Warning: Spoilers for Death of a Unicorn are present below.
Exploring the Meaning Behind the Ending of Death of a Unicorn
Director Alex Scharfman delves into the purpose of the film’s gripping conclusion, emphasizing its significance in the narrative arc. The climax of Death of a Unicorn sees Elliot Kintner (Paul Rudd) being killed and subsequently resurrected. Following this dramatic twist, both Elliot and his daughter Ridley (Jenna Ortega) are apprehended for the supposed demise of the Leopold family. The film wraps up with an enthralling scene where unicorns gallop down the road, ultimately colliding with the police car, propelling it into the water. This act symbolizes a renewed bond between father and daughter.
Insights from Alex Scharfman
In an insightful interview with ScreenRant, Scharfman articulates that the film’s ending is crafted to illustrate the profound connection among Elliot, Ridley, and the unicorns. He points out that the unicorns, despite their magical nature, lack understanding of the human world, highlighted by an earlier scene where they struggle to navigate stairs. The director aims to circle back to the film’s beginning, where a car accident involving a unicorn sets the narrative in motion. Below are Scharfman’s reflections:
I think there’s something about Elliot, Ridley and the unicorns having a sense of an ongoing, permanent connection to each other that I think is appropriate for the metaphor of the touching of the horn creating this kind of entheogenic, semi-religious cosmic experience, really seeing the universe in its entirety. The idea being that doesn’t go away, so I think there’s a connection there, and I think there’s the sense of the unicorns both trying to set them free from the cop car, but also not really understanding how cars work. They’re kind of like, “Yeah, okay, great. You’re being held captive, we’ll smash the car and see what happens.”[Chuckles] But certainly, not necessarily understanding the social implications of [the escape] or the mechanical [elements]. Like when they’re coming into the house, they’re slipping on the stairs, they don’t know what stairs are, they’ve never encountered stairs. So, I don’t know, there was something fun about that. And then, I do like the symmetry of ending in the place where we began. In the beginning, the humans hit a unicorn with the car, and at the end, the unicorns hit a car that is holding humans inside. It’s hard, sometimes, when you have an idea like that, where you’re just sort of like, “Oh, that feels right, somehow.”I think the movie, tonally, by design, has a certain emotional heart to it, a sentimentality that is rising through the back end of the movie. But I thought it was important to kind of end on the note of, “These are some metal f—-ng unicorns, and they’re gonna f–k s–t up.”So, that was sort of the [idea], to leave audiences with that [feeling of], “Oh, right, that’s what this movie’s been. I’m glad I got to go to this.”Hopefully people say, “I’m glad we got to go to this emotional place that was perhaps unexpected. But, at the end of it, this has been a fun ride the whole way, and we’re ending on that note.”
The Heartfelt Conclusion of a Unique Narrative
Despite the film’s chaotic and unpredictable finale, Scharfman’s remarks clarify that this very uncertainty enriches the experience. The ultimate fate of Elliot, Ridley, and the unicorns matters less than the emotional journey they undergo together. Their relationship, revitalized amidst fantastical occurrences, surpasses the mere act of Elliot’s return to life.
Scharfman underscores the circularity of the film’s ending, reflecting on how Ridley’s initial unconscious act of leaning against Elliot transitions into an intentional gesture of closeness, signifying their evolved relationship. This unexpected blend of absurdity and genuine emotion ensures that Death of a Unicorn closes with a flourish, resonating with audiences.
Evaluating Alex Scharfman’s Vision
Alex Scharfman’s insights on the film shed light on its intricate storytelling. From the deeper meanings behind the unicorn tapestries to the unicorns’ comical mishaps, Death of a Unicorn is rich with details that culminate in a satisfying narrative. Although a part of the audience might be curious about what unfolds after the climactic crash into the water, the film’s resolution is fulfilling enough. It manages to offer emotional closure while leaving some questions open, reflecting the complexity of their journey.