Death of a Unicorn
Death of a Unicorn is a 2025 American dark fantasy comedy horror film written and directed by Alex Scharfman in his feature directorial debut.
Death of a Unicorn is a 2025 American dark fantasy comedy horror film written and directed by Alex Scharfman in his feature directorial debut. The film stars Paul Rudd and Jenna Ortega as a father and daughter who accidentally kill a unicorn and become entangled with a billionaire pharmaceutical family that tries to exploit the creature’s healing properties. It was released in 2025 and distributed by A24.
Premise
The film centres on Elliot Kintner and his daughter Ridley, who accidentally strike a unicorn on the way to a retreat. The unicorn's body is then targeted by a wealthy pharmaceutical family seeking to exploit its supposed regenerative and curative properties. Coverage has noted that the retreat is set at a remote estate in Canada, which may be of interest to Canadian audiences, though the film itself is an American production.
Cast
Paul Rudd and Jenna Ortega play the father-daughter leads, with Will Poulter, Téa Leoni, and Richard E. Grant in supporting roles. The ensemble is a key part of the film’s satire of wealth and corporate power.
Production and release
Alex Scharfman wrote and directed the film as his first feature. It premiered at South by Southwest in March 2025 and was later released theatrically in the United States by A24 on March 28, 2025.
Reception
Coverage described the film as a mix of monster horror, social satire, and family drama, with reviews ranging from mixed to negative about how well it balances those elements.
Key facts
- Alex Scharfman made his feature directorial debut with the film.
- The plot follows a father and daughter who accidentally hit and kill a unicorn while travelling to a retreat.
- The unicorn’s body becomes the subject of exploitation because of its supposed regenerative and curative properties.
- The film combines horror, fantasy, satire, and comedy elements.
- It premiered at South by Southwest in 2025 and was released theatrically in the United States on March 28, 2025.
The film’s premise includes a retreat at a remote estate in Canada in some coverage, which may be of interest to Canadian audiences, though the film itself is an American production.[12]
Frequently asked questions
What is Death of a Unicorn about?
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When was Death of a Unicorn released?
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References
- Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Death_of_a_UnicornSupports: Basic film identity, year, director, cast, and premise.
- Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/death_of_a_unicornSupports: Synopsis, genre, release date, runtime, and content rating.
- The Guardian — https://www.theguardian.com/film/2025/mar/09/death-of-a-unicorn-reviewSupports: Festival premiere timing, U.S. and U.K. release dates, and critical framing.
- Deadline — https://deadline.com/2025/03/death-of-a-unicorn-review-jenna-ortega-sxsw-1236306101/Supports: Director, cast, distributor, SXSW premiere, and plot details.
- Filmdienst — https://www.filmdienst.de/film/details/624543/death-of-a-unicornSupports: Plot summary and critical description of the film's genre mix.