Warning: Major SPOILERS lie ahead for Death of a Unicorn!
The whimsical image of unicorns as innocent, enchanting creatures is banished in the new A24 horror film, Death of a Unicorn. This film, which marks the debut of writer and director Alex Scharfman, follows a father-daughter duo who accidentally collide with a unicorn while on their way to a remote mansion owned by the father’s employer. The story takes a dark turn when the unicorn becomes the center of a scientific investigation, attracting the lethal attention of its formidable parents.
With a compelling cast that features Paul Rudd, Jenna Ortega, and Téa Leoni, Death of a Unicorn does not shy away from graphic violence. Many characters meet their demise in shocking ways, including a harrowing scene where Steve Park’s character, Dr. Song, is impaled by a parent unicorn’s horn. Others face similar brutal fates, with even bodyguards crushed beneath unicorn hooves. Yet, some heroes emerge from the chaos, as characters played by Rudd, Ortega, and Anthony Carrigan’s Griff manage to survive, albeit forever changed by their harrowing experiences.
As the film premiered, ScreenRant had the opportunity to speak with Scharfman about the film’s intricacies and explosive plot twists. He elaborated on the film’s cliffhanger ending and how it cleverly mirrors the narrative’s opening. The director shared insights into the gruesome deaths of various characters, revealing his favorites and clarifying the fate of one particularly beloved character.
Rudd’s Death & Resurrection: Central to His Character’s Transformation
“…He Ultimately Makes A Selfless Decision At The End And Pays The Ultimate Price For It.”
In the film, Ortega’s character, Ridley, frequently references the tale of a pure-hearted maiden capable of calming a unicorn to prevent further destruction. As the climax unfolds, Will Poulter’s Shep tests this legend, coercing Ridley to act as bait under a dire threat. Although his plan initially succeeds, the conflict escalates when Rudd’s Elliot stabs Shep, who retaliates fatally before being dispatched by one of the unicorns.
As Ridley mourns the loss of her remaining parent, the unicorns are seen reverently bringing Elliot’s lifeless body alongside their newborn. In an unexpected turn, they join horns to revive both the baby unicorn and Elliot, whose resurrection offers a powerful moment. Scharfman humorously noted that his writing process often skips directly to the ending, constructing the buildup afterward. “I generally bypass the climax,” Scharfman admitted, emphasizing the unique structuring of the script.
On the decision to restore Elliot to life, Scharfman emphasized that his revival represented a pivotal journey from selfishness to selflessness. He elaborated, noting that Elliot’s initial desire for wealth stemmed from deep-seated anxieties surrounding past losses. The transformation occurs when Elliot realizes the hollow nature of financial security and ultimately makes the self-sacrificial choice to stab Shep, resulting in his own demise, yet his selflessness yields a reward.
Alex Scharfman: By stabbing Shep, he loses a ton financially; he could have been a billionaire for the rest of his life. By rejecting that, he values something more significant, reflecting the moral compass his daughter embodies throughout the film.
A Cliffhanger Ending That’s Mostly Hopeful
“…I Do Like The Symmetry Of Ending In The Place Where We Began.”
The film concludes with an ambiguous yet somewhat uplifting turn of events for Elliot and Ridley. Following their harrowing journey, both characters are taken into police custody, with Griff trailing in a vehicle behind them. In an amusing twist, as they huddle in the police car, they spot the unicorn family pursuing them, eagerly awaiting the impending chaos.
Scharfman explained that this uncertain resolution was intentional, insisting that the unicorns maintain their fierce nature and potential for chaos, even while retaining an emotional core. He noted that the film’s structure organically ties the beginning and end together, creating a sense of balance amidst the chaos.
While Scharfman refrained from divulging the exact fate of Elliot and Ridley, he assured audiences that the unicorns aimed to assist them, symbolizing an ongoing bond. This relationship resonates with the overarching themes of connection and mysticism portrayed in the film.
Alex Scharfman: The unicorns think, “Great, you’re held captive, let’s smash the car and see what happens.”They don’t fully grasp human customs or machinations. That adds an element of fun to the narrative.
Scharfman’s Favorite Death Scenes in Death of a Unicorn
Reassurance on a Key Character’s Survival, Despite Cliffhangers
Scharfman masterfully blends emotional depth with shocking violence throughout the film. One of the most impactful deaths is that of Dr. Bhatia, played by Sunita Mani, who meets a tragic end at the hands of the unicorns. Her character’s death underscores the stark reality that even the most benevolent intentions can lead to dire consequences.
Among his favorite death scenes, Scharfman highlighted the chilling moments involving Richard E. Grant’s Odell and Téa Leoni’s Belinda. He expressed surprise at the audience’s reaction to Odell’s demise, where a unicorn’s horn pierces his head. This sequence showcases a brilliant combination of practical and digital effects, resulting in a visually stunning yet horrifying moment.
Scharfman described Odell’s death as a highlight due to the technical prowess required to execute it, with close attention given to the visual details. In contrast, Leoni’s death holds a special significance for Scharfman. He viewed her character’s end as tragic and referenced it as a tribute to classic horror cinema, blending elements of gore and narrative depth seamlessly.
While audiences will debate the cliffhanger’s implications for Rudd’s Elliot and Ortega’s Ridley, Scharfman assured fans that Carrigan’s Griff survives the film’s climax and even drives away in the luxury car, a much lighter fate than others faced.
More About Death of a Unicorn
The film narrates the harrowing tale of a father (Paul Rudd) and his daughter (Jenna Ortega) who, after accidentally killing a unicorn during their trip to a weekend getaway, find themselves embroiled in a dark scheme led by his billionaire boss (Richard E. Grant) who seeks to exploit the unicorn’s extraordinary regenerative capabilities.
Death of a Unicorn is currently screening in theaters.
- Featuring Paul Rudd, Jenna Ortega, Will Poulter, Téa Leoni, and Richard E. Grant.
- Directed by Alex Scharfman (Pre-Release).
Source: ScreenRant Plus