Known for striking a perfect balance between arthouse and mainstream appeal, A24 has consistently delivered groundbreaking films over the past decade. From Hereditary to Everything Everywhere All at Once and Civil War, the studio has earned a reputation for crafting unique genre-defying movies. Judging by its first trailer, Death of a Unicorn could be their next big achievement.

A Darkly Humorous Premise

The film centres on a father-daughter duo, played by Paul Rudd and Jenna Ortega, who accidentally hit and kill a unicorn while driving. This strange and seemingly whimsical event quickly spirals into a gory horror-comedy when the unicorn’s remains are seized by a pharmaceutical company for study. Things take a sinister turn when the unicorn’s parent arrives seeking bloody revenge. Adding to the film’s allure is a score composed by horror maestro John Carpenter, famed for his work on Halloween and The Thing.

A24’s Golden Touch

A24 has a talent for transforming seemingly outlandish ideas into cinematic gold. A killer unicorn movie might sound like something out of a low-budget Syfy or The Asylum production, but Death of a Unicorn promises a fresh take. The film’s sharp dialogue and intriguing premise elevate it beyond mere creature-feature fare. At the heart of the story is the discovery that the unicorn’s horn possesses cancer-curing properties, making it the target of intense interest from a pharmaceutical CEO, portrayed by Will Poulter. While this breakthrough has monumental implications for humanity, Poulter’s character clearly harbours selfish motives.

Horror Satire with a Message

While not intended to be outright terrifying, Death of a Unicorn blends horror with biting satire. The trailer teases unsettling moments, with the unicorn creatures appearing surprisingly menacing. The film’s narrative serves as a critique of greed and exploitation, embodied by a wealthy family’s attempts to profit from the mythical creature. Though this message isn’t exactly subtle, it sets the stage for an entertaining climax where vengeful unicorns deliver grisly justice.

A Stellar Cast

Another promising aspect of the film is its impressive ensemble cast. Beyond Rudd and Ortega, the lineup includes Richard E. Grant, Anthony Carrigan (Barry), Jessica Hynes, and Tea Leoni, marking her first film role in 14 years since Tower Heist. Such a talented cast suggests that the screenplay is something special, with enough depth and intrigue to attract these accomplished performers.

A Risk Worth Taking?

Given A24’s track record of critical and commercial hits, it’s no surprise they’ve managed to assemble such a high-calibre team for Death of a Unicorn. While its quirky premise and satirical tone might not appeal to everyone, the involvement of A24 and its star-studded cast significantly increase its chances of success. However, it’s worth remembering that similar high-concept films, such as 2006’s Snakes on a Plane, haven’t always lived up to the hype.

Despite this, Death of a Unicorn seems well-positioned to avoid such a fate. With its unique vision, clever satire, and strong creative team, it stands a good chance of becoming 2025’s breakout horror hit.