Death of a Unicorn follows Elliot and Ridley as they embark on a trip to the estate of Elliot’s wealthy employers, the Leopold family. On their way, they accidentally hit a unicorn with their car and took the wounded creature with them. This leads to the discovery of the unicorn’s miraculous healing abilities, which also attracts the attention of the unicorn’s vengeful parents. The film takes a darkly comedic turn as the enraged unicorns go on a deadly rampage, eliminating most of the cast in the process.
The story builds towards a violent climax, where only three characters survive: Elliot, Ridley, and Griff. The movie’s ambiguous ending leaves audiences questioning the ultimate fate of its main characters.
The unicorns crash the police car transporting Elliot and Ridley, but their motivations remain uncertain. They could be attempting to rescue the father and daughter, or they might be trying to eliminate them to protect their own existence. However, the unicorn’s silent exchange with Elliot before the crash suggests an intention beyond mere violence.
Unicorns, Resurrection, and the Uncertain Future of Elliot and Ridley
One of the film’s major supernatural elements is the unicorns’ ability to resurrect the dead. After being mortally wounded, Elliot is revived by the unicorns alongside their own child. This moment connects Elliot to the same cosmic space Ridley experienced earlier in the film, reinforcing the mystical nature of the unicorns.
Ridley, who is seemingly recognized as an “honored maiden” by the unicorns, serves as a bridge between humanity and the creatures, further indicating that they might not have meant to harm her and Elliot at the end.
Death of a Unicorn (Photo: A24)With most of the Leopold family and their employees dead, the unicorns are free to retreat into obscurity. The forest they inhabit remains protected land, ensuring their safety. Meanwhile, Elliot and Ridley face a more uncertain future. If they survive the crash, they may be accused of causing the chaos at the estate. Even if they evade legal consequences, they could still be targeted by powerful individuals who were interested in exploiting the unicorns’ healing abilities, leaving them in potential danger.
The origin of the unicorns remains a mystery, though the film hints at their deep-rooted connection to nature and the cosmos. Ridley’s research, which references The Unicorn Tapestries, suggests that these creatures have existed for centuries, possibly even longer than humans realize. Their apparent immortality and the fact that past attempts to capture them have failed further emphasize their enigmatic presence in the world.
Griff’s Uncertain Fate and the Film’s Exploration of Family, Greed, and Survival
Griff, the Leopold family’s butler, is another key survivor whose fate remains uncertain. His character provides comic relief and emotional depth throughout the film. He ultimately escapes the massacre and contacts the police, but his final scene suggests he too might be in danger. The unicorns push his car off the road alongside Elliot and Ridley’s, implying they perceive him as a threat. However, given his bond with Ridley, he may have a better chance of survival compared to the other humans.
Beyond its horror and fantasy elements, Death of a Unicorn serves as both a satire of the elite and a poignant story about family. The film critiques wealthy pharmaceutical magnates who seek to manipulate nature for profit, portraying them as selfish and ultimately doomed. Their greed leads to their downfall, reinforcing the film’s dark comedic tone. The movie’s central emotional arc revolves around Elliot and Ridley mending their strained relationship, mirroring the unicorns’ efforts to reunite their own family.
In the end, Death of a Unicorn explores themes of parental bonds, morality, and the dangers of human interference with nature. Its ambiguous conclusion leaves room for interpretation, ensuring the story lingers in the minds of its audience. Whether the unicorns were acting as protectors or executioners remains an open question, but one thing is clear: their power and presence in the world are undeniable.
