Jenna Ortega "Death of a Unicorn"

If there’s one actress everyone’s talking about right now, it’s Jenna Ortega. From her breakout role in Wednesday to her latest project, Death of a Unicorn, Ortega continues to prove she’s a force in Hollywood. This new film, co-starring legends like Richard E. Grant, Paul Rudd, and Will Poulter, is already making waves. But what makes Death of a Unicorn so special? Let’s break it down. 

What’s Death of a Unicorn About? 

Death of a Unicorn is a dark comedy-mystery that mixes humor, suspense, and drama. The story follows a group of eccentric characters who get tangled in a wild adventure after a rare, mythical creature—the last unicorn on Earth—mysteriously dies. Jenna Ortega plays Mia, a sharp-witted college student with a knack for solving puzzles. When she stumbles onto the scene, she teams up with a quirky billionaire (Richard E. Grant), a paranoid scientist (Paul Rudd), and a shady journalist (Will Poulter) to uncover the truth behind the unicorn’s death.  

The film is packed with twists, laugh-out-loud moments, and a surprising amount of heart. But the real star? Jenna Ortega. Her performance as Mia is both relatable and magnetic, showing off her range as an actress. 

Why Jenna Ortega Steals the Show 

Jenna Ortega has always been a standout, but Death of a Unicorn feels like a turning point in her career. As Mia, she balances sarcasm, intelligence, and vulnerability perfectly. Whether she’s cracking jokes or dropping emotional bombshells, Ortega makes Mia feel like someone you’d want as your best friend—or your partner in crime.  

Critics are raving about her chemistry with the cast, too. Richard E. Grant’s billionaire character is all charm and chaos, while Paul Rudd plays against type as a nervous, conspiracy-obsessed biologist. Will Poulter, as always, nails his role as the journalist with questionable morals. But it’s Ortega who ties the story together. She’s the glue that holds this wild ride in place.  

A Cast That Can’t Be Beat

Let’s talk about the lineup here. Richard E. Grant (famous for Withnail & I and Star Wars) brings his signature wit to the film. Paul Rudd, known for his comedic roles in Ant-Man and Parks and Recreation, surprises audiences with a darker, more anxious character. Will Poulter (The Revenant, Midsommar) adds grit as the journalist chasing the story at any cost.  

But again, Jenna Ortega holds her own alongside these veterans. At just 22, she’s already sharing the screen with Hollywood heavyweights—and outshining them in some scenes. It’s no wonder fans are calling this her best role yet.  

The Director’s Vision

Director Alex Schiphorst (known for indie hits like Moonlit Whispers) wanted to create a film that blended fantasy with real-world satire. The unicorn’s death isn’t just a magical mystery—it’s a commentary on greed, environmental destruction, and the absurdity of modern life. Schiphorst told The Guardian:  

“The unicorn represents purity in a world that’s lost its way. Jenna’s character, Mia, is the voice of a generation asking, ‘How did we get here?’”  

This mix of fantasy and social critique gives the film depth without feeling preachy. Plus, the visuals are stunning. Think lush forests, eerie mansions, and a CGI unicorn that’ll make you wish mythical creatures were real.  

Box Office Success: Why You Should Watch It Now 

Death of a Unicorn isn’t just a critical darling—it’s a box office hit. According to Screen Rant, the film earned $45 million in its opening weekend, making it one of the biggest surprises of 2025. But here’s the catch: it’s only in theaters for a limited time.  

Why the hurry? The studio plans to move the film to streaming platforms sooner than expected. While that’s great for couch potatoes, this is a movie that deserves the big-screen treatment. The visuals, sound design, and collective gasps from the audience are all part of the experience.  

Jenna Ortega’s Rise to Superstardom  

Let’s take a moment to appreciate Jenna Ortega’s career. She started as a child actress in Disney shows like Stuck in the Middle and slowly built her way up. Her role in Wednesday (2022) turned her into a global icon, but she’s avoided getting typecast. Instead, she’s chosen bold projects: horror films (Scream VI, X), dramas (The Fallout), and now Death of a Unicorn.  

In interviews, Ortega has said she wants roles that challenge her—and Mia is exactly that. The character requires her to be funny, dramatic, and even action-packed in some scenes. It’s a reminder that Ortega isn’t just a scream queen or a teen idol; she’s a versatile actress ready for anything.  

What Audiences Are Saying

Fans are obsessed. Social media is flooded with clips of Ortega’s best one-liners and theories about the unicorn’s death. Reddit threads debate hidden clues in the background, while TikTok edits set Mia’s scenes to Olivia Rodrigo songs (which, honestly, fits perfectly).  

But it’s not just Gen Z driving the hype. Older audiences love the film’s throwback vibe, comparing it to classics like The Grand Budapest Hotel and Knives Out. The mix of humor and mystery works for all ages, making it a rare crowd-pleaser.  

How Death of a Unicorn Stands Out in 2025  

2025 is packed with superhero sequels, biopics, and dystopian dramas. Death of a Unicorn stands out because it’s different. It doesn’t rely on explosions or flashy CGI (though the unicorn looks amazing). Instead, it trusts its story and characters to pull you in.  

Jenna Ortega’s performance is a big reason for that. She brings a freshness to the screen that’s hard to find. Whether you’re watching her solve a riddle or argue with Paul Rudd’s paranoid scientist, you can’t look away.  

Final Verdict: Don’t Miss This Film  

Death of a Unicorn is more than just a movie—it’s an experience. With Jenna Ortega leading a star-packed cast, a clever script, and visuals that pop, it’s the kind of film you’ll want to watch twice.  

So grab your tickets before it leaves theaters. And if you’re a Jenna Ortega fan? This is her moment. She’s proving she can carry a blockbuster, and we’re here for it.  

Why Jenna Ortega’s Future Looks Bright  

With Death of a Unicorn, Jenna Ortega isn’t just riding the wave of fame—she’s creating it. Her ability to pick unique projects and elevate them with her talent sets her apart. Up next, she’s set to produce and star in a coming-of-age series, showing she’s serious about shaping her career.  

One thing’s clear Jenna Ortega is here to stay. And we can’t wait to see what she does next.