Death Of A Unicorn And What's Making Us Happy

Summary

Pop Culture Happy Hour Episode Summary: "Death Of A Unicorn And What's Making Us Happy"

Release Date: March 28, 2025

In this engaging episode of Pop Culture Happy Hour, hosts Aisha Harris and Glen Weldon dive deep into the latest film release, "Death of a Unicorn," while also sharing what’s bringing them joy this week. Joined by guest Jordan Cruciola, the conversation traverses cinematic critiques, personal anecdotes, and cultural highlights, all infused with the show's signature blend of humor and insightful commentary.

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1. Death of a Unicorn: A Cinematic Creature Feature

The episode opens with a comprehensive discussion about the film "Death of a Unicorn," starring Paul Rudd and Jenna Ortega. The hosts dissect various elements of the movie, offering a spectrum of opinions that range from enthusiastic praise to critical dissection.

Strong Performances Amidst Mixed Reviews

Jordan Cruciola expresses appreciation for the ensemble cast, highlighting standout performances despite reservations about certain characters:

• Jordan Cruciola (02:55): "The first time I have ever found Paul Rudd to be, like, truly unredeemably unlikable... Jenna Ortega is a star and she can carry a film."

Glen Weldon shares a more critical perspective, focusing on the film’s pacing and character development:

• Glen Weldon (04:05): "The film does not seem willing to embrace or acknowledge that [the actors' comic talents]. There's just a general paucity of... fun, I guess, is what I took away from this."

Comparisons to Classic Monster Movies

Aisha Harris draws parallels between "Death of a Unicorn" and classic monster films like "Jurassic Park," critiquing the film’s reliance on CGI and lack of immersive menace:

• Aisha Harris (06:13): "But the unicorns look like CGI unicorns. There's no real, like, feeling of menace and threatening other than what we're just seeing these actors do."

Balancing Humor and Horror

The discussion also touches on the film’s attempt to balance humor with horror elements, with mixed success. Glen comments on the underutilization of the actors' comedic talents, while Jordan appreciates the moments of "unicorn justice" and the ensuing carnage:

• Jordan Cruciola (07:38): "Once it starts happening... like the people are getting gored... That is what this movie exists for. For me."

Final Thoughts on the Film’s Execution

Aisha summarizes her critique by highlighting the film’s generic traits and conventional ending, questioning the filmmaker’s reluctance to break the mold:

• Aisha Harris (11:38): "This is a movie that is so generic in every way possible. Most of the characters are white. The characters of color are some of the ones who get murdered first."

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2. What's Making Us Happy

Transitioning from film critique, the hosts share personal picks that are currently bringing them joy, ranging from television shows to music and literature.

Jordan Cruciola: Reacher Season 3

Jordan shares his excitement for the return of "Reacher" on Amazon, praising Alan Ritchson's portrayal and the show's nostalgic feel:

• Jordan Cruciola (15:07): "Season three of one of the great shows on television. It's Reacher on Amazon... Alan Ritchson, pure charm yet again."

Glen Weldon: Jeffrey Self's Memoir

Glen highlights the release of comedian and actor Jeffrey Self’s memoir, "Self Sabotage and Other Ways I've Spent My Time," lauding its humorous yet sincere exploration of personal missteps:

• Glen Weldon (16:23): "Self Sabotage is about exactly what the title says—the many ways he has managed to be his own worst enemy over the years."

Aisha Harris: Kendrick Lamar and SZA’s "Luther"

Aisha shares her delight over the success of Kendrick Lamar and SZA’s duet "Luther," and how it led her to rediscover classic performances by Luther Vandross and Cheryl Lynn:

• Aisha Harris (17:47): "Kendrick Lamar and SZA's duet Luther has been number one on the Billboard charts for like a few weeks now... It is magnificent."

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Concluding Remarks

The episode wraps up with the hosts encouraging listeners to engage with the content discussed and to share their thoughts on "Death of a Unicorn." They emphasize the importance of community feedback and hint at future discussions to come.

• Aisha Harris (19:35): "Tell us what you think about Death of a Unicorn. You can find us on Facebook... We'll have a link to that in our episode description."

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Notable Quotes:

• Jordan Cruciola (02:55): "The first time I have ever found Paul Rudd to be, like, truly unredeemably unlikable... Jenna Ortega is a star and she can carry a film."

• Glen Weldon (04:05): "There's just a general paucity of... fun, I guess, is what I took away from this."

• Aisha Harris (06:13): "There's no real, like, feeling of menace and threatening other than what we're just seeing these actors do."

• Jordan Cruciola (07:38): "Once it starts happening... like the people are getting gored... That is what this movie exists for. For me."

• Aisha Harris (11:38): "Most of the characters are white. The characters of color are some of the ones who get murdered first."

