Warning: SPOILERS for the film Death of a Unicorn ahead!
A24’s Death of a Unicorn has shocked audiences with its graphic portrayals of death, and writer/director Alex Scharfman has provided insights into why one particular demise was especially brutal, despite the victim’s perceived innocence. The narrative centers around a group that becomes the target of two avenging unicorn parents after they injure and experiment on their foal. Among the ensemble cast, Sunita Mani’s character, Dr. Bhatia, meets a gruesome fate, being torn apart by the furious unicorns, which feels particularly jarring since she embodies a voice of reason.
In a recent interview with ScreenRant, Scharfman elaborated on the rationale behind Bhatia’s violent end. While acknowledging that Mani’s character appears “largely undeserving”of such a fate, he also pointed out that her involvement in the experiments made her vulnerable. The visceral response to her demise during test screenings and the SXSW premiere highlighted the stark contrast between her intentions and the consequences of her actions.
Scharfman noted, “Well, the Sunita one gets a big reaction, certainly, because she seems largely undeserving. She does steal a vial of unicorn horn, so the idea being they’re playing in absolutes. A small infraction is still an infraction, and that counts.”
The Significance of Bhatia’s Demise in Death of a Unicorn
Illustrating Greed and Its Repercussions
While numerous deaths punctuate the film, Bhatia’s brutal end and that of Richard E. Grant’s character, Odell, stand out prominently. Odell’s demise—impaled through the head by a rampaging unicorn—tends to receive a mixed response. Many view his death as a fitting conclusion given his villainy, especially after he becomes intoxicated by the unicorn’s magic. In contrast, Bhatia’s killing comes unexpectedly since she represents a more principled character, contrasting sharply with the conspicuous greed of the affluent family she serves.
As Scharfman pointed out, Bhatia’s hands are not entirely free of wrongdoing; her possession of unicorn horn shavings ultimately places her at risk. The film suggests that these mythical creatures possess an inherent ability to sense each other and their respective horns, establishing a dangerous parallel where even seemingly benevolent actions can lead to dire consequences. Bhatia’s fatal flaw was being part of the act that wronged them.
Beyond serving as mere entertainment value for horror fans, her demise acts as a cautionary tale for the other characters, particularly Paul Rudd’s Elliot. Despite being one of the more virtuous protagonists, Elliot is not devoid of greed—he seeks a better life for himself and Jenna Ortega’s character, Ridley. Ultimately, by relinquishing the unicorn horn at the film’s climax and attempting to thwart Will Poulter’s character, Shep, Elliot manages to evade the same grim fate as Bhatia.
Analysis of Bhatia’s Death in Death of a Unicorn
Thematic Depth and Shock Factor
In essence, Death of a Unicorn skillfully intertwines themes of morality and horror, exemplified by Bhatia’s startling death. Although her fate appears excessively severe—being literally torn in half—it embodies Scharfman’s intention to keep audiences guessing regarding the characters’ survival. Bhatia’s unexpected demise underscores the film’s exploration of how even minor transgressions can lead to catastrophic repercussions, thus engaging viewers while enriching the overarching narrative.