“Death of a Unicorn” follows a man and his daughter after they accidentally hit and kill a unicorn with their car.
“Death of a Unicorn” blends drama, thriller, comedy and horror. While some reviews criticize the mix, the elements work together nearly perfectly. The film makes audiences laugh and connect with its characters, then shifts into over-the-top unicorn carnage without missing a beat.
Gore, Laughs and Unicorn Chaos
The movie dives further into gore than expected. Carnage candy takes center stage – sometimes comedic, sometimes horrific. Several kills are played for laughs, while others are shockingly graphic. These sequences hit harder because unicorns are typically portrayed as gentle, mythical creatures. Flipping that perception on its head creates some memorably gnarly moments.
At its heart, “Death of a Unicorn” focuses on the father-daughter relationship between Elliot and Ridley. Amid the absurdity, this emotional anchor keeps the story grounded. Paul Rudd and Jenna Ortega deliver standout performances, showing a bond that isn’t always perfect but grows stronger through the chaos.
Standout Performances
Will Poulter steals nearly every scene. His intentionally exaggerated character brings unexpected humor to moments that shouldn’t be funny but are. He elevates the comedic tone without undercutting the horror.
Alongside the laughs and carnage, the film explores themes of greed, grief, exploitation and history. Some might call this unfocused, but it works as a thematic collage. Each idea fits within its part of the story and serves a purpose, proving that a movie doesn’t need a singular focus to be effective.
Visual Highs and Lows
The visual effects are hit-and-miss. Because unicorns don’t exist in reality, their slightly unreal look is forgivable. Clever lighting often hides the CGI’s limitations, but in the final 30 minutes the flaws become harder to ignore, distracting from several big moments.
“Death of a Unicorn” stands out as one of 2025’s most entertaining releases. It delivers big laughs, wild unicorn lore and a surprising emotional core without losing its bizarre edge. It’s a bloody, hilarious ride that embraces its own weirdness.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
