Written By: Carlos Medrano
Unicorns are usually symbols of beauty, magic, and innocence, so the idea of one meeting a brutal, bloody end already feels like a dark joke waiting to land. "Death of a Unicorn" leans hard into that contrast, promising a horror comedy that twists fairy tale imagery into something mean-spirited and absurd. With Paul Rudd and Jenna Ortega at the center and a premise that practically begs for chaos, the film feels like it should be an easy win. Unfortunately, while the concept is strong and the opening moments deliver, the journey to the finish line isn’t always as sharp or as fun as it should be.
When you hear a film called "Death of a Unicorn" hitting theaters with Paul Rudd and Jenna Ortega, you naturally expect a darkly comedic horror ride filled with absurd situations and over‑the‑top gore. Sadly, while the movie has flashes of brilliance and an intriguing mythos, it doesn’t quite live up to the promise of its premise. From shocking opening moments to a slow-burning mansion setting, the film is equal parts surprising and uneven, making it a tricky watch for horror‑comedy fans.
"Death of a Unicorn" was one of those films we really wanted to enjoy. With an all‑star cast and Paul Rudd in a lead role, I expected a sharp comedy‑horror mix that would deliver laughs alongside the gore. Clocking in at 1 hour and 47 minutes, it seemed poised to be a fun, fast‑paced ride from start to finish. While I know plenty of people have enjoyed it—and it comes highly recommended—the film ultimately falls a bit short of its potential.
WATCH THE TRAILER FOR "DEATH OF A UNICORN" BELOW
The opening 10 minutes, however, do deliver. Paul Rudd’s character accidentally hits a unicorn with his car, and from that moment, you’d think the film would fully lean into its darkly comedic premise. The scene where Jenna Ortega’s character touches the unicorn’s horn and goes into a trance—only for Rudd’s character to bash it with a pipe to “make sure it’s dead”—is genuinely shocking and, surprisingly, laugh‑out‑loud funny. That sequence felt fresh and caught me off guard in the best way.
Once the characters arrive at the mansion, though, the film slows considerably, diving deep into the mythos of the unicorn. It takes nearly 50 minutes before any serious deaths occur, making the pacing feel uneven. We did enjoy the lore and the deaths that eventually happen, though—two or three in particular were gruesomely satisfying and left me wanting more. Anthony Carrigan, as “Griff,” deserves an honorable mention; every time he’s on screen, he brings a perfect blend of menace and dark humor that’s genuinely entertaining.
FINAL WORDS
Overall, "Death of a Unicorn" is a mixed bag. Its early moments hint at a riotous, darkly comedic horror film, but the slow buildup and uneven pacing keep it from fully delivering. I’d give it a 2.5 out of 5—worth a watch for unicorn mythos fans and Carrigan’s performance, but don’t expect nonstop laughs or thrills.
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