Death of a Unicorn Movie Review

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My immediate take is that the novelty will interest you. The predictability will not.

As far as movies about unicorns go, Alex Scharfman’s feature directorial debut, “Death of a Unicorn” isn’t half bad. You could do worse than to, if you go in unaware, watch a fantasy/thriller suddenly turn into a very dark and heavy film. Paul Rudd, or Ant Man in some cases, plays Elliot, a father who takes his daughter Ridley (Jenna Ortega, also known as “Wednesday) on a weekend getaway. This is a work trip for him. While on the way to the grounds his pharmaceutical billionaire boss, Odell, played by Richard E. Grant, owns he pays little attention to the road and accidentally hits, of all things, a unicorn. That mythical creature we could only hope to come across someday, not RUN OVER!

When he gets to the sprawling location, that has a feeling of the Overlook Hotel, you realize he has the magical horse in the back of his vehicle. Ridley worries, she has a right to be. Is he dead? Her father seems to think so. Elliot rubs elbows with the boss, who isn’t well, forgetting about the situation in the back of the car. As you see coming, all hell breaks loose.

Also in the film is Anthony Carrigan, as Griff. Carrigan, from “Barry,” is outstanding. He’s a butler of sorts, ordered around like mad, to do what the rich and powerful want at the moment they want it. He does his best to fulfill their desires… if they’re not too far above their means. Not that they should ever be, right? I mean, they’re rich. Griff’s bosses are Téa Leoni, who plays Odell’s wife Belinda and Will Poulter, their son Shepard. Leoni doesn’t lend much to the story. She’s a pain, mostly, but Poulter is a comical gem, per usual. He brings on his “We’re the Millers” style charm here. He and Carrigan play off one another very well. They could have and should have been used more, if I’m to be honest.

Once it’s discovered that the unicorn has magical powers in its blood, you knew it would be discovered, Odell and Belinda get an idea! They must use it to their full advantage! What benefits them most, of course, is front of mind. They’re thinking of no one outside of Odell’s immediate health needs, well, and ultimately, their bottom-line.

What happens next is a bit of a surprise, but it’s well-executed if not going a touch overboard in reaching the conclusion. The horror elements shock and entertain, doing exactly what they are there to do. You’re entertained as you should be by jump scares and some tough to watch kills. It does go overboard in the horror, but if you don’t mind that sort of thing, and you’re looking for an engaging dark-comedy, go see this ON THE BIG SCREEN.