What Is Unicorns About?
The premise of Unicorns in 328 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In the working-class towns of Essex, Luke Tilson moves through life with the steady determination of a man who knows his responsibilities. By day he tinkers at his mechanic’s shop, and by night he returns home to his young son, Jamie, navigating the quiet rhythms of single parenthood with a worn but genuine warmth. His world is grounded, practical, and familiar — until one evening leads him through an unmarked door and into a basement pulsing with music and color.
There, amid the glitter and bass of an underground club, Aysha commands the floor. As a drag performer, Aysha is magnetic, fierce, and unapologetically vibrant — a persona crafted with care by the man behind the makeup, who balances this expressive life with quieter duties at a family beauty store. When Aysha approaches Luke and sparks an unmistakable connection between them, the attraction is instant, electric, and impossible to ignore. But the encounter carries a revelation that neither of them anticipated, reshaping what they thought they knew about desire, identity, and themselves.
As Luke is drawn further into Aysha’s world — a vivid subculture that hums with creativity, humor, and courage — the boundaries he has quietly built around his own life begin to shift. He finds himself questioning long-held certainties about masculinity, attraction, and what it means to live authentically. Meanwhile, Aysha navigates the delicate balance between the safety of family expectations and the freedom of their stage persona, where joy and vulnerability exist side by side.
What unfolds between them is not a typical love story, but a tender and unconventional exploration of transformation. Both characters stand at crossroads — Luke confronting the limits of his own self-understanding, and Aysha reconciling different facets of identity under the watchful eyes of family, community, and a society still learning to make space for them. Their journey moves with the rhythm of late-night drives, shared laughter, and the slow, brave work of being seen for who they truly are.
What Happens in Unicorns?
The complete story of Unicorns, from the first scene to the last, in 1,164 words (about 5 minutes). Spoilers throughout.
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]).
Later, while visiting a restaurant, Luke ([Ben Hardy]) enters a basement bathroom and discovers music emanating from a nearby door. Curiosity leads him into an underground club where he finds Aysha ([Jason Patel]) performing. He is completely mesmerized by the performance. After the show, the two flirt and eventually share an intimate moment in a back alley. However, the illusion is shattered when a Superfan ([Aqeel Torres]) requests a selfie with Aysha ([Jason Patel]), and Luke ([Ben Hardy]) notices Aysha’s Adam’s apple, realizing that the performer is actually a man.
Shocked, Luke ([Ben Hardy]) flees to his car. Although Aysha ([Jason Patel]) chases after him, he drives away. This encounter sparks a bitter jealousy in Faiz ([Sagar Radia]), who refuses to drive Aysha ([Jason Patel]) any further because of the flirting. Upon returning home, Luke ([Ben Hardy]) deals with his son, Jamie ([Taylor Sullivan]), who is having a temper tantrum; to soothe him, Luke ([Ben Hardy]) promises a trip to Disneyland if the boy goes to sleep.
The following day, Ashiq ([Jason Patel]) is visited at his beauty store by his brother, Hammad ([Michael Karim]). Hammad ([Michael Karim]) expresses deep concern for Ashiq’s safety, warning him to be cautious about his drag lifestyle. Meanwhile, Luke ([Ben Hardy]) is called to Jamie ([Taylor Sullivan])‘s school after the boy kicks a classmate for stealing a pencil. The teacher expresses concern over Jamie ([Taylor Sullivan])‘s bullying behavior.
Ashiq ([Jason Patel]), now out of drag, goes shopping with his best friend and fellow drag queen, Zina ([Val The Brown Queen]), and recounts the story of Luke ([Ben Hardy]). Simultaneously, Luke ([Ben Hardy]) spends time at a bar with a couple, Danny ([Dan Linney]) and Poppy ([Madelyn Smedley]). He feels unsettled when Danny ([Dan Linney]) blows cigarette smoke directly into his mouth.
