Jenna Ortega’s rising fame has been marked by her role in Netflix’s hit series Wednesday, which returns for a second season on August 6. Alongside this, her starring role in the fantasy horror comedy Death of a Unicorn showcases another side of her talent. Written and directed by Alex Scharfman in his first feature, the film centers on mythical creatures that turn violent when provoked, blending dark humor with horror elements now available to stream on HBO Max. This timing offers viewers the chance to explore Ortega’s latest role before the return of Wednesday.
The story follows Ridley (Jenna Ortega) and her father Elliot (Paul Rudd) on a trip to the Canadian Rockies to meet Elliot’s billionaire boss, Odell Leopold (Richard E. Grant). During the journey, Elliot accidentally hits a large animal resembling a unicorn. Although the creature appears injured, touching its horn brings unexpected healing effects to Ridley’s acne and cures Elliot’s allergies and eyesight issues. What starts as a mysterious encounter quickly turns darker as the unicorn’s magical powers attract the greed of Odell and his family.
Plot Developments and the Unicorns’ Fierce Retaliation
Elliot transports the injured unicorn foal to Odell’s expansive estate, intending to bury it discreetly that night. However, the unicorn unexpectedly revives, revealing its potent healing capabilities. Odell and his family exploit this discovery to try to cure Odell’s terminal illness and plan to capitalize on the creature’s genetic gifts by marketing them to affluent acquaintances.
The narrative escalates when the unicorn’s parents hunt down those abusing their offspring’s gift, launching brutal attacks on the humans involved. This violent turn underscores the dark fantasy aspect of the film, showing the shift from gentle mythical beings to deadly protectors when threatened by exploitation.
Jenna Ortega Anchors a Black Comedy with Sharp Social Commentary
Death of a Unicorn combines gore and fantasy with biting satire aimed at wealthy elites. The film features the pompous Leopold family, including the domineering Odell, his disconnected wife Belinda (Téa Leoni), and their inept son Shepard (Will Poulter). This family embodies the oblivious, self-serving rich, providing a backdrop for the movie’s critique without dominating its storyline.
Ortega’s character Ridley is a moody and sharply opinionated teenager, her rebellious appearance accentuated by dip-dyed hair, a septum piercing, and a hidden vape habit. Unlike her Wednesday role, Ridley shows more warmth and vulnerability, particularly in the interactions with her father. Ortega effectively captures the delicate bond and unspoken tensions between Ridley and Elliot, whose relationship is central to the film’s emotional depth.
Although Ridley is less complex compared to Ortega’s most iconic roles, the character fits well within the horror-comedy genre that plays to her strengths as a scream queen with a capable dramatic range. Ortiz delivers a grounded performance, balancing humor and seriousness amidst the absurdity of unicorn slayings.
The Ensemble’s Role in Balancing Humor and Horror
Supporting performances add texture to the film’s darkly humorous tone. Will Poulter shines as the bumbling son Shepard, contributing to the caricature of privileged excess. Paul Rudd provides a steady, relatable presence that contrasts with the outlandishness of the Leopold family and their morally questionable actions. Together, the cast maintains an uneasy balance between comedy and violence, amplifying the film’s unsettling atmosphere.
Alex Scharfman’s directorial debut plays with the juxtaposition of innocence and brutality by portraying mythical, gentle creatures turning lethal in defense of their autonomy. The movie uses gore and inventive deaths involving unicorn horns to deliver both thrills and laughs while reflecting on themes of greed, power, and exploitation.
Why ‘Death of a Unicorn’ Matters Before ‘Wednesday’ Season 2
While Death of a Unicorn did not achieve commercial success during its theatrical release, its availability on HBO Max now offers an accessible entry point for fans of Jenna Ortega, especially as anticipation builds for the second season of Wednesday. The film highlights Ortega’s versatility extending beyond her established image, showcasing her ability to handle both dark humor and emotional nuance.
With the ensemble cast delivering standout performances and a unique blend of horror and satire, the movie stands out as a quirky yet thought-provoking tale. It offers a fresh take on the unicorn mythos, transforming familiar symbols of purity into instruments of vengeance. This shift reflects broader conversations about respect for nature and the consequences of human exploitation.
As viewers prepare for Ortega’s return as the gothic, deadpan Wednesday Addams, revisiting her role in Death of a Unicorn provides insight into her evolving career and the diversity she brings to horror and genre films. The film’s themes of family, greed, and retribution also carry potent messages that resonate beyond its fantastical premise, making it a compelling watch for those drawn to unconventional narratives.
