There are many different genres of movies that one can enjoy. Some people like romance, others action, others documentaries. But something we don’t see a lot of today are movies that combine two genres. However, a new release, “Death of a Unicorn,” takes an extremely bold approach, combining two genres that are basically polar opposites: comedy and horror. And the best part is, it works.
“Death of a Unicorn” follows college freshman Ridley (Jenna Ortega) and her father Elliot (Paul Rudd) as they drive out to meet Elliot’s boss, Odell Leopold (Richard E. Grant)at his estate in the wilderness. There, Odell, his wife Belinda (Tea Leoni) and his son Shepard (Will Poulter), discuss a possible takeover for the company, as Odell is terminally ill. Unfortunately, while driving to the cabin, Ridley and Elliot hit and kill a unicorn (sorry for spoilers, but it’s in the title). To avoid being arrested for killing endangered wildlife, they have no choice but to hide it in the car and take it with them to the Leopolds’ estate. The unicorn is later discovered by the estate’s two servants, Griff (Anthony Carrigan) and Shaw (Jessica Hynes), and they bring it inside the house. Odell decides to conduct a few experiments and finds out that all parts of the unicorn have healing powers, and can even cure Odell’s terminal sickness, so he decides to exploit the dead unicorn and sell its parts as medicine. Unfortunately for Odell and everyone else at the house, the parents of that unicorn want their baby back and hunt down those who stole it, killing whoever is in their path.
What this movie achieves is the mix of two genres (comedy and horror) so that one is never more powerful than the other. If we get a really funny scene, there’s a spine-chilling jumpscare waiting around the corner, and vice versa. There were many jokes in here that worked, such as the servant Griff shutting and locking a door with a murderous unicorn behind it, yet talking to it like it was a normal person. But I think the true star of the movie was Will Poulters’ character, Shepard. He was the comedy in this movie, and made a lot of the scenes so much funnier than they may have been without him.
“Eyebrow guy [Poulter] is always funny,” said an anonymous viewer after leaving the theater.
Another good thing about this film were the computer generated images (CGI). The design of the unicorns were breathtaking, and the close ups looked super realistic. A main point of this movie was to showcase unicorns in this world, and how they are not what we think they are. Everything looked real, and as though it belonged in reality.
The movie had some sweet moments as well, and touched on themes of capitalism, greed, and dealing with loss.Ridley’s mother died of cancer not too long ago, so when she sees the Leopolds exploiting the unicorn’s healing powers for money, and only giving it to selective people, she finds comfort in talking about it with her dad.
One criticism I had was with pacing. This movie dragged on, and toward the end you start to notice that. Around three-quarters into the movie, I thought to myself, “This is still going on?” And then that was all I was focused on for the rest of the movie. It could have definitely been shortened, but otherwise, it was an enjoyable watch.
Overall, this movie had a positive reception from the audience.
“I genuinely enjoyed it. I think they did a great job with the unicorns and the commentary of wealth and privilege and exploitation of nature,” says another anonymous audience member.
If you are interested in watching a movie that executes the challenge of combining comedy and horror very well, I would recommend watching “Death of a Unicorn” in theaters, or when it comes out on streaming platforms. With its funny jokes and tension-filled scenes, you will always be entertained.
