In a peculiar blend of fantasy, horror, and comedy, "Death of a Unicorn" presents an intriguing yet underwhelming narrative. This film, which doubles as a critique of wealth disparity, takes inspiration from classic scare films such as "Jurassic Park" and "Alien." Writer-director Alex Scharfman introduces an inventive concept—what if unicorns were not magical symbols of purity but rather terrifying predators? Despite its ambitious premise, the movie struggles to maintain momentum, repeating itself and losing steam early on. The story follows Elliot Kintner, portrayed by Paul Rudd, and his teenage daughter Ridley, played by Jenna Ortega, as they encounter a mythical creature that sets off a chain reaction of chaos at the estate of their wealthy client.

Set against the backdrop of picturesque Canadian wilderness, the journey begins with Elliot and Ridley navigating strained familial relations while mourning the loss of Elliot's wife. Their car accident involving what appears to be a unicorn becomes the catalyst for mayhem. Upon arriving at the lavish property of pharmaceutical tycoon Odell Leopold, performed by Richard E. Grant, tensions escalate when the supposedly deceased unicorn in their vehicle shows signs of life. Soon after, avenging unicorn parents invade the mansion, creating a surreal monster flick scenario.

The film's tone oscillates between dark humor and exaggerated horror sequences. While it draws heavily from iconic predecessors like "Jurassic Park," the repetitive nature of certain scenes diminishes their impact. For instance, variations of unicorn-related attacks become predictable and less engaging over time. Although the script incorporates social commentary about wealth inequality, these elements feel secondary to the primary focus on thrills and chills.

Among the cast members, Will Poulter stands out with his enthusiastic performance, bringing levity to otherwise grim situations. Additionally, Téa Leoni makes a welcome return to cinema screens after years away. However, despite flashes of creativity and colorful visuals, the overall execution lacks depth and fails to captivate consistently throughout its runtime.

Audiences seeking a unique take on mythical creatures might find fleeting moments of interest within this production. Yet, without sufficient substance or innovation beyond surface-level spectacle, "Death of a Unicorn" ultimately disappoints. Its reliance on familiar tropes combined with diminishing returns on key plot points leaves viewers yearning for more meaningful engagement rather than merely witnessing another variation of fantastical carnage.