Determined to reconnect, Aysha ([Jason Patel]) uses Google to find Luke ([Ben Hardy])‘s mechanic shop and arrives in full drag. She makes a bold request to be his new personal driver, stating:
“I don’t drive—I’m meant to be driven.”
She offers him £200 for the service. With the encouragement of his father, Gary ([Grant Davis]), who mentions that his ex-partner Emma has already moved on, Luke ([Ben Hardy]) agrees. While initially reserved, Luke ([Ben Hardy]) begins to warm up to Aysha ([Jason Patel]), especially after she jokingly declares her pronouns to be “icon” and “legend”.
The duo begins picking up Zina ([Val The Brown Queen]) and other friends to attend a high-profile Mudra party in Birmingham hosted by Asian billionaires. During a pit stop, they encounter Karen ([Ali Afzal]), who is Aysha ([Jason Patel])‘s rival and the “wife” of Faiz ([Sagar Radia]). At the event, Luke ([Ben Hardy]) stays in the car, feeling he doesn’t fit in as “gaysian.” While they talk, Aysha ([Jason Patel]) reveals that she has been receiving anonymous death threats. The night takes a turn when Aysha ([Jason Patel]) and Karen ([Ali Afzal]) engage in a physical fight. Luke ([Ben Hardy]) tries to intervene, which triggers Faiz ([Sagar Radia])‘s jealousy. The brawl escalates until Karen ([Ali Afzal]) rips off Aysha ([Jason Patel])‘s wig, leading Aysha ([Jason Patel]) to knee Karen ([Ali Afzal]) in the nose, breaking it. Luke ([Ben Hardy]) quickly rescues Aysha ([Jason Patel]) and drives her home.
During the drive, they share a candid conversation. Aysha ([Jason Patel]) asks if they would have had sex the night they met if she were a woman. Luke ([Ben Hardy]) honestly replies, “Yeah…but you’re not.” Despite this, they reach an agreement for Luke ([Ben Hardy]) to continue driving her for a 60/40 profit split.
As their bond grows, Luke ([Ben Hardy]) introduces Jamie ([Taylor Sullivan]) to Aysha ([Jason Patel]) during a trip to an amusement park, where the two bond. Ashiq ([Jason Patel]) also visits his mother in Manchester, though she remains unaware of his drag persona. When his father and Hammad ([Michael Karim]) return home, Ashiq ([Jason Patel]) makes an excuse to leave.
Conflict arises when Jamie ([Taylor Sullivan])‘s mother, Emma, unexpectedly reappears while playing football, irritating Luke ([Ben Hardy]). However, Luke ([Ben Hardy])‘s feelings for Aysha ([Jason Patel]) deepen during a karaoke session. Later, Emma pleads for another chance to be a better mother; though they share a kiss over wine, Luke ([Ben Hardy]) pulls away.
Eventually, Aysha ([Jason Patel]) invites Luke ([Ben Hardy]) in for a drink and suggests a game of truth or dare. The tension peaks as Luke ([Ben Hardy]) kisses Aysha ([Jason Patel]). Although he initially hesitates during an intimate moment, he eventually relents, though Aysha ([Jason Patel]) is upset by his hesitation and asks him to leave. After noticing a mini wrench from his shop that Aysha ([Jason Patel]) had kept, Luke ([Ben Hardy]) realizes the depth of her feelings. He admits his sexual confusion, stating:
“I’ve never done this before”
The two reconcile and share their first sexual experience.
Tragedy strikes the following morning. Aysha ([Jason Patel]) answers her buzzer to find Karen ([Ali Afzal]), who throws a bottle of acid into Aysha ([Jason Patel])‘s face. As Aysha ([Jason Patel]) screams in agony, Luke ([Ben Hardy]) calls for an ambulance. At the hospital, Ashiq ([Jason Patel]) is told he will be permanently scarred. Overwhelmed by embarrassment, he tells Luke ([Ben Hardy]) to leave.
