‘Death of a Unicorn’ Offers Satirical Horror-Comedy with Limited Bite

The A24 film blends creature horror and class satire but struggles to sustain its novelty and impact.

Premiering at SXSW, 'Death of a Unicorn' features Paul Rudd and Jenna Ortega as a father-daughter duo caught in a deadly encounter with mythical creatures.
The film critiques late-stage capitalism through a satirical lens, focusing on a wealthy family exploiting unicorn blood for profit and immortality.
While the premise of violent unicorns initially entertains, critics note the repetitive nature of the kills and inconsistent tonal shifts between comedy and horror.
Performances by Will Poulter and Anthony Carrigan stand out, with Poulter’s portrayal of a privileged heir praised for its humor and unpredictability.
Despite its ambition and moments of emotional depth, reviewers highlight the film’s underwhelming CGI and lack of narrative surprises as key shortcomings.