Paul Rudd + Jenna Ortega + dead unicorn = movie of the year or total absurdity?

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Paul Rudd, Jenna Ortega, and… the corpse of a fairy-tale creature in the woods. Is it horror? Satire? Or something even stranger? It sounds like a wild experiment — and perhaps that’s what makes the film "Death of a Unicorn" (2025) one of the most talked-about releases of the year.

A Jaw-Dropping Plot

A father and daughter accidentally hit a unicorn with their car. No, it's not a metaphor, not a hallucination, not a hidden meaning—an actual unicorn. This absurd incident triggers a chain of events where whimsical magic clashes with human greed, and capitalism takes the fairy tale hostage.
Death of a Unicorn – Trailer
If you think A24 studio has released another meditative drama—forget it. "Death of a Unicorn" goes all-in: it's a mad mix of horror, black comedy, and surreal farce, where bloody scenes are followed by biting dialogues faster than you can blink.

World Premiere: "Death of a Unicorn" Debuted at SXSW

The film was first shown at South by Southwest (a trendy film and music festival in the USA), and from the very first minutes, it was clear that viewers were in for something quite untypical. After the screening, a light shock lingered in the air: some laughed, others were silently bewildered, but no one was indifferent.

, the eternally youthful comedian and star of the Marvel franchise, plays a father caught in an absurd situation. His character is both caring and confused, completely unprepared for what's happening. Alongside him is , who has firmly established herself as a youth horror icon after "Wednesday."
Paul Rudd and Jenna Ortega turn back with frightened faces while sitting in the car
Paul Rudd and Jenna Ortega in "Death of a Unicorn"
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And there they are together—in one car, with a dead unicorn on the hood. The chemistry between the characters is unexpectedly strong: at times they bicker, at times they philosophize, at times they fend off… well, that's a spoiler.

Is It Arthouse or Meme?

"Death of a Unicorn" is a case where the film seems silly but is too well-thought-out to be just a gag. It plays with genres, breaks stereotypes, and puts the viewer in an awkward position: to laugh or to be horrified? "The film doesn't go overboard, but each moment becomes more absurd," writes Chase Hutchinson for The Playlist.

Some scenes are insanely strange. Others are unexpectedly touching. The most memorable moment, in my opinion, is the episode where the characters, covered in blood and dirt, argue about the fate of mythical creatures as if discussing a tax return.
Paul Rudd hands the microphone to Jenna Ortega on stage
Paul Rudd and Jenna Ortega at the SXSW Festival
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This contrasting mix of absurdity and seriousness is essentially the film's essence: you laugh because it's scary, and you freeze because it's funny.

Why Should We Watch This?

Film critics praise the movie for its boldness and originality, while viewers describe it as a hilariously cynical look at late capitalism.

"It's nice to see unicorns back on the big screen — in whatever form they may be," Peter Debruge writes ironically in Variety.
A group of six people stands in the yard of a house and looks at the ground with surprise
A scene from the movie "Death of a Unicorn"
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Don't be quick to judge by the numbers — even though the ratings on IMDb and Rotten Tomatoes may not be impressive, "Death of a Unicorn" is still capable of surprising.

The film will especially appeal to those who love the "Jurassic Park" franchise. Only instead of dinosaurs, there's a rare and deadly unicorn, and instead of a tropical island, there are corporate jungles.

Yes, the director was clearly inspired by Spielberg's style, but he went further — adding biting humor, family drama, and criticism of modern society. By the way, do you like "Jurassic Park"? Write in the comments which part is your favorite!

Opinion

At zoomboola.com, we love cinema that goes beyond the ordinary. "Death of a Unicorn" is just such a case: strange, bold, and controversial. But that's its charm.

The acting duo of Rudd and Ortega captivates, and the story itself raises topics rarely discussed in the horror genre. Yes, this film is not for everyone. But if you're looking for something unpredictable with biting humor, give it a chance.

Don't expect a classic plot or ready-made answers. Just sit back and let the film take you to where unicorns die, and meanings are born in chaos.