Directed by
Alex Scharfman
Made by
A24
Read the complete plot summary and ending explained for Death of a Unicorn (2025). From turning points to emotional moments, uncover what really happened and why it matters.
Elliot Kintner, portrayed by Paul Rudd, and his teenage daughter Ridley, played by Jenna Ortega, embark on a trip to the opulent estate of Elliot’s employer, Odell Leopold, represented by Richard E. Grant. The journey begins with Elliot battling an allergic reaction, while Ridley appears unfazed and disengaged from the travel experience.
As fate would have it, their road trip takes a strange turn when they accidentally impact a baby unicorn with their vehicle. Stopping to investigate, Ridley is drawn to the glowing horn of the unicorn. In a surreal twist, the horn transports her to a psychedelic world filled with mind-boggling visuals. However, the moment is cut short as Elliot arrives, tragically determined to end the creature’s suffering with a tire iron.
Upon reaching the Leopold estate, the duo encounters Odell, who is gravely ill, alongside his wife, Belinda, played by Téa Leoni, and their son, Shepard, portrayed by Will Poulter. While Elliot seeks to finalize a business deal, Ridley grapples with the aftermath of their accident. The unsettling scene escalates when their vehicle begins to shake, revealing the still-living unicorn attempting to break free, only to be lethally shot by Shaw, played by Jessica Hynes.
A chilling transformation unfolds as the onlookers notice that both Ridley and Elliot have been inexplicably cured of their ailments after coming into contact with the unicorn’s blood. Captivated by this miraculous property, Odell mobilizes scientists, including Dr. Song, played by Steve Park, and Dr. Bhatia, portrayed by Sunita Mani, to investigate and harvest the unicorn for medical breakthroughs.
Yet, while Elliot is drawn deeper into Odell’s ambitions, Ridley becomes increasingly uncomfortable with how the unicorn is being exploited. Following a successful extraction of the horn’s essence that cures Odell, the plot thickens as Shepard experiments with the horn, leading to a profound connection with the creature that echoes Ridley’s own emotional bond. As a bizarre aurora borealis manifests in the sky, it signals the impending chaos.
The tranquility shatters when a menacing black unicorn crashes the party, violently attacking Dr. Song and leaving destruction in its wake. As Elliot frantically tries to safeguard Ridley, she attempts to connect with the black unicorn, which unfortunately is interrupted by the arrival of armed guards. The unicorn escapes, but not for long; a deadly pursuit ensues into the woods.
Elliot’s quest spirals into a harrowing confrontation with the black unicorn’s parents, as the plot unveils the terrible cost of their scientific curiosity. Ridley’s revelation about the unicorn’s regenerative abilities adds a new layer of urgency. Nevertheless, the stakes rise further when the adults fail to control the unleashed force of nature, leading to horrifying carnage in their ranks.
As tragedy unfolds, the lines between right and wrong blur dramatically for Elliot. When the black unicorns retaliate with vengeance, multiple casualties emerge, including his colleagues and family. In a gripping climax, Ridley, seeking to mend the rift caused by the theft of the horn, becomes an unwilling pawn in a deadly game orchestrated by Shepard, who envisions dark prospects for the unicorns.
With a fierce struggle punctuated by betrayal and loss, the narrative culminates in a heart-wrenching father-daughter moment as they confront their fate. Just as all hope seems lost, the benevolent unicorns intervene, wielding their mystical powers to restore the fallen. The passage concludes with Elliot and Ridley unexpectedly spirited away, as law enforcement arrives, misinterpreting the chaos as a string of murders.
In a twist of fate, the unicorns make their timely entrance, charging at the cop cars, ultimately leading to the hopeful possibility of reclaiming their peace amidst the horror they endured. As the story wraps up, Elliot and Ridley’s bond is fortified by their extraordinary journey, and they prepare to tackle the mysteries life continues to throw their way.
Follow the complete movie timeline of Death of a Unicorn (2025) with every major event in chronological order. Great for understanding complex plots and story progression.
Elliot and Ridley's Journey Begins
Elliot Kintner and his teenage daughter Ridley embark on a road trip to the estate of Elliot’s boss, Odell Leopold. While Ridley feels detached and uninterested, Elliot struggles with allergies, setting a tone of discomfort for their adventure.
The Tragic Encounter
During their trip, Elliot accidentally hits a baby unicorn with his car. Horrified, both father and daughter pull over, but Ridley is mesmerized by the creature's glowing horn, only for Elliot to tragically bludgeon it with a tire iron to end its suffering.
Arrival at the Leopold Estate
Elliot and Ridley arrive at the Leopold estate, meeting the ill Odell and his family. Tension arises as Ridley is horrified about the unicorn incident, while Elliot focuses on closing a deal with Odell, indicating conflicting priorities for the two.
Unicorn's Blood Revelation
The family discovers that the unicorn's blood has miraculous healing properties as Ridley’s acne vanishes and Elliot’s allergies disappear after the accident. This revelation leads Odell to exploit the unicorn for research to create cures, while Ridley feels more unsettled.
Destructive Discoveries
As the scientists extract samples from the unicorn, Odell is rapidly cured of his disease. Unbeknownst to them, his son Shepard has snorted horn powder, creating a bond with the unicorn, paralleling Ridley’s own connection, complicating the situation further.
