Although the film industry is experiencing a tense climate due to the actors' and screenwriters' strikes, some independent films have received authorization to go ahead with their production plans. Death of the unicorn is one of the exceptions that the SAG-AFTRA guild approves. Variety confirmed that the feature stars Jenna Ortega (Wednesday) and Paul Rudd (Ant-Man). According to information from IONcinema, the film would be a black horror comedy, and also marks the directorial debut of Alex Scharfman. Likewise, the title is an intriguing addition to the repertoire of A24, a production company that everyone knows for psychological thrillers like Midsommar and was also behind the acclaimed Everything Everywhere at all Once.
The plot centers on a father and daughter, played by Rudd and Ortega respectively, who inadvertently run over a real unicorn during a trip. This chance encounter leads them to a series of events that challenge their ethics and morality, especially when they discover the healing properties of the mythical animal. From the initial data, its plot seems to be close to Okja's line, in terms of social criticism and fantasy element.
It is important to note that both Jenna Ortega and Paul Rudd, being active members of SAG-AFTRA, have decided to participate in the project by aligning themselves with the goals of the strike. As this protest measure is organized against the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, those films that are independent and have no connections to the AMPTP will not be affected.
Apart from Death of the unicorn, the other tapes that will start recording soon are Mother Mary, Bride Hard, Dust Bunny and The Chosen. The film with Rudd and Ortega will start shooting in Budapest in July of this year.