Death of a Unicorn is an upcoming American comedy horror film written and directed by Alex Scharfman. This darkly comedic and fantastical story follows a father and daughter who accidentally hit a unicorn with their car. When they bring the mystical creature to a wilderness retreat run by a greedy pharmaceutical CEO, the situation takes a deadly turn—especially when the unicorn’s vengeful mate arrives.
The film is produced by A24, known for its bold and unique storytelling, and features a score by John Carpenter, adding a chilling touch to the mix of horror and comedy. It will premiere at South by Southwest (SXSW) on March 8, 2025, and release in U.S. theaters on March 28, 2025.
Death of a Unicorn Age Rating
“Death of a Unicorn” is rated R due to its strong violent content, graphic gore, language, and drug use. This rating signifies that the film is restricted, meaning that viewers under the age of 17 require an accompanying parent or guardian to watch. The film contains intense scenes that may be disturbing, including scenes of violence and graphic gore. Additionally, the use of strong language and the portrayal of drug use contribute to its mature rating. Parents should consider these elements carefully when determining if the film is suitable for teens.
Violence
- Graphic scenes of mythical creature attacks with blood and gore.
- Intense creature violence, including injured or mutilated unicorns.
- Human vs. creature confrontations with bloody outcomes.
- Themes of revenge and corporate exploitation lead to gruesome consequences.
- Moderate to high scare factor due to horror elements despite comedic undertones.
Language
- Frequent strong profanity, including the words “fk,” “s**t,” and others.
- Crude jokes and sarcasm contribute to the film’s dark comedic tone.
- Insults and explicit dialogue are used throughout the movie.
Sexual Content
- No explicit sex scenes are shown.
- Suggestive humor and adult themes may be present.
- Minimal sexual content, but the mature dialogue may be inappropriate for younger audiences.
Drugs and Substance Use
- Drug use is depicted in several scenes.
- References to substance abuse and pharmaceutical industry satire are woven into the plot.
- Alcohol use may also be present during corporate party scenes.
Is Death of a Unicorn Suitable for Teens?
Due to its violent and mature content, Death of a Unicorn is not recommended for viewers under 16. While older teens might enjoy the comedic horror and social satire, the film’s graphic gore and strong language make it unsuitable for younger audiences.
- Ages 17+: Suitable for mature teens who can handle intense horror violence and satirical themes.
- Ages 16: Parental discretion is advised—violence and gore may be disturbing.
- Under 16: Not appropriate due to graphic imagery, strong language, and drug references.
What Parents Can Do
- Preview the Film: If concerned, parents should watch the trailer or read reviews beforehand.
- Discuss the Themes: Talk about corporate greed, moral choices, and the balance between nature and technology.
- Set Viewing Limits: Ensure the content aligns with your family’s viewing guidelines.
Official Trailer
FAQs-
Q: Why is Death of a Unicorn rated R?
A: The film is rated R for strong violence, graphic gore, frequent profanity, and drug use, making it unsuitable for viewers under 17 without adult supervision.
Q: Is Death of a Unicorn appropriate for kids?
A: No, the film contains violent scenes, drug references, and strong language that make it inappropriate for children.
Q: Does the film contain sexual content?
A: There are no explicit sex scenes, but suggestive humor and adult themes are present.
Q: Where can I watch Death of a Unicorn?
A: The film premieres at SXSW on March 8, 2025, and will be released in U.S. theaters on March 28, 2025, by A24.
Q: What makes Death of a Unicorn unique?
A: It combines creature horror, dark comedy, and social commentary—especially on corporate greed and the pharmaceutical industry—with a mythical twist.