‘Death of a Unicorn’ Divides Critics with Bloody Satire and Mixed Execution

The A24 horror-comedy blends gory unicorn mayhem with social commentary but struggles with uneven storytelling.

The film, directed by Alex Scharfman in his feature debut, follows a father-daughter duo entangled with a wealthy family and vengeful unicorns after a fatal accident.
Critics praise the cast, including Jenna Ortega, Paul Rudd, and Richard E. Grant, for elevating the material despite a predictable script and underdeveloped character arcs.
The movie’s satirical critique of wealth and Big Pharma is noted but described as lacking depth compared to other recent 'eat-the-rich' films like 'Knives Out' and 'The Menu.'
Practical effects and homage to classic monster movies, such as 'Jurassic Park,' are highlights, with the unicorns delivering both gory thrills and dark humor.
While some moments resonate with younger audiences, the film’s tonal inconsistencies and reliance on familiar tropes leave it a divisive entry in A24’s catalog.