A24 Delivers a Bold Dark Comedy with a Mythical Twist
A24 is back with another genre-bending film, Death of a Unicorn, a dark comedy that blends corporate satire with twisted fantasy. Directed by Alex Scharfman in his feature debut, the film stars Paul Rudd and Jenna Ortega as a quirky father-daughter duo who hit a unicorn while driving to a company retreat. What follows is a sharp and unsettling journey through corporate exploitation, greed, and mythical consequences.
Jenna Ortega Continues Her Winning Streak
Jenna Ortega, known for her roles in Wednesday and Scream VI, takes on the role of Ridley Kintner—a goth teenager with a dry wit and a deep moral compass. Her performance is already being compared to Winona Ryder in Beetlejuice, showcasing Ortega’s knack for brooding yet charismatic roles. Opposite her, Paul Rudd plays Elliot, a meek, well-meaning father and pharmaceutical consultant who reluctantly becomes entangled in his employer’s morally dubious schemes.
Unicorns, Corporate Greed, and Genetic Engineering
After the unicorn’s accidental death, Elliot’s employer—played by Richard E. Grant—sees an opportunity for profit. The story dives into a twisted satire of Big Pharma as the unicorn’s remains are used for mysterious genetic experiments. The narrative is both absurd and thought-provoking, echoing themes of environmental recklessness and unethical science. Critics at The Guardian have praised the film’s originality, calling it “strikingly odd” and “genuinely unsettling.”
Behind the Scenes: Unique Vision and Evolving Soundtrack
Originally announced with horror maestro John Carpenter as composer, the film’s final score was composed by Dan Romer and Giosuè Greco, bringing a hauntingly whimsical feel to the dark comedy. The film also features Will Poulter, Téa Leoni, and Jessica Hynes in key supporting roles. With A24 producing and distributing, the film had its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival 2025, gaining considerable buzz ahead of its wide release.
Mixed Reactions: A24’s Cult Formula or a Miss?
While some critics laud the film’s eccentric storytelling and offbeat humor, others find it to be overly stylized. According to The Wrap, the CGI used for the unicorn itself left some audiences divided. However, Financial Times praised its “madcap originality,” and The Times UK described it as a “wildly refreshing piece of surreal satire.”
Final Verdict: Watch It for the Weird and Wonderful
Whether or not Death of a Unicorn becomes another A24 cult classic remains to be seen, but its daring premise, strong performances, and unique visual flair make it a must-watch for fans of dark fantasy and indie cinema. With Jenna Ortega’s rising star power and A24’s reputation for curating unconventional hits, this film is poised to spark discussions—and possibly a few nightmares.