The first official trailer for Death of a Unicorn, starring Jenna Ortega and directed by Alex Garland, has arrived. This dark, surreal fantasy-drama blends poignant storytelling with stunning visuals, delivering a unique cinematic experience.
Trailer Breakdown
The trailer begins with an ethereal forest drenched in moonlight.
- A Mythical Encounter: Jenna Ortega’s character, Eliza, stumbles upon an injured unicorn lying in a secluded glade. Its luminous eyes and fading aura suggest that it’s more than just a mythical creature—it’s the last of its kind.
- A Haunting World: The visuals transition to a dystopian cityscape, where nature is fading under humanity’s relentless expansion. Eliza becomes a voice for preserving the natural world but faces insurmountable odds.
- Conflict and Mystery: Clips show government agents and shadowy organizations chasing Eliza, believing the unicorn holds the key to immense power.
- Themes of Loss and Hope: In a poignant moment, Eliza whispers to the unicorn, “If you go, what will we become?”
The trailer balances its emotional depth with moments of suspense and tension, including a heart-pounding chase through a forest and a confrontation in a crumbling cathedral lit by shafts of ethereal light.
Plot Details
Set in a world where mythical creatures have faded into legend, Death of a Unicorn follows Eliza, a young woman burdened by grief and a deep connection to nature. When she discovers the last living unicorn, she becomes its reluctant protector.
The unicorn’s existence sparks a frenzy among governments, corporations, and secret societies, all vying to exploit its mystical properties. As Eliza embarks on a journey to save the unicorn, she uncovers secrets about its origins—and humanity’s role in its near extinction.
The film explores themes of loss, greed, and humanity’s fragile connection to the natural world, delivering a heartfelt narrative wrapped in a visually arresting package.
Cast and Crew
- Jenna Ortega as Eliza, the film’s protagonist.
- Paul Mescal as a conflicted government agent torn between duty and morality.
- Tilda Swinton as a mysterious figure tied to the unicorn’s past.
- Directed by Alex Garland, known for films like Ex Machina and Annihilation.
- Cinematography by Rob Hardy, promising breathtaking visuals.
Budget and Production
With a budget of $90 million, Death of a Unicorn is a mid-range production that relies on a blend of practical effects and CGI to create its magical yet grounded world. The film’s aesthetic, described as “dreamlike yet visceral,” draws inspiration from folklore and dystopian sci-fi.
Release Date
Death of a Unicorn is scheduled for release on June 20, 2025, in theaters worldwide, with a subsequent streaming release on a major platform later in the year.
Final Thoughts
Death of a Unicorn promises to be a thought-provoking journey into the fantastical and the profound. With Jenna Ortega’s emotional depth, Alex Garland’s visionary direction, and a story that resonates with modern themes, the film is poised to captivate audiences.
Fans of dark fantasy and meaningful narratives should mark their calendars for this unique cinematic experience in 2025.
