Exploring the Enigmatic Tapestries at The Cloisters
At The Cloisters in New York, a captivating collection of seven tapestries vividly narrates the story of a unicorn, pursued by humans and tenderly embraced by a virgin. This fascinating series has sparked extensive scholarly discussion, with historians dissecting its interpretations for many years. Early analysis tended to focus on themes of marriage and fertility, while contemporary views have shifted towards seeing these artworks as profound allegories for Christ. In his debut feature, Death of a Unicorn, director Alex Scharfman imagines a world where unicorns exist and the tapestries serve as crucial warnings.
Premise of a Surreal Adventure
Scheduled for release by A24, Death of a Unicorn premiered at SXSW and stars Paul Rudd and Jenna Ortega as a father-daughter pair entangled in an extraordinary predicament. En route to an essential business meeting with a pharmaceutical mogul, Elliot (Rudd), a compliance lawyer weighed down by allergies, and his daughter Ridley (Ortega) accidentally collide with a unicorn. What would typically be a harrowing encounter with wildlife takes on a far more unsettling dimension when they discover the mythical being.
An Absurdist Take on Social Satire
Scharfman, who wrote and directed the film, sets the stage for an absurdist horror narrative interwoven with sharp social commentary. Elliot has invited Ridley to accompany him for a weekend with Odell (Richard E. Grant), a fading billionaire who intends to select a proxy for his company’s board. This decision becomes a catalyst for potential conflicts, as Elliot, while coping with the recent loss of his wife, appears to be an ideal choice for Odell’s business testing.
As they arrive, it becomes evident that trouble looms on the horizon, a familiar theme in the era of social satires focusing on wealth disparity. They encounter Odell’s benevolent wife, Belinda (Téa Leoni), along with his errant son, Shephard (Will Poulter), and a staff featuring a stoic bodyguard (Jessica Hynes) and an overburdened butler (delightfully portrayed by Anthony Carrigan).
Capitalizing on the Unicorn’s Mystique
The film’s central conflict emerges when Odell’s family uncovers the unicorn’s mysterious healing abilities and immediately begins to devise schemes to exploit it. Inviting top researchers (Sunita Mani and Stephen Park) to assist in their shameless exploitation, the family drags everyone into their unethical plans. Skeptical about the plans, Ridley, an art history major, embarks on her own investigation, which leads to ominous revelations about their actions.
A Predictable Yet Entertaining Journey
With its ambitious and absurd premise, Death of a Unicorn starts strong; however, it soon becomes clear that the trajectory of the story is somewhat limited. Scharfman follows a familiar path echoing other films in this genre, such as The Menu and Triangle of Sadness. While there are entertaining absurdities throughout, the overarching plot lacks surprises. Although an opportunity arises to delve deeper into the history of the seven tapestries, Scharfman misses the mark, overlooking a chance to explore unicorn mythology more thoroughly.
This aspect would have added depth, especially as the eclectic ensemble faces off against more mythical unicorns. While Scharfman creates engaging sequences featuring CGI-enhanced creatures—portraying them as formidable beings—there’s inconsistency in their behavior that undermines narrative tension. The stakes appear diminished when the creatures’ abilities morph conveniently to fit the plot’s demands.
Character Dynamics and Emotional Resonance
The performances of the talented cast elevate Death of a Unicorn. Grant, Leoni, and Poulter brilliantly embody their roles as wealthy elites, cleverly disguising their underlying malice with feigned magnanimity. Their dynamic with the bumbling butler results in comic relief, thanks to Carrigan’s delightful physical comedy.
Meanwhile, Rudd and Ortega bring a tender authenticity to their characters. Their relationship, initially fractured by the weight of grief, undergoes meaningful development throughout this bizarre adventure. The chemistry they display makes their emotional connection in pivotal moments feel genuine and impactful.
Ultimately, the film finds its strength in the evolving relationship between Elliot and Ridley. Before their chance encounter with the unicorn, both are grappling with their shared sorrow, leading to strained and awkward conversations. Though their adventure doesn’t offer immediate healing, it allows them a glimpse of understanding, enriching their bond amidst the chaos.