Luke ([Ben Hardy]) attempts to contact Ashiq ([Jason Patel]) repeatedly, but he is met with silence. Ashiq ([Jason Patel]) returns to his family to recover. He comes out to his mother, who loves him but warns him to keep the secret from his father. Ashiq ([Jason Patel]) tells his father he feels he is on the “right path” while they pray together.
Desperate, Luke ([Ben Hardy]) tracks down Zina ([Val The Brown Queen]), who bluntly tells him that “Aysha doesn’t exist anymore.” Undeterred, Luke ([Ben Hardy]) goes to Ashiq ([Jason Patel])‘s home. After being interrogated by the family, Luke ([Ben Hardy]) is eventually allowed to see him. Luke ([Ben Hardy]) tells Ashiq ([Jason Patel]) he misses him and convinces him to leave the house for some airplane shooters. Ashiq ([Jason Patel]) suggests that Aysha ([Jason Patel]) is retired and encourages Luke ([Ben Hardy]) to find someone else. As Luke ([Ben Hardy]) drives him home, they hold hands, and Luke ([Ben Hardy]) cries as he departs.
Inside, Ashiq ([Jason Patel]) tries on lipstick that Luke ([Ben Hardy]) had gifted him. Back at the shop, Luke ([Ben Hardy]) is working on a car when he hears the familiar sound of Aysha ([Jason Patel])‘s heels. When he asks about the family situation, she explains she is saving up for therapy. The two share a passionate kiss, signaling a new beginning.
Unicorns Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
15 key events in the order they happen, from “A Night of Chance Encounters” to “The Return of Aysha”. 9 events name a place, across 7 locations.
- 1
A Night of Chance Encounters
Luke has a casual hookup with a woman on a grassy knoll in Essex, but she refuses a lift home because she wants to keep things casual. Meanwhile, Ashiq Darber carefully prepares his makeup to transform into his drag queen alter ego, Aysha, and is given a ride by Faiz.
Where:Essex
- 2
Mesmerized by Aysha
After finishing a meal at a restaurant, Luke follows music coming from an adjacent door and discovers an underground club where Aysha is dancing, leaving him completely mesmerized. Aysha approaches him afterwards, and the two flirt before making out in the back alley. However, when a fan requests a selfie, Luke notices Aysha's Adam's apple and realizes she is a man.
Where:An underground club
- 3
Jealousy and a Father's Promise
Luke flees to his car and drives away as Aysha chases after him in vain. A bitterly jealous Faiz refuses to drive Aysha anymore after watching her flirt with Luke in front of him. Back at home, Luke deals with his son Jamie's temper tantrum and promises to take him to Disneyland if he goes to sleep.
- 4
Warnings and Parallel Lives
Ashiq's brother Hammad arrives at the beauty store where he works, warning him to be careful about his drag lifestyle out of fear for his safety before the brothers hug goodbye. Meanwhile, Luke arrives at Jamie's school, where Jamie kicked a classmate for stealing his pencil, and the teacher warns Luke about his son's bullying behavior. Out of drag, Ashiq later goes shopping with his best friend Zina and tells her the story of his encounter with Luke. At a bar, Danny puts his lips against Luke's to blow cigarette smoke into them, leaving Luke visibly unnerved.
When:The following day
- 5
An Offer He Can't Refuse
Aysha arrives in drag at Luke's mechanic shop, having googled his name, and asks him to be her new driver, promising him £200 and declaring, 'I don't drive—I'm meant to be driven.' Luke agrees after his father Gary encourages him to take the job, noting that his ex Emma, Jamie's mother, has 'moved on'.
Where:Luke's mechanic shop
- 6
Warming Up on the Road
Luke is silent at first, but Aysha makes him laugh by declaring her pronouns to be 'icon' and 'legend', and he gradually begins warming up to her. They pick up Zina and two friends, another drag queen and a cisgender woman, on their way to a Mudra party in Birmingham thrown by Asian billionaires. At a pit stop, they encounter Karen, Aysha's rival and Faiz's 'wife'.
