Death of a Unicorn, the quirky black comedy starring Jenna Ortega and Paul Rudd, has officially set its UK release date for April 4, 2024. This release follows the film's US debut, which is scheduled for March 28, 2024.
Directed by Alex Scharfman and distributed by A24, Death of a Unicorn dives headfirst—or perhaps horn-first—into the whimsical and dark narrative of a father-daughter duo, Elliot and Ridley, portrayed by Rudd and Ortega, respectively. The film's story kicks off on what is meant to be a tranquil weekend retreat but quickly spirals out of control when the pair accidentally strike and kill a mythical unicorn.
According to reports, the plot "deals – as the name implies – with the killing of a single-horned animal." But it's not just about the tragedy of the unicorn. Following this incident, Dell Leopold, the father’s billionaire boss played by Richard E. Grant, overhears news of the unique creature. Seizing on the opportunity, Dell hatches a plan to exploit the unicorn’s purported disease-curing powers. His ambitious greed drives him to take drastic measures.
Yet, the narrative takes yet another turn when the unicorn’s mate, furious about its partner's untimely death, begins plotting revenge against Dell. This shift introduces elements of action and suspense, making Death of a Unicorn not just another comedic romp, but also one steeped in darker themes of revenge and exploitation.
The film features not only Rudd and Ortega but also includes notable talents like Téa Leoni and Will Poulter, as well as Anthony Carrigan, Sunita Mani, Jessica Hynes, and Stephen Park. This eclectic cast contributes to the film’s unique blend of humor, heart, and tension.
Death of a Unicorn is said to echo the themes found within Icelandic horror films, particularly its animal rights narrative reminiscent of the acclaimed movie Lamb. The exploration of animals—both real and fictional—rebelling against the humans who manipulate and harm them runs deep, adding layers to what might have otherwise been merely comedic. The film's specter of retribution is magnified through its mythical backdrop, indicating A24's trend of delivering unusual films with substantial content.
On the musical front, audiences can expect to hear a dynamite soundtrack, which includes a rendition of "Good Vibrations" by The Beach Boys paired with spine-chilling scores orchestrated by the legendary John Carpenter, alongside his son Cody Carpenter and frequent collaborator Daniel Davies. This eclectic mix reflects the film's unique tonal shifts and adds to the overall atmosphere, creating what may be described as an audacious auditory experience.
With its blend of humor, violence, and fantasy elements, Death of a Unicorn sets out to captivate audiences across both the United States and the United Kingdom when it hits theaters next year. The juxtaposition of light-hearted comedy with serious themes challenges viewers to question the consequences of humanity's actions, particularly concerning our treatment of the natural world.
Death of a Unicorn promises to deliver unique storytelling, compelling characters, and thought-provoking themes, making it one of the more intriguing films to look out for. Film fans eager for offbeat narratives will undoubtedly make room for this A24 release, slated to entertain and provoke thought upon its arrival.