A24’s ‘Death of a Unicorn’ Premieres to Mixed Reactions at SXSW

The horror-comedy starring Paul Rudd and Jenna Ortega combines satire, family dynamics, and mythical creatures but divides critics on execution.

The film, directed by Alex Scharfman, follows a father-daughter duo who accidentally hit a unicorn, leading to chaos at a billionaire’s estate.
Critics praised the performances of Jenna Ortega and Paul Rudd, with their heartfelt father-daughter relationship providing emotional depth to the story.
While the film’s satirical critique of the ultra-wealthy and its absurd premise received some praise, many reviews noted uneven pacing and an over-reliance on predictable tropes.
The visual effects, particularly for the unicorns, were criticized for their inconsistency and lack of polish, detracting from the intended impact of the mythical creatures.
Supporting performances, especially by Anthony Carrigan and Will Poulter, were highlighted as standout elements in an otherwise polarizing film.