Verdict: 3.5/5
‘Death of a Unicorn’ is a unique horror comedy with a topical undertone that speaks to the ever-growing greed of the rich in western society.
The latest flick from A24 centres on a father (Paul Rudd) and daughter (Jenna Ortega), travelling to the luxurious home of his dying employer (Richard E. Grant) in order to meet his family and settle affairs before joining as partner in the company. Things go quickly awry as the pair collide with a Unicorn when driving through a Canadian nature reserve.
What follows is a series of calamities resulting in some gory deaths and two very angry Unicorns.
This film alters our usual perception of Unicorns and plays heavily into the lore and culture of the Middle Ages, when Unicorns were revered – and real – while creating an engaging tale of family dynamics.
The film features excellent performances from Téa Leoni and Will Poulter; their use of comedic timing being a highlight of the film. Their gristly deaths and those of others will excite any horror fan and have you rooting for the Unicorns by the end.
The film, while comedic on the surface, holds a mirror to the richest among us – the billion-upon – billionaires. Its portrayal of an extremely wealthy family, perceived to be in the one per cent, observing the magic and wonder of a Unicorn and responding with the immediate need to destroy and monetise it speaks to the mass greed displayed far too often in our society, and the ever-widening gap between rich and poor.
Depending on who you ask, the themes in this film would range from a funny, engaging movie with some grotesque and awesome on-screen deaths to a more intense representation of the natural wonders of this Earth being exploited by the rich. Both interpretations are true, and regardless of your political or socio-economic stance, this film is mythical, fantastical and provocative – much like a Unicorn.
See this movie at Hoyts Penrith.