Where:En route to Birmingham
- 7
Chaos at the Mudra Party
At the event, Luke waits in the car because he feels he doesn't pass as a 'gaysian', and Aysha brings him a drink while revealing she receives anonymous death threats. Tensions between Aysha and Karen erupt into a bitter fight that spills from inside the event to outside. Luke tries to break it up, but Karen rips off Aysha's wig, prompting Aysha to knee Karen in the nose and break it. Luke rescues Aysha, and they drive back home.
Where:Mudra party, Birmingham
- 8
A Deal on the Drive Home
During the ride home, the two get to know each other better, and Aysha asks whether they would have had sex the night they met if she was a woman. Luke replies, 'Yeah…but you're not.' Despite the awkward answer, they strike a deal in which Luke will continue driving Aysha for a 60/40 split.
- 9
Bonding and Secrets
One night, Luke brings Jamie along to meet Aysha, and the three visit an amusement park where she bonds warmly with his son. The next day, Ashiq visits his mother in Manchester, who remains oblivious to his drag persona. When his father and brother return to the house, Ashiq makes an excuse and leaves before his secret can be exposed.
- 10
Emma's Return and Karaoke Night
While playing football with Jamie, Luke is irritated by the unexpected reappearance of his ex Emma. Later, Aysha and Luke do karaoke together, and Luke's feelings for her begin to develop. When he returns home, Emma puts Jamie to bed and pleads with Luke for a chance to be a better mother; the two drink wine and kiss, but Luke pulls away.
Show the other 5 events of Unicorns Hide the last 5 events
- 11
The First Night Together
After one event, Aysha invites Luke in for a drink and initiates a game of truth or dare, during which Luke leans in and starts kissing her. Aysha is about to give him oral sex when Luke hesitates; he eventually relents, but she is upset and asks him to leave. Luke then discovers the mini wrench from his shop that she kept, realizing how deeply she feels, and admits he desires her but is sexually confused, saying 'I've never done this before'. They reignite their intimacy and have sex for the first time.
Where:Aysha's home
- 12
The Acid Attack
The next morning, Aysha answers her buzzer without realizing someone has broken through her gate, only to find Karen, who slings a bottle full of acid into Aysha's face. As Aysha hollers in agony, Luke phones for an ambulance. At the ER, Ashiq learns he will be scarred for life and, deeply embarrassed, tells Luke to leave.
When:The next morning Where:Aysha's home
- 13
Recovery and Coming Out
Luke continues to try to contact Aysha, but Ashiq refuses to answer his calls and instead returns to his family home to convalesce. There, Ashiq comes out to his mother, who assures him that she loves him but warns him never to repeat it to his father. Later, as they pray together, Ashiq tells his father that he feels he is 'on the right path'.
Where:Ashiq's family home
- 14
The Search for Ashiq
Desperate to find Ashiq, Luke shows up at Zina's job, where she warns him that 'Aysha doesn't exist anymore'. Luke then arrives at Ashiq's house, where his family interrogates him, but their mother allows Luke to go up and see him after learning he has a son too. Luke tells Ashiq he misses him and gives him a present, cajoling him into leaving the house so they can drink airplane shooters. Ashiq says Aysha is likely retired and encourages Luke to find someone else, and as Luke drives him home holding his hand, Ashiq heads inside and Luke cries before driving away.
- 15
The Return of Aysha
Ashiq goes to the bathroom and tries on the lipstick present Luke bought him. Back at his shop, as Luke ratchets away at a car, he hears Aysha's heels clacking toward him once again. When he asks her what to do about her family, she reveals she is saving up for therapy, and the two kiss passionately.
Where:Luke's mechanic shop
Who Are the Main Characters in Unicorns?
4 characters, among them Luke Tilson (Ben Hardy), Aysha (Ashiq Darber) (Jason Patel) and Hammad (Michael Karim): who each one is and the part they play in the story. Every profile links to the actor’s page.
