Death of a Unicorn

I've spent worse times in theaters than rooting for a family of yuppie scumbags to be killed by unicorns. A borderline guilty pleasure, Paul Rudd and Jenna Ortega star as Elliot Kintner and his daughter Ridley. Elliot has just gotten his big break working for the uber-wealthy Leopold family (Richard E. Grant, Téa Leoni, and Will Poulter). However, on the way to their outrageously plush cabin in the middle of a wilderness preserve, Elliot hits a unicorn with his car (which he unsuccessfully attempts to hide from his hosts).

When the Leopolds discover the unicorn's blood has healing properties they immediately go into marketing mode in auctioning the most powerful medical marvel the world has ever seen to their rich, and equally awful, friends. Unfortunately for the Leopolds, the unicorn in their possession isn't the only one. And when the others arrive seeking vengeance, the film takes a bloody turn.

Death of a Unicorn is crazy horror comedy class satire that has enough fun scenes to carry the film past the inconsistencies of the script (or the fact that Ortega feels far too old for the role). All of the Leopolds are having fun here, particularly Will Poulter as the oafish Shepard Leopold who begins snorting unicorn horn simply because he can. Ortega's Ridley is the sole voice of reason, feeling a connection to the creatures which the Leopolds only care about as far as it is useful to them. Rudd is a bit harder to like as the working single father caring more about the comfort he can give his daughter financially than the emotional comfort she actually needs.

While I think it unlikely many will fall in love with the film, there are certainly aspects here that would allow it to become a bit of cult classic. And I wouldn't be surprised if others are willing to overlook its various inconstancies of tone, style, and humor for the wacky adventure it provides. Despite its flaws, Death of a Unicorn is a fun ride. For those intrigued by the title, and the idea of murderous unicorns, this is the film for you.

Watch the trailer

• Title: Death of a Unicorn
• IMDb: link