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Transcript

[Audrey Evans]

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[Aisha Harris]

At the heart of every monster movie is a menacing, often oversized creature. A werewolf, gorilla, dinosaur, shark, half fish man. And then there's Death of a Unicorn, which offers up a different kind of cinematic adversary.

[Glen Weldon]

The film finds Paul Rudd and Jenna Ortega facing off against some angry as hell horned beasts. And like so many creature features, it poses a direct question amid all the chaos and carnage, who's the real monster here? I'm Glen Weldon.

[Aisha Harris]

And I'm Aisha Harris. And today we're talking about Death of a Unicorn on Pop Culture Happy hour from N. Joining us today is Jordan Cruciola. She's a writer and producer and the host of the podcast Feeling Seen on Maximum Fun. Welcome back, Jordan.

[Jordan Cruciola]

Thank you so much for having me. Thrilled to be back as always.

[Aisha Harris]

Awesome to have you here. And also, like, I don't think we could have thought of anyone better to be on the show to talk about this.

[Jordan Cruciola]

All right.

[Aisha Harris]

It's gonna be a fun conversation. So Death of a Unicorn stars Paul Rudd and Jenna Ortega as a dad and daughter, Elliot and Ridley. And along the way to a business retreat, their car strikes a mysterious creature.

[Jordan Cruciola]

But it is horse shaped with some.

[Glen Weldon]

Sort of protrusion or growth. Right?

[Aisha Harris]

That's my working theory too.

[Glen Weldon]

Feral horse mad, tumor ridden jumps in.

[Aisha Harris]

The middle of the road.

[Glen Weldon]

Not the fault of any one driver per se. It's a unicorn.

[Aisha Harris]

Hmm. Yes, the accident sets off a fateful chain of events after they finally arrive at the secluded compound of Elliot's billionaire boss, Odell Leopold, who's played by Richard E. Grant. Now it turns out that the unicorn has wondrous game changing restorative benefits that Odell and his family would love to exploit for profit. But it's also the case that the poor dead unicorn was part of a pack and its survivors aren't too happy with what the humans have done. Death of a Unicorn is the feature debut of producer Alex Scharfman, and it's in theaters now. So, Jordan, I'm going to start with you. Did you have a good time here? What's, what's your vibe on this?

[Jordan Cruciola]

I had a fun time. The ensemble held it together for me. I liked what every person was choosing to do, with the exception of. I think you guys are going to get more specifically into this, too, so I won't take it all up. The first time I have ever found Paul Rudd to be, like, truly unredeemably unlikable, cast him out. But that Jenna Ortega is a star and she can carry a film. Will Poulter, a hottie I have loved forever, and I'm so glad the world is starting to recognize his juice. Richard E. Grant. Great as always. And Taya Leone, this was as Andie MacDowell was in Ready or Not for me, Taya Leone is in this.

[Aisha Harris]

Ah, great comparison.

[Jordan Cruciola]

And I love this surprise interjection of her being the worst.

[Aisha Harris]

Thank you, Jordan. Glenn, how about you? I feel like we are a little bit more aligned on this movie, but tell me more.

[Glen Weldon]

I don't know, did you find it kind of a slog and kind of a snooze? Then we're aligned here. Look, I love all these actors, Jordan, that you mentioned, but the thing is, those folks, to different degrees, are not just any actors. Right? They're all gifted comic actors.

[Jordan Cruciola]

It's true. It's true.

[Glen Weldon]

And the film does not seem willing to embrace or acknowledge that. Instead, it walks us through, like, 40 minutes of setup that any other horror movie in the world would have centered around what I found to be really tedious. Daddy, daughter, dead mother dysfunction. And these rich people, as you mentioned, they're being obnoxious, but they're not hilariously obnoxious or interestingly obnoxious. There's just a general paucity of. Of fun, I guess, is what I took away from this. And again, even if there aren't enough jokes in the script, which I would argue there aren't, these are all comic actors. They could run with it if you let them. They've got comic timing, they got comic chops, they got comic instincts. They could generate funny just in the delivery, but they're not given leave to do so. Will Poulter comes close, I'll grant you that.

[Aisha Harris]

Yes, yes.

[Glen Weldon]

But even he seems reined in, kind of hamstrung. And for me, the answer is that the filmmaker is committed to giving this film some heart in his mind. Heart means that Rudd Ortega relationship, but it's kind of Boring. And it's kind of rote. And it ends up getting so much screen time that it's just this gravity sink at the center of the story. It pulls everything in. So it makes this story about stabby magic horsies, which should be fun and over the top and literally fantastic. It just seems. I mean, I think the filmmaker would call it grounded. I would call it somber and slow and. And at the end we'll get there. It reaches for some kind of spiritual significance, which. What are you doing? Stabby horsey movie.

