In this episode of the Wicked Indulgence Podcast, we dive into the intriguing world of the film “The Death of the Unicorn,” featuring the beloved Paul Rudd and the talented Jenna Ortega. Our discussion begins with a fascinating exploration of the unicorn tapestries housed at The Cloisters, a museum dedicated to medieval art and culture. We ponder the historical significance of unicorns and dragons, considering the possibility that these mythical creatures may have once roamed the earth, as evidenced by their depictions throughout history.

As we transition into the film, we set the stage for the story, which revolves around a father-daughter duo, Elliot (Paul Rudd) and Ridley (Jenna Ortega), who find themselves embroiled in a chaotic adventure after a tragic encounter with a unicorn. The film opens with a dramatic scene where Elliot accidentally hits a unicorn while driving through a wildlife reserve, leading to a series of events that spiral out of control. We discuss the film’s dark humor and its unique take on the unicorn mythos, contrasting the majestic creatures with their more sinister portrayal in this narrative.

Throughout our conversation, we highlight the film’s character dynamics, particularly the strained relationship between Elliot and Ridley, exacerbated by the recent loss of their wife and mother. We delve into the supporting cast, including Richard E. Grant as the morally ambiguous pharmaceutical tycoon, and Taya Leone as his wife, who both embody the classic billionaire archetype. Their obsession with wealth and power becomes a central theme as the story unfolds.

As the plot thickens, we witness the consequences of their actions when the unicorn’s blood reveals miraculous healing properties, leading to a moral quandary for the characters. The film cleverly critiques the greed and ethical dilemmas faced by those in power, as the family seeks to exploit the unicorn’s abilities for profit, disregarding the potential dangers involved.

We also discuss the film’s horror elements, particularly the gruesome and unexpected deaths that occur as the unicorns retaliate against those who threaten them. The tension builds as the characters face off against these formidable creatures, leading to a thrilling climax that challenges their arrogance and greed.

In the end, we reflect on the film’s commentary on humanity’s relationship with nature and the consequences of exploitation. “The Death of the Unicorn” serves as a darkly comedic yet thought-provoking tale that leaves us questioning the lengths to which people will go for power and wealth, all while reminding us of the magic and mystery that still exists in the world. Join us as we revel in this guilty pleasure and dissect the layers of storytelling that make this film a unique addition to the horror-comedy genre.

00:00:00 – Introduction to The Cloisters and Unicorn Tapestries
Discussion about The Cloisters museum and the significance of the unicorn tapestries.

00:01:08 – The Existence of Unicorns and Dragons
Exploration of theories regarding the existence of unicorns and dragons in history.

00:02:17 – The Film Inspired by Tapestries
Introduction to the movie “The Death of the Unicorn” and its connection to the tapestries.

00:03:34 – Character Introductions: Paul Rudd and Jenna Ortega
Overview of the main characters and their roles in the film.

00:05:46 – Setting the Scene: Family Dynamics
Discussion of the family dynamics and the backstory of the characters.

00:09:18 – The Accident: Hitting the Unicorn
The pivotal moment when the characters hit a unicorn with their car.

00:12:00 – The Aftermath of the Accident
Reactions to the injured unicorn and the decision to take it with them.

00:16:10 – Unicorn’s Healing Powers
Revelation of the unicorn’s blood having healing properties.

00:20:29 – The Billionaire’s Illness and Greed
Introduction of the billionaire character and his motivations.

00:25:07 – The Unicorn’s Escape and Chaos
The unicorn’s escape and the ensuing chaos at the estate.

00:30:14 – The Hunt for the Unicorns
The family’s attempt to hunt the unicorns and the consequences.

00:37:54 – Ridley’s Research and Warnings
Ridley’s research about unicorns and her warnings to the family.

00:40:43 – The Final Confrontation
The climactic battle with the unicorns and the consequences of greed.