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Romantic drama

Unicorns (2025): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Plot

Unicorns (2025) movie poster

Unicorns is a 2025 romantic drama directed by Sally El Hosaini and James Krishna Floyd, starring Ben Hardy as Luke, Jason Patel and Sagar Radia. It runs 1 hour 59 minutes and earned $140,944 worldwide. Critics gave it 71 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.3/10.

IMDb rating
7.3/10
worldwide gross
$140.9K
Echo Score
79
Metascore
71
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Unicorns (2025) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 59m (119 min)
Genres
Drama , Romance
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Unicorns About?

The premise of Unicorns without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.

A hardworking single father, Luke, encounters Aysha, a captivating woman, at an underground nightclub. Their connection is undeniable, but Luke soon discovers Aysha is a remarkable drag queen. Faced with this unexpected revelation, they embark on a journey of self-discovery and transformation, questioning their identities and confronting personal truths as they navigate an unconventional romance.

Unicorns Themes & Keywords

· 25 tags
  • drag queen
  • homophobia
  • gay muslim
  • gay interest
  • male nudity
  • male rear nudity
  • south asian
  • gay
  • muslim family
  • british indian
  • acid attack
  • single father
+13 more
  • sex scene
  • manchester england
  • london england
  • mechanic
  • mother son relationship
  • father
  • violence
  • title co directed by female
  • reference to zayn malik
  • one word title
  • reference to mark wahlberg
  • interracial relationship
  • coming of age drama
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Cast & crew

Unicorns Cast & Characters

Ben Hardy leads the cast as Luke, with Jason Patel as Aysha, Ashiq and Sagar Radia as Faiz. Directed by Sally El Hosaini and James Krishna Floyd; 20 actors are credited in all.

Ratings

Unicorns Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Unicorns 71 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.3/10. Our Echo Score gives it 79/100, strongest in character & emotion (90) and weakest in rewatch factor (70).

79 /100

Unicorns Echo Score Breakdown

Overall, "Unicorns" offers a visually engaging exploration of identity despite a somewhat formulaic narrative structure. The performances are consistently strong, with the leads delivering layered portrayals that anchor the film’s emotional heart. Visually, the film employs a vibrant palette and measured pacing that accentuates both intimate and public moments. While the storyline at times adheres to familiar beats and could benefit from greater narrative surprise, the empathetic character work and deft visual style leave a lasting impression.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 80

    In terms of art and craft, "Unicorns" showcases confident direction and refined cinematography that highlight both the intimate nightclub scenes and everyday settings. The film makes effective use of color contrasts to reflect emotional shifts, and the editing maintains clarity throughout. Production design offers authentic details without overstating them. Overall, the visual approach supports the narrative’s thematic exploration with consistent stylistic cohesion.

  • Character & Emotion 90

    When it comes to character and emotion, "Unicorns" benefits from deeply realized portrayals and genuine chemistry between its leads. The protagonists convey nuanced emotional journeys that explore identity and belonging, while supporting roles contribute subtle yet meaningful dynamics. The performances maintain an understated authenticity that grounds the film’s thematic ambitions. Overall, the empathetic character work forms the emotional core of the story.

  • Story & Flow 70

    Regarding story and flow, the film follows a largely familiar narrative path that balances romantic development with cultural exploration. The pacing is measured, allowing emotional beats to unfold, though some plot points adhere to conventional structures. Narrative shortcuts occasionally emerge, but the core relationship maintains engagement through its authenticity. Overall, the storyline’s predictability is offset by its earnest character focus and emotional sincerity.

  • Sensory Experience 75

    In terms of sensory experience, the film employs a vibrant visual style complemented by authentic soundscapes of the nightclub setting. The soundtrack selection underscores emotional moments without overwhelming the dialogue, while ambient noise and musical cues feel integrated. Visual consistency is maintained through attentive costume and production design details. Overall, the sensory elements cohesively support the film’s immersive atmosphere.

  • Rewatch Factor 70

    When considering rewatch factor, "Unicorns" offers appreciable appeal through its character-driven moments and thematic depth. Viewers may find value in revisiting pivotal scenes to observe nuanced performances and cultural details. While the narrative’s familiarity could limit repeated viewing for some, the film’s emotional sincerity and visual warmth provide lasting enjoyment. Overall, the project sustains moderate replay value rooted in its heartfelt character interactions.

Plot

Unicorns Plot Summary

What happens in Unicorns from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 6-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

The story begins with Luke ([Ben Hardy]), who engages in a casual encounter with a woman on a grassy knoll in Essex. Seeking to keep things uncomplicated, the woman declines a ride home. In another part of town, Ashiq Darber ([Jason Patel]) is meticulously preparing his makeup to transform into his drag queen persona, Aysha ([Jason Patel]). He is given a lift by Faiz ([Sagar Radia]).

Full summary

The whole story of Unicorns, scene by scene

Read the full summary
Box office

Unicorns Box Office

Unicorns grossed $140,944 worldwide.

2025 box office

Worldwide gross

$140.9K

International
$140.9K
Videos

Unicorns Trailers & Videos

10 videos: 1 trailer, 1 teaser, 4 clips and 4 featurettes.

All 10 videos
UK Trailer
  • Teaser Teaser :15
  • Clip Clip
  • Clip Carpool
  • Clip The Kiss
Quiz

How Well Do You Know Unicorns?

10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 10

  1. Question 1: not answered
  2. Question 2: not answered
  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
  7. Question 7: not answered
  8. Question 8: not answered
  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

What is the name of Luke's young son?

Details

Unicorns Also Known As

4 alternative titles, including “유니콘” and “越夜越風騷”.

Also known as
  • 유니콘
  • 越夜越風騷
  • יוניקורנס
  • 独角兽

Seen Unicorns?

FAQ

Unicorns FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime

Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings and post-credit scenes of Unicorns, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Unicorns?

Unicorns runs 1 hour 59 minutes (119 minutes).

When was Unicorns released?

Unicorns was released on July 18, 2025.

Who directed Unicorns?

Unicorns was directed by Sally El Hosaini and James Krishna Floyd.

More films by Sally El Hosaini

Who is in the cast of Unicorns?

Unicorns stars Ben Hardy as Luke, Jason Patel as Aysha, Ashiq and Sagar Radia as Faiz, among 20 credited actors.

How much did Unicorns make at the box office?

Unicorns grossed $140,944 worldwide.

How is Unicorns rated?

Unicorns has 7.3/10 on IMDb, 71 on Metacritic, 68% on TMDB and 3.6/5 on Letterboxd.

Does Unicorns have a post-credit scene?

No. Unicorns has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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