Introduction
“Death of a Unicorn” is a dark comedy and fantasy filled movie in which father-daughter duo, Elliott and Ridley, accidentally hit a unicorn with their car. As they try to handle the incident, the story takes unexpected twists as they get caught in the retreat of a powerful and ambitious pharmaceutical CEO. This movie presents greed, morality, and fantasy uniquely, with a touch of satire.
Plot Summary
Elliott (Paul Rudd) and his teenage daughter, Ridley (Jenna Ortega), are on a road trip when they encounter a unicorn. This is a rare encounter and gives the story an unpredictable twist. They take the unicorn’s dead body to a wilderness retreat, where mega-wealthy pharmaceutical CEO, Laura (Tilda Swinton), invites them to her private retreat.
Laura discovers the unicorn’s magical properties, which she wants to use to develop a new drug for her pharmaceutical company. His plan is to sell the mystical powers of the unicorn and turn his company into the most powerful pharmaceutical empire in the world. Elliott and Ridley oppose this unethical experiment, but they face unexpected dangers in this dangerous game of greed and power.
Themes and Motifs
Greed and Exploitation
The theme of greed is most prominent in the movie, where attempts are made to exploit the magical abilities of the unicorn for monetary gain. Laura’s obsession forces her to forget the morals of humanity.
Father-Daughter Bond
Elliott and Ridley’s bond is the emotional core of the story. The protectiveness and trust of both characters towards each other show that the importance of family is greater than any greed.
Morality vs Power
The ethical dilemma is quite strong when Elliott has to choose between his moral values and temptation. Can anything be justified for the benefit of humans?
Man vs Nature
The death of the Unicorn is symbolic of how humans interfere with nature and modify things for their own benefit.
Character Development
Elliott (Paul Rudd)
Elliott’s character is of a responsible father who is ready to do anything for his daughter. Initially, he struggles with confusion and guilt, but as the story progresses, he stands by his convictions. Paul Rudd has made the character believable with his charm and subtle comic timing.
Ridley (Jenna Ortega)
Ridley is a strong-headed, rebellious, and intelligent girl who stands firmly on her beliefs. She motivates her father to make the right decision. Jenna Ortega has brilliantly conveyed Ridley’s emotions, which connect the audience emotionally.
Laura (Tilda Swinton)
Laura’s character is manipulative and power-hungry. Her charm and cunningness confuse the audience as to whether she is a villain or just a desperate attempt to achieve her ambition. Tilda Swinton has given a chilling edge to the character in her unique way.
Visuals and Cinematography
The visual tone of the movie is surreal and dreamy, which makes the presence of the unicorn and the mystical atmosphere visually impactful. The backdrop of the wilderness retreat is visually stunning, where the raw beauty of nature is captured beautifully.
Color Palette: Bright and vibrant colors depict the magic of the unicorn, while muted shades in the retreat scenes signify greed and danger.
Camera Work: POV shots and close-ups create emotional depth, making the characters’ conflicts more impactful.
Sound and Music
The background score enhances the surreal atmosphere of the movie. Mystical sounds and haunting melodies make the unicorn’s presence mysterious and enchanting. When Laura executes her plans, sinister tones are used in the background that increase the tension.
Theme Music: The music after the unicorn’s death is melancholic and mysterious, representing the undertones of the story.
Emotional Moments: Soft piano music is used to emphasize the emotional moments of the father-daughter relationship.
Direction and Writing
Alex Scharfman has balanced the story visually and narratively through his direction. He has seamlessly blended dark comedy and fantasy, with a good mix of satire and thriller. The perfect balance of tension and humor in the storytelling engages the audience.
Writing: The screenplay is witty and thought-provoking, cleverly exploring ethical dilemmas. The dialogue writing has subtle humor and deep philosophical undertones that set the movie apart.
Personal Opinion
“Death of a Unicorn” is based on a fresh and intriguing concept that perfectly blends comedy, fantasy, and morality. Paul Rudd and Jenna Ortega’s on-screen chemistry brings emotional depth, while Tilda Swinton gives chills with her powerful performance.
I liked the movie’s mix of satire and dark humor. The way the symbolism of the unicorn and human greed is explored makes the story meaningful. The climax of the movie is unpredictable, which forces the audience to think about where to draw the line between morality and ambition.
Conclusion
“Death of a Unicorn” is not just a fantasy thriller, but a thought-provoking commentary on human greed and morality. The visual spectacle and power-packed performances of the movie make it worth watching. If you like exploring dark comedy, fantasy, and ethical dilemmas, this movie should be on your watchlist. Don’t miss the performances of Paul Rudd, Jenna Ortega, and Tilda Swinton, as this movie will force you to remain seated in your seat till the end! 
Rating: 4/5
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