The trailer for A24’s highly anticipated Death Of A Unicorn has finally dropped, and it’s already generating buzz for its signature mix of dark humor, surreal storytelling, and biting social commentary. Directed and written by Alex Scharfman in his feature debut, the film stars Paul Rudd and Jenna Ortega as a father-daughter duo whose fateful run-in with a mythical unicorn sets off a bizarre chain of events that could only come from the mind of A24.
The trailer opens with Elliot (Rudd) and Ridley (Ortega) processing their collision with a unicorn in a moment of existential crisis—especially for Ridley. Their misfortune (or perhaps, misstep) leads them to the estate of Dell Leopold, head of a morally dubious pharmaceutical empire. Played by Richard E. Grant, Dell and his family see the unicorn’s carcass as a golden ticket, using its remains to create miracle drugs that promise everything from curing cancer to granting immortality. But the Leopolds’ greed summons wrath from another unicorn, which isn’t thrilled about its fallen companion.
Cue a surreal blend of dark comedy, chaos, and mythological revenge, all soundtracked by a haunting remix of The Beach Boys’ “Good Vibrations.”
Beyond Rudd and Ortega, Death Of A Unicorn boasts an impressive ensemble cast:
- Will Poulter, delivering the film’s cutting humor.
- Téa Leoni and Anthony Carrigan in key supporting roles.
- Sunita Mani, Jessica Hynes, and Steve Park round out the cast.
Adding to the allure, legendary composer John Carpenter teams up with Cody Carpenter and Daniel Davies to deliver the film’s score, promising an atmospheric blend of eerie and enchanting.
While the film’s premise pokes fun at greed and the excesses of the wealthy, it hints at something deeper. Ortega’s Ridley appears to share a mystical connection with the unicorn, one that might unravel a universal truth and provide the emotional core of the story. This balance between outlandish antics and poignant character arcs is what makes A24’s films resonate so deeply with audiences.
Death Of A Unicorn is slated for a spring 2025 release, promising a cinematic experience that’s equal parts absurd and thought-provoking. Fans of A24 won’t have to wait too long for other treats, either. Before this unicorn-themed adventure hits theaters, Isaiah Saxton’s The Legend of Ochi—a fantastical tale featuring Willem Dafoe and Finn Wolfhard—will premiere on February 28, 2025.
Between Death Of A Unicorn and The Legend of Ochi, it’s clear that A24 is doubling down on its knack for bold, original storytelling. Buckle up—2025 is shaping up to be a year of cinematic magic and mayhem!