Jenna Ortega's new movie Death of a Unicorn has been branded "riotously funny" by viewers.

The dark comedy tells the story of father-daughter duo Elliot (Paul Rudd) and Ridley (Ortega), who accidentally hit and kill a unicorn while on their way to a weekend retreat.

After becoming aware of the magical being, Elliot's billionaire boss (Richard E Grant), attempts to exploit the animal by using its disease-curing properties to his own advantage.

death of a unicorn official trailer
A24

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Ahead of its upcoming cinema release, Death of a Unicorn currently holds a respectable critics' score of 64, from 36 reviews on Rotten Tomatoes.

Reviewers have praised the Alex Scharfman movie for its "unapologetically dark" themes and "imaginative" plot, though some were unimpressed with its "inherent silliness".

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Here's what they've been saying:

Variety

"As first features go, Death of a Unicorn is considerably more ambitious and imaginative than so much of what studios greenlight these days, which goes a fair distance to excuse some of its flaws."

death of a unicorn official trailer
A24

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Mashable

"In the end, Death of a Unicorn is a monster movie that is riotously funny, unapologetically dark, and ultimately heartwarming."

The Guardian

"Death of a Unicorn clocks in at under two hours, but feels longer, its inherent silliness not matched with the necessary self-awareness, chemistry or fun.

"What does work, however, is a last-minute play to connect Ridley’s ineffable connection to the slain unicorn with the magical realism of grief, the way we see things, realms, creatures and spirits that may or may not be there in the aftermath of loss."

Screen Rant

"Death of a Unicorn is incredibly entertaining. It's weird and a bit goofy (in the best way), with a satisfying ending and character interactions that are off the wall. The creature design is excellent and I was breathtaken when we got close-ups of the unicorns. They're majestic and horrifying at once."

Death of a Unicorn will be released in US cinemas on March 28 and UK cinemas on April 4.

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Divya Soni
Freelance News Reporter

Divya is a freelance writer with experience in entertainment and lifestyle news. Described as a "telly addict" since childhood, Divya was able to translate her interests into a BJTC-accredited, Honours degree in Journalism and Media. After working in communications and marketing, Divya joined Digital Spy as a Freelance News Reporter. She has also written for various publications including MetroAsian World News and TwitCelebGossip; as well as interviews, features and reviews on her own blog. Divya prides herself on her TV, film and showbiz knowledge, always offering (not so) fun facts to her long-suffering friends and family. From soaps to superheroes, Divya is the go-to person for tailored recommendations and up to date information.