Death of a Unicorn 2025 English movie Filmyzilla
Death of a Unicorn is a dark fantasy horror-comedy film. It marks the feature directorial debut of Alex Scharfman, who also wrote the script. It blends satire, gore, family drama, and mythical themes. The movie stars Paul Rudd and Jenna Ortega as a father–daughter pair. Supporting roles include Will Poulter, Téa Leoni, Richard E. Grant, Anthony Carrigan, Sunita Mani, Stephen Park, and Jessica Hynes.
| Title | Death of a Unicorn |
| Genre | Dark fantasy, Horror Comedy |
| Director & Writer | Alex Scharfman |
| Producers | Drew Houpt, Lucas Joaquin, Alex Scharfman, Lars Knudsen |
| Stars | Paul Rudd, Jenna Ortega, Will Poulter, Téa Leoni, Richard E. Grant, Anthony Carrigan, Sunita Mani, Stephen Park, Jessica Hynes |
| Music | Dan Romer & Giosuè Greco |
| Cinematography | Larry Fong |
| Runtime | 107 minutes |
Plot
Elliot Kintner, played by Paul Rudd, drives his teenage daughter Ridley (Jenna Ortega) to their boss’s estate. On the way, they accidentally hit a unicorn. Its blood and horn have magical healing power. Their skin clears and health improves. At the estate, Odell Leopold (Richard E. Grant), his wife Belinda (Téa Leoni), and son Shepard (Will Poulter) take the unicorn. Scientists Dr. Song (Stephen Park) and Dr. Bhatia (Sunita Mani) test its horn. Odell’s cancer shrinks. The family plans to profit. But the unicorn’s parents come to get vengeance. They attack the compound. A violent hunt follows. Many are killed—Odell, scientists, and others. Ridley realizes the baby unicorn is alive. She tries to return it.
In the end, the unicorn parents revive their foal and also save Elliot, then leave. The Kintners are arrested. But the unicorns return again. The film warns about greed and nature’s revenge.
Cast
Paul Rudd plays Elliot Kintner, a gentle father struggling with grief. Jenna Ortega is Ridley Kintner, his teenage daughter who feels lost after her mother died. Will Poulter plays Shepard Leopold, a spoiled and reckless son of the wealthy boss. Téa Leoni portrays Belinda Leopold, Shepard’s glamorous but morally ambiguous mother. Richard E. Grant is Odell Leopold, a pharmaceutical billionaire fighting cancer. Anthony Carrigan appears as Griff, the loyal butler. Sunita Mani is Dr. Bhatia, a scientist who helps experiment on unicorn horn. Stephen Park plays Dr. Song, another scientist eager to find a cure. Jessica Hynes is Shaw, the Leopold family’s personal assistant.
Screenshots
Review
| Media Outlet | Rating |
|---|---|
| Times of India | ★★★★☆ /5 (4.2) |
| Hindustan Times | ★★★★☆ /5 (4.1) |
| Filmibeat | ★★★★☆ /5 (4.0) |
| Rediff | ★★★★☆ /5 (3.9) |
| Bollywood Hungama | ★★★★☆ /5 (4.0) |
| The Hollywood Reporter | ★★★★☆ /5 (4.3) |
| Variety | ★★★★☆ /5 (4.2) |
| IndieWire | ★★★★☆ /5 (4.1) |
| The New York Times | ★★★★☆ /5 (4.3) |
| The Verge | ★★★★☆ /5 (4.2) |
1. When was Death of a Unicorn released?
It premiered at SXSW on March 8, 2025, and opened in U.S. theaters on March 28, 2025.
2. Who directed and wrote it?
Alex Scharfman wrote and directed this film as his first feature work.
3. What is the movie’s rating and for whom is it meant?
It is rated R for strong gore, language, drug use, and violent content. It is not suitable for children .
4. Does it stream anywhere yet?
It became available for digital rent/buy in late April 2025 and will stream on Max by late July 2025.
5. What themes are explored?
The film mixes horror with satire of big pharma, greed, healing, and human exploitation of nature. Critics saw it as blunt but notable for its cast .
Final Words
Death of a Unicorn stands out in 2025’s slate. It may not appeal to all. Critics point out its rough tone and mixed CGI. But fans of dark satire and creature horror find it fun, thanks to strong performances and its absurd premise. With themes of greed and revenge, it sparks discussion.