The Black Unicorn's Fury
A menacing black unicorn appears, attacking the scientists and killing Dr. Song violently. The chaos escalates as the unicorn wreaks havoc, forcing Ridley and Elliot to flee and hide, highlighting the dangers of the creature's wrath.
Rallying the Hunt
After regrouping at the estate, Odell makes plans to hunt the black unicorn while Shepard seeks to continue exploiting the unicorns. Ridley realizes that the unicorns are seeking their baby, pushing her to warn Elliot before chaos ensues.
The Tragic Mistake
In a misguided attempt to appease the parent unicorns, the group exposes the dead unicorn's body, but its horn has been removed. The resulting violence leads to Dr. Bhatia's gruesome death, escalating the conflict with the unicorns even further.
Fateful Confrontation
Odell attempts to approach the male unicorn but is brutally killed as his misjudgment costs him his life. This incident catalyzes a realization among the remaining characters of the paramount danger they are in due to their actions against the unicorns.
Elliot's Change of Heart
Elliot reconsiders his allegiance to Odell and intends to return the horn to the parent unicorns while ensuring Ridley's safety. This pivotal moment showcases his willingness to sacrifice for his daughter's wellbeing and the unicorns' survival.
Betrayal and Stakes Rise
Shepard, having ingested horn powder, becomes delusional and attempts to use Ridley as bait to lure the unicorns back. A dark confrontation ensues, revealing the high stakes as Elliot stabs Shepard, who retaliates fatally.
The Resurrection
In a surprising turn of events, the parent unicorns bring Elliot and the baby unicorn back to life using their powers. With the horn successfully reattached, they transform into pure white, symbolizing healing and redemption amidst the chaos.
The Aftermath
As Elliot regains consciousness, the serene moment is interrupted when a cop arrives, misinterpreting the scene as a crime scene involving Elliot and Ridley. The innocent bond between them and the unicorns is overshadowed by the looming threat of misunderstanding.
Final Escalation
Just as Elliot and Ridley are taken away for questioning, the unicorns appear, charging into the cop cars. This final act of defense not only illustrates the unicorns' protective instincts but sets the stage for their escape and the characters’ future.
A New Chapter
Elliot and Ridley prepare to face the consequences of their actions as they try to convey their side of the story. The presence of the unicorns serves as a glimmer of hope, indicating that their bond with nature could lead to a new beginning.
Explore all characters from Death of a Unicorn (2025). Get detailed profiles with their roles, arcs, and key relationships explained.
Elliot Kintner
Elliot is a conflicted father trying to provide for his daughter, Ridley, while grappling with his moral compass. Initially driven by the allure of wealth, he undergoes significant character development as he confronts the consequences of his actions. His ultimate change of heart showcases his deep love for Ridley and the transformation from self-interest to self-sacrifice.
Ridley Kintner
Ridley is a perceptive and strong-willed teenager who feels disconnected from her father and the world around her. Her bond with the unicorn signifies her innate compassion and desire for innocence in a harsh reality. Throughout the film, Ridley evolves from a jaded youth to a more empathic individual, demonstrating her resilience and moral clarity.
Odell Leopold
Odell is the ailing patriarch of the Leopold family, embodying ambition wrapped in desperation. His desire to exploit the unicorn’s powers for personal gain ultimately leads to tragic consequences. His character serves as a representation of greed, contrasting sharply with Ridley’s evolving ideals.
Shepard Leopold
Shepard is Odell's son, whose reckless behavior and misguided curiosity lead to horror for himself and others. He represents the potential for corruption by the allure of power. His choices strongly reflect the chaotic consequences of the narrative as it escalates toward tragedy.
Learn where and when Death of a Unicorn (2025) takes place. Explore the film’s settings, era, and how they shape the narrative.
Time period
The movie takes place in contemporary times, reflecting a present-day society intertwined with fantastical elements. Themes of science versus nature unfold as modern characters confront mythical creatures in a world shaped by technological advancements and moral dilemmas.
Location
Leopold Estate
The Leopold Estate is a grand yet eerie property, set against a backdrop of wilderness. Renowned for its tranquility, it becomes a site of horrific events after the tragic accident involving a baby unicorn. The estate serves as a juxtaposition to the dark happenings that unfold within its walls, as characters grapple with consequences and the lore of unicorns.
Discover the main themes in Death of a Unicorn (2025). Analyze the deeper meanings, emotional layers, and social commentary behind the film.
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Cosmic Connection
The film explores the theme of connection between humans and magical beings, highlighting the bond Ridley feels with the unicorn. This cosmic connection is challenged by humanity's inclination to exploit the magical for personal gain. Ultimately, it questions the integrity of human actions when faced with kindness from otherworldly creatures.
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Loss and Regret
Loss permeates the narrative as the accidental death of the unicorn sets off a chain reaction of tragic events. Characters experience deep regret for their actions, prompting them to reevaluate their choices. The theme emphasizes the moral implications of destruction and the need for redemption amidst chaos.
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Scientific Exploitation
The narrative critiques the scientific community's tendency to exploit natural wonders for profit. The characters' attempts to harness the unicorn's healing powers embody a clash between ethics and ambition. This theme serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of prioritizing advancement over compassion.
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