In an unexpected twist of events, Jenna Ortega and Paul Rudd star in the forthcoming A24 film, “Death of a Unicorn,” where they confront the fantastical amidst the mundane. This whimsical yet dark comedy explores what happens when father-daughter duo, with Rudd as the father and Ortega as the daughter, stumble upon a unicorn with their car. This bizarre encounter takes them, and billionaire boss, played by Richard E. Grant, into uncharted territories of morality and self-interest.
Writer-director Alex Scharfman orchestrates this eccentric adventure, slated for a spring release. The film promises an enticing narrative twist when Grant’s character discovers the unicorn’s miraculous powers, allegedly holding the potential to cure cancer. The character portrayed by Will Poulter captures the gravity of this revelation with the apt line, “Cancer? That’s the biggest one.”
Despite the surreal premise, the film stays grounded with its all-star cast. Alongside Ortega, Rudd, and Grant, the ensemble includes Téa Leoni, known for her work in various comedies, and Anthony Carrigan, acclaimed for his role in “Barry.” Sunita Mani and Jessica Hynes add further depth to the adventure, ensuring a diverse mix of talent to bring this peculiar story to life.
Production-wise, “Death of a Unicorn” benefits from an accomplished team. Scharfman, whose past production credits include the horror flick “House of Spoils” featuring Ariana DeBose, takes the reins as both writer and director. The film’s production lineup also includes producers Tyler Campellone, Tim Headington, Drew Houpt, Lucas Joaquin, Lars Knudsen, and Theresa Steele Page. Executive producers feature some notable names, including Ortega, Rudd, and Ari Aster, renowned for his psychological horror films.
The project marks another significant moment for Jenna Ortega, whose star continues to rise. Following her role as Wednesday Addams, in Netflix’s series “Wednesday,” Ortega maintains a busy schedule, with future projects including “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice,” “Miller’s Girl,” and “Scream VI.” Meanwhile, Paul Rudd is fresh off his ventures in “Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire,” “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania,” and a memorable appearance in the series “Only Murders in the Building.”
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As it stands, “Death of a Unicorn” is shaping up to be a unique addition to A24’s eclectic portfolio. With its blend of fantasy, humor, and poignant commentary on human desires and ethics, the film is likely to captivate audiences looking for something off the beaten path. Keep an eye out for its theatrical release in the spring, as this quirky narrative promises both laughter and reflection, making it one of the season’s anticipated cinematic experiences.
