Will Poulter’s Hilarious Villain Steals the Show in ‘Death of a Unicorn’

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CAUTION: Reading this article might disclose significant aspects of the plot from the 2025 movie, “Death of a Unicorn“. If you haven’t watched it yet and wish to maintain the magic, be aware that proceeding may spoil your viewing experience. Proceed with care.

As a movie studio expands in size, its films tend to feature larger and more diverse casts. This trend is clearly visible in the latest production by A24, Death of a Unicorn, which boasts an impressive ensemble including established star Paul Rudd and rising talent Jenna Ortega, portraying a father-daughter duo who accidentally kill a mythical creature with their vehicle. The film also includes Will Poulter, Téa Leoni, and Academy Award nominee Richard E. Grant, who play a wealthy family seeking to exploit the creature’s magical powers for their own gain.

After watching Alex Scharfman’s first full-length film, it’s clear that the enchanting unicorns take center stage. Among the human cast members, though, one individual truly stood out and delivered what I consider an exceptional performance in “Death of a Unicorn“. Let me elaborate…

Will Poulter Is Brilliantly Hilarious In Death Of A Unicorn

In various films and TV series, Will Poulter has shown an impressive knack for swiftly transitioning between portraying kind characters and truly wicked ones. This versatility is evident in his roles, such as when he played Adam Warlock, who started off as a villain in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, later becoming an ally. Similarly, in Death of a Unicorn, he brilliantly portrays Shepard Leopold as a completely amoral antagonist, yet manages to make this character surprisingly humorous at the same time.

Poulter masterfully embodies the role of a pharmaceutical CEO’s son, showcasing his spoiled, arrogant, and even delusional traits in a way that can be exasperating yet never annoying. His command over the comic aspects of the script ensures a consistently entertaining performance.

Poulter impressively plays the part of a CEO’s son from a pharmaceutical company, brilliantly displaying his spoiled, arrogant, and even delusional characteristics in a fashion that can be infuriating yet never irritating. He skillfully manipulates the script’s comedic elements to maintain an amusing performance throughout.

I must admit, even when Shepard miraculously transforms into a genius after inhaling unicorn horn shavings in Son of Rambow, those toxic traits persist – a surprising twist that I found intriguing. This performance by the actor remains one of my favorites from his repertoire, adding significant depth to the film and contributing significantly to my overall enjoyment of this unique interpretation of the fantasy genre.

The Other Time Will Poulter Played A Great Problematic Character In An A24 Horror Movie

It’s interesting to note that Poulter isn’t new to portraying detestable characters in A24 horror films, as he previously played the nerve-wracking Mark in ‘Midsommar’. This character was boisterous, juvenile, disrespectful of other cultures, and essentially embodied every regrettable stereotype associated with a white male college student. And yes, ‘Death of a Unicorn’ is indeed another horror movie from A24.

Upon noticing the resemblance between Shepard and Mark, it subsequently occurred to me that Ari Aster, the creator of Midsommar, also serves as an executive producer for Death of a Unicorn. Given this connection, it seems plausible that Aster played a role in casting Poulter, considering his suitability for the part.

In my humble opinion as a movie critic, Will Poulter won’t just be the last loathsome scoundrel we see him portray this year. He’s returning to his role from Netflix’s interactive film, “Black Mirror: Bandersnatch,” for Season 7 of “Black Mirror.” Moreover, next month brings another intriguing project with A24, titled “Warfare,” directed by Alex Garland and Ray Mendoza. This film promises a unique acting challenge that will undoubtedly showcase a different side of the talented Mr. Poulter.

After watching his act in the play “Death of a Unicorn“, I can assure you that my enthusiasm for anything else he produces is everlasting.

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2025-03-28 23:07