‘Death of a Unicorn’ proves movie magic still exists, even it takes killing it to find out – The Daily Texan

A24 Films’ comedy-horror “Death of a Unicorn,” starring Paul Rudd (“Clueless,” “Ant-Man”) and Jenna Ortega (“Wednesday,”) premiered at South by Southwest as a headliner on Saturday and gave audiences the most simultaneously hilarious and terror-gripping screening of the festival thus far.

“Death of a Unicorn” follows what the title implies — the accidental killing of the famed mythical creature and the deadly implications of its human possession. While not initially thought of as a subject matter fit for an entire feature film with a stacked list of stars, the film showed the potential a dead unicorn has for comedic gold, toe-curling tension and an overall compelling narrative about family, human nature and the cost of greed.

Despite the quirkiness of the subject, audiences have learned to trust A24’s frequently wild ventures. And for being about unicorns, the film surprisingly shares much more in common with the gore and tension of “Jurassic Park” than with the warm fairytale quality of “My Little Pony.” And if “Death of a Unicorn” is a modern “Jurassic Park,” then writer and director Alex Scharfman (“Resurrection”) is a modern Steven Spielburg.

What is more shocking than potentially killer unicorns is that Scharfman made his directorial debut with “Death of a Unicorn.” Audiences still have yet to see if the hit quality of the film derives from Scharfman’s talent or pure luck, but so far, his track record looks pretty solid.

Although Rudd’s people-pleasing father and Ortega’s free-thinking daughter dynamic creates a charming protagonistic duo, the film couldn’t have been pulled off without the rest of the hilariously witty cast that fit together in puzzle-like perfection. Deserving an honorable mention, Will Poulter (“Midsommar,” “The Maze Runner”) plays as a selfish, morally-questionable trust fund baby character, which incited laughter even in the most tension-filled moments.

The film’s gore, though substantial, doesn’t feel overused for the sake of shock value. The creative killings keep audiences on their toes, while not taking away from the overall playful tone of the film.

But while the film seems aware of its absurdist nature, “Death of a Unicorn” contains a lot of genuine heart. Another contribution to the growing “Eat the Rich” cinematic universe with its unsubtle commentary on a corrupt medical industry, the film asks the age old question: In a battle between man and beast, who really is the monster?

“Death of a Unicorn” contains little build up before the inciting incident of Rudd and Ortega’s characters turning a magical creature into common roadkill. Before the title sequence even finishes rolling, the plot is set in motion. This blunt, no-nonsense pacing doesn’t harm the subject matter, but quickly engages the audiences and sets the stakes for the rest of the film.

Towards the end, common cliches and cheesiness ensue. Nevertheless, the emotional-prodding will still draw tears from suckers for a good daddy-daughter bonding moment. Besides, nothing lends itself to a heartfelt moment more than jointly witnessing numerous gruesome murders and experiencing unicorn-euphoria.

“Death of a Unicorn” is a truly worthwhile movie-going experience, with a story and characters that never leave a dull moment. The film gives hope that, in a day and age when movie magic feels extinct, one might accidentally run it over with their car.

4½ unicorn steaks out of 5

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