-
Luke Tilson (Ben Hardy)
Played by Ben Hardy
Luke is a complex character torn between societal expectations and his own burgeoning feelings for Aysha. As a father, he grapples with life’s challenges while navigating his sexual confusion and desires. His journey of self-discovery encourages him to confront his emotions and the cultural norms surrounding him.
- 👨👦 Fatherhood
- 💔 Conflict
- 🌟 Discovery
- A(
Aysha (Ashiq Darber) (Jason Patel)
Played by Jason Patel
Aysha, portrayed by Ashiq, is a vibrant drag queen who embodies resilience and charm. She navigates the complexities of her drag persona while dealing with societal prejudices and personal vulnerabilities. Her character illustrates the struggles and joys of self-expression, particularly in a world that can be unforgiving.
- 🌟 Resilience
- 💃 Performance
- 🎉 Celebration
- H(
Hammad (Michael Karim)
Played by Michael Karim
Hammad is Aysha's protective brother, concerned about the risks associated with her drag lifestyle. His character brings a perspective of familial love intertwined with cultural apprehensions, showcasing the balance between support and concern within family dynamics.
- 👨👦👦 Family
- 💞 Concern
- ⚖️ Balance
- J(
Jamie (Taylor Sullivan)
Played by Taylor Sullivan
Jamie is the innocent son of Luke, representing the impact of adult choices on children. His reactions and experiences serve as a mirror to the complexities of parental responsibilities intertwined with personal desires. He embodies the purity of childhood amidst family turbulence.
- 👶 Childhood
- ❤️ Innocence
- 👨👦 Bond
Where and When Is Unicorns Set?
Unicorns is set in Essex, Birmingham and Manchester. Here is why the place matters to the story.
When
The film is set in contemporary times, capturing modern issues around identity, acceptance, and personal growth. It reflects current societal norms and challenges, particularly surrounding LGBTQ+ themes and the public perception of drag culture.
Where
Essex, Birmingham, Manchester
The movie primarily takes place in Essex, where various intimate and transformative moments occur, including a pivotal meeting on a grassy knoll. It also features Birmingham, known for its vibrant nightlife and cultural events, like the Mudra party, which showcases the richness of Asian influences. Manchester plays a crucial role too, highlighting the struggles of the protagonist's drag lifestyle against familial expectations.
- 🏙️ City
- 🎉 Entertainment
What Are the Themes of Unicorns?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Identity, Love and Acceptance and Drag Culture.
-
01
Identity
The theme of identity is central to the narrative, exploring how characters navigate their personal truths in a world that often judges them. Luke's journey of self-discovery is intertwined with Ashiq's drag persona, Aysha, highlighting the complexities of gender and sexual identity. The film addresses societal expectations versus self-acceptance, making a poignant statement about individual identity.
-
02
Love and Acceptance
Love and acceptance emerge as significant themes, particularly in Luke's evolving feelings for Aysha. The film showcases the struggles of accepting one's feelings in the face of societal norms. The bond they develop reflects both the warmth of unexpected love and the heartbreak that comes with navigating their realities.
-
03
Drag Culture
The representation of drag culture is celebrated throughout the film, emphasizing the art form's importance as a means of expression and identity. Ashiq's character, as Aysha, embodies the beauty and challenges faced within the drag community. The film spotlights the risks and triumphs of living unapologetically as one's true self.
What Kind of Film Is Unicorns?
Bittersweet in tone, with variable pacing and a moderate story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Bittersweet
- Pacing
- Variable
- Story
- Moderate
- Intensity
- Medium
- Ending
- Bittersweet
A vibrant yet emotionally heavy queer romance that balances glittering drag culture with painful realities, following two unlikely people whose connection deepens amid prejudice and violence.
- romantic
- vibrant
- raw
- intimate
- tense
- emotional
- lgbtq identity
- drag culture
- interracial romance
- homophobia
Content notes: acid attack, homophobic violence, hate crime, physical assault, family rejection, scarring.
Quiz
How well do you remember Unicorns? Test yourself on the story.
