Unicorns and Carnage: A Killer Review of Death of a Unicorn

Director Alex Scharfman and the cast of Death of a Unicorn take the stage at SXSW on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at the Paramount Theater.

Photo By: Natalia Torres/Ribbon Magazine

A unicorn, a car crash, and a whole lot of chaos—Death of a Unicorn isn’t just a catchy title; it’s a blood-soaked, sharp-toothed satire that rips into corporate greed, family dysfunction, and the absurdity of wealth. Buckle up, because this isn’t your average fairy tale—it’s a wild, carnage-filled ride you won’t forget. 

Directed by Alex Scharfman, the film premiered at South by Southwest as a headliner on Saturday, starring Jenna Ortega and Paul Rudd as a father and daughter duo who accidentally hit and kill a unicorn while on their way to a weekend retreat, where his billionaire boss seeks to exploit the creature’s miraculous properties. 

I had the incredible opportunity to watch this film at SXSW, surrounded by an audience that included the very actors on screen. Laughter filled the theater as the satire and interesting storytelling unfolded. The crowd munched on popcorn and snacks, fully immersed, as they watched the cast meet their gloriously gruesome fates.

The cast of Death of a Unicorn takes the stage to answer audience questions on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at the Paramount Theater

Photo By: Natalia Torres/Ribbon Magazine

A24 Films’ comedy-horror Death of a Unicorn definitely grabbed my attention, keeping the audience hooked on every twist and turn. The energy in the theater was electric, with laughter erupting at just the right moments and tension lingering in the air as the story unfolded. Even more impressive was the effortless chemistry between Paul Rudd and Jenna Ortega as a father-daughter duo—especially considering they had only known each other for two days before filming began. Their dynamic felt natural, adding an emotional weight to the film amidst the chaos, carnage, and biting satire.

Rudd shared that he and Ortega instantly connected. “When you’re lucky enough to work with Jenna Ortega, your job is easy,” he said. “Because she’s incredible.” Their natural rapport translated seamlessly onto the screen, making their father-daughter dynamic one of the film’s standout elements. Their performances anchored the film’s mix of dark humor and horror, giving audiences both heartfelt moments and gut-busting laughs.

While the film delivered some of its strongest moments through sharp satire and dark humor, its most compelling scenes came in between—highlighting the heartfelt bond between a father and daughter as they navigate reconnecting as a family. Amid the chaos, bloodshed, and absurdity, their relationship remains the emotional core of the story, grounding the film in something real and deeply human. Their journey isn’t just about survival; it’s about rediscovering trust, understanding, and love in the most unexpected of circumstances.

I had been eagerly anticipating Death of a Unicorn for quite some time, so when I found out it was headlining at SXSW, it shot straight to the top of my must-watch list. With a darkly comedic take on the phrase “eat the rich,” this film pushes the concept to an entirely new level. It delivers a darkly hilarious and gory satire that doesn’t hold back. With a sharp script and over-the-top carnage, Death of a Unicorn turns the concept of “eat the rich” into a literal, twisted spectacle. From the moment the film began, the audience was hooked—laughing, gasping, and reveling in the chaos unfolding on screen. Scharfman’s direction keeps the pacing tight, ensuring that every shocking moment lands with maximum impact. The movie is set to be released on March 28th in theaters. 

A perfect 5 Ribbons out of 5!