Death of a Unicorn: Alex Scharfman on Crafting a Timely Dark Comedy
A24 is no stranger to delivering bold, genre-defying films, and Death of a Unicorn is no exception. Directed by Alex Scharfman and starring Jenna Ortega and Paul Rudd, this dark comedy blends satire, fantasy, and horror in a way that feels eerily relevant to today’s world.
The story follows a father-daughter duo who accidentally hit a baby unicorn with their car en route to a high-stakes business meeting. What follows is a bizarre unraveling of secrets, class struggles, and a chilling look at human greed, all wrapped in a visually striking and thematically rich narrative.
As the film gears up for its theatrical release, Scharfman sat down with io9 to discuss his inspirations, the satire embedded within the story, and how unicorns became an unexpected metaphor for modern society.
A Unicorn Like No Other
Unicorns are often associated with purity, fantasy, and childlike wonder. However, Scharfman saw an opportunity to subvert those tropes.
“I wasn’t into unicorns until I started researching the movie,” Scharfman admits. “But once I dug into unicorn mythology, I realized that their history is deeply tied to class structures and the commodification of nature.”
The film draws inspiration from medieval tapestries that depict unicorns being hunted and captured by the elite—a metaphor that ties directly into the movie’s critique of capitalism and power dynamics.
Satire in a Satirical World
In an age where real-life events often feel like satire, how does one craft a film that still feels fresh and impactful?
“We live in unsubtle times,” Scharfman states. “The world's wealthiest man has an office in the White House. The idea of decorum is gone. So, it felt appropriate to make a movie that is direct and cathartic.”
The film’s humor is razor-sharp, tackling themes of privilege, corporate greed, and the tech industry’s unchecked power. Will Poulter plays a hilariously petulant tech billionaire, embodying a character type that has become all too familiar in today’s society.
“This millennial man-child tech bro—these self-styled masters of the universe—they think they have all the answers,” Scharfman notes. “But really, they’re just fumbling forward with bravado.”
Jenna Ortega, serving as the audience surrogate, is surrounded by a cast of eccentric characters, including Richard E. Grant and Anthony Carrigan, who bring their own unique comedic energy to the film.
Blending Practical and Digital Magic
One of the film’s standout elements is its visual style, particularly in how the unicorns are portrayed. Scharfman and his team opted for a mix of practical effects and CGI, ensuring that the creatures felt tangible and lifelike.
“We had live horses on set, we had puppets, we had large animatronic heads,” Scharfman reveals. “Whenever possible, we used practical effects because it helps the actors and adds realism to the world we’re creating.”
Unlike traditional creature features that keep the monster hidden, Death of a Unicorn embraces its mythical beings, showcasing them in full view by the film’s climax.
“In a contemporary creature feature, you need to satisfy the audience,” Scharfman explains. “You tease them at first, but by the end, you need to show them everything.”
A24’s Latest Must-See Film
With Death of a Unicorn, Alex Scharfman delivers a genre-bending film that’s as thought-provoking as it is entertaining. Packed with satire, horror, and a touch of the absurd, the movie offers a unique perspective on power, privilege, and what it truly means to “own” something magical.
The film opens this Friday—don’t miss this twisted, fantastical journey into the heart of modern-day greed.
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