Fans poke fun as the unicorn from Jenna Ortega and Paul Rudd’s ‘Death of a Unicorn’ is showcased at SXSW

The unicorn from the film Death of a Unicorn, featuring Jenna Ortega and Paul Rudd, was the star of the show at SXSW, pulling in loads of attention. The festival hosted the world premiere of a dark comedy-horror by director Alex Scharfman, which is about a father-daughter duo who, of all things, accidentally drive over a unicorn.

The strange premise was already getting people curious, but when they saw the ultra-realistic unicorn on display, it took it to a whole new level.

Some were impressed at how realistic it appeared, while others couldn't help but make jokes—because, naturally, the internet never fails to seize the moment.

Comments ranged from inquiries on whether unicorns are now officially real to mentioning how mythical beings are appearing before some long-awaited video games are finally released.

A user (@barkneynetwork) joked:

"How did they get a real unicorn before GTA 6."

A user (@duowlingocovers) humorously asked:

"UNICORNS ARE REAL??"

A user (@ms__lost) mentioned:

"I thought Unicorns were cute 😭😭"

A user (@set71374) joked:

"Damn they dragged a dead unicorn body to the showroom? Thats not cool."

A user (@AdamNas61920141) chimed in:

"Damn at first I thought it was a failed lab experiment."

A user (@StormIrish2137) went on to say:

"I can’t believe they killed a unicorn to make this movie."

A user (@jennaslipfreckl) posted:

"I cant believe they actually got a real live unicorn to act in this movie."

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What is Death of a Unicorn about?

Death of a Unicorn is a wild ride as Elliot Kintner (Paul Rudd) and his daughter Ridley (Jenna Ortega) become trapped in a nightmare that they never anticipated. Of course.

What begins as a visit to a crisis management conference at Elliot's reclusive boss, pharmaceutical mogul Odell Leopold (Richard E. Grant), turns quickly into disaster when they run over a unicorn by mistake.

First comes disbelief, but not long after do they know the carcass of the unicorn has miraculous healing properties—which the Leopolds are more than willing to use for their interests?

Yet manipulating such a mythical being has consequences.

The unicorn's companion, fueled by vengeance, sets out to hunt down all who are involved in the conspiracy.

What ensues is a darkly humorous, tension-packed ride as the characters deal with the consequences of meddling with powers far greater than their comprehension.

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Death of a Unicorn shines at SXSW

The SXSW premiere of the movie generated a rave reception, with audiences welcoming its genre-bending blend of humor and horror, according to the Premiering Now website.

Critics were impressed by Alex Scharfman's skill at juggling the film's changing moods and praising the highlight performances from its cast.

But responses weren't all one-sided. Some reviews cited pacing problems and an identity crisis between its horror and comedy aspects.

Deadline writes:

"For a movie with a nearly two-hour runtime and a bonkers title with the plot to match, the action kicks off awfully late into the movie."

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Themes and social commentary

Underneath its darkly comedic and fantastical exterior, Death of a Unicorn has biting social commentary.

The movie satirizes corporate avarice and the misuse of natural resources, employing the unicorn's magical healing powers as symbolism for the moral choices of scientists and big businesses.

It also examines generational conflicts, specifically the yawning gap between wealthy elites who enjoy the benefits of scientific progress and those who are left behind.

Another undercurrent is the distrust of science and the perils of unchecked ambition.

The Leopolds' fixation with commercializing the unicorn's powers is a warning about the unrelenting drive for gain, even at the expense of moral integrity.