In Death of a Unicorn, Paul Rudd plays Elliot, a lawyer and single father, who accidentally hits a unicorn with his car while driving to a rich client’s estate. His daughter Ridley (Jenna Ortega) becomes emotionally invested in the mythical creature, setting off a chain reaction of greed-fueled chaos as the unicorn’s healing properties are revealed to the morally bankrupt Leopold family.

The film juggles a lot—graphic gore, pitch-black satire, and surprisingly moving family drama. While some critics feel the first act drags with too much exposition and not enough action, once the unicorn revenge kicks in, the pace accelerates into a frenetic blend of horror and dark humor, complete with brutal unicorn attacks and social commentary on the elite exploiting nature for profit.

Despite some lackluster CGI and predictable jump scares, Death of a Unicorn earns praise for its originality and campy charm. The performances—especially from Will Poulter as a spoiled heir and Ortega as the grieving daughter—help ground the absurdity with emotional weight .

Thematically, the film draws parallels between grief and chaos, showing how both can erupt without warning. It’s a quirky yet meaningful tale that blends unicorn mythology with critiques of capitalism and familial disconnect, making for a uniquely A24-style experience.