and cultural significance of unicorns, which have captivated human imagination for centuries.

In contemporary narratives, unicorns often represent the fantastical and the unattainable. Their rarity and mystical qualities make them ideal symbols for exploring deeper themes such as loss, consequence, and the clash between innocence and corruption. In Death of a Unicorn, the accidental killing of a unicorn serves as a catalyst for the story's exploration of these themes, reflecting how society often commodifies purity and beauty for personal gain. The juxtaposition of whimsical fantasy with dark comedy highlights the absurdity of human behavior when faced with extraordinary circumstances.

By selecting a unicorn as the central mythical creature, this horror comedy taps into centuries of cultural significance while providing a fresh narrative that critiques human nature through humor and fantasy. The unicorn's historical associations with purity and healing power serve to amplify the film's exploration of moral dilemmas arising from greed and exploitation.

#What to expect

Death of a Unicorn effectively blends comedy and horror elements through several key techniques that create a unique viewing experience. The film's premise itself—a father-daughter duo accidentally killing a unicorn—sets the stage for a blend of absurdity and horror. The initial comedic setup allows for a stark contrast when the consequences of their actions unfold, introducing horror elements as they deal with the repercussions of their mistake. This juxtaposition between light-hearted moments and darker themes creates a dynamic tension that keeps the audience engaged.

The interactions between characters play a crucial role in blending genres. The humor often stems from the characters' reactions to surreal situations, such as confronting the magical properties of the unicorn and dealing with its vengeful parent. This dynamic allows for comedic relief during tense moments, similar to how effective horror-comedy films utilize humor to alleviate fear while maintaining suspense.

This horror comedy employs dark humor to explore serious themes like greed and exploitation. The absurdity of the situation—trying to hide a mythical creature's body—leads to comedic scenarios that highlight human folly. This approach mirrors successful horror-comedy films where humor arises from grim circumstances, allowing audiences to laugh while also feeling unsettled.

The use of surreal and fantastical elements enhances the film's ability to oscillate between comedy and horror. The presence of a unicorn and its magical attributes introduces whimsical aspects that can quickly turn sinister, especially when the narrative shifts to focus on revenge. This fluidity between genres keeps viewers on their toes, mirroring the unpredictability often found in classic horror-comedy hybrids.