[Aisha Harris]

That's a great description. I will say the spiritual stuff does come up earlier than that. I think the first time when they actually hit the unicorn, there is a moment where Ridley is transported while touching the unicorn. And it's supposed to give this sense that she is one. She is spiritually linked to this unicorn. It's a weird thing to think about, but it's not quite weird enough. And I think for me, that's where I find myself struggling with this movie. You know, Alex Sharfman has talked about being inspired by any number of, like, monster classics, including Jurassic Park. And this entire time I was getting big Jurassic park vibes. But the problem with that is that most movies can't be Jurassic Park. For one thing, Jurassic park was made at a time when practical offense effects still reigned. And here, these unicorns, they're supposed to be menacing. They're supposed to be terrifying. You're supposed to. At times, there are shots that feel almost like directly taken from Jurassic Park. Like moments with a car, like all these things.

[Jordan Cruciola]

Yeah, definitely.

[Aisha Harris]

But, like, the unicorns look like CGI unicorns. There's no real, like, feeling of menace and threatening other than what we're just seeing these actors do. And I think that is the problem, is that it's not immersive in that way. For me, Will Poulter was that kept this from just sinking completely. He has so many great lines and his line delivery is very good.

[Glen Weldon]

Griff. Griff, get Aliena's suit.

[Jordan Cruciola]

Oh.

[Aisha Harris]

Oh, no, no, really, it's. It's okay.

[Glen Weldon]

You sure? Yeah, yeah. He doesn't mind? No, no. Okay.

[Jordan Cruciola]

Griff, forget it.

[Aisha Harris]

Again, like you, Glenn, I kind of struggle with. Just like, we've seen this story and these many stories of. It's trying to tell so many different times. Especially, like, the rich people are terrible. We know this. This is nothing new. But, Jordan, I want to hear a little bit more about what worked for you because I think I did see this with a big audience and people were really enjoying it. This was south by Southwest.

[Jordan Cruciola]

I mean, what a perfect place to see this movie.

[Aisha Harris]

Exactly. Particularly a very enthusiastic crowd.

[Jordan Cruciola]

Yeah, I'm good at a certain point, for the most part, if a movie lets me buy into what it's doing, I can fully give myself over and be like, listen, these are computer horses. Whatever, man. They're ripping people apart. And I can find the thing that's going to carry me on a good time through the roller coaster of something. The thing I just, like, couldn't process the entire time was like the inexplicably bad, pathetic, mealy mouth dad that was Paul Rudd's character. Because, like, it's almost like it's like we're going to break convention and make you think that this is the point where he's going to see, to reason, and he's going to come around and then it's like, kidding. He's going to stay the worst. So it just lasts so long. And in a way that's like his impetus for being there and bringing her is like, they want the family appeal. They need to know that I am the man to be the proxy of their estate when the cancer ridden patriarch dies. So I need to let them know that I am the man for this job. And he's like, if I do everything right, I will have so much money that you will never have to worry about anything again. Where you're like, I'm pretty sure college is paid for. I'm pretty sure she can have a beautiful wedding. Granted, rich people always want warm or more. But he's not presented as that guy. But then it's like, oh, we're all just the same. It's all greed. Every time he talked, I got mad. But when it was like the buildup, I was in it with the ensemble. I like Richard E. Grant being silly. I like Tay Leone, like, squinting constantly and looking down her nose. We can be rich, craven, terrible people right here. It's fine, sister. You don't have to lie to me. Loved that once the carnage started happening, even if they're computer horses, it's good unicorn justice. Like, we are taking a while to get here in a movie that isn't even long. Like an hour and 40 minutes. Hour and 30 minutes. But it, like, once it starts happening, like the people are getting gored, the people are getting trampled, the people are getting like, literally, like, held in mouths by one unicorn on one end and another unicorn on the other end torn apart. That is what this movie exists for. For me. I'm like, am I going to See people shredded by unicorns. Because this movie's called Death of a Unicorn and it takes a bit to ramp up to get there. But once it did, I'm like, okay, good. I'm so glad all of these people are getting destroyed.

[Glen Weldon]

See, I don't know, Jordan. I love a good Eat the Rich story. I just didn't think this was a particularly good one. It's.

[Jordan Cruciola]

I wasn't even Eat the Riching. I was just like, give me the blood and guts. Like, I'm here for a robot Kaiju movie.

[Glen Weldon]

I needed a bit more flair and wit and style, especially if hired Richard E. Grant. I mean, look, Saltburn is a divisive film, but you can't deny that in that film he is making Eat the Rich really tasty. And this is just comparatively ham fisted and dull and plotting. And I thought we might get a little wit in the beginning.

[Jordan Cruciola]

I thought it is not inspired.

[Glen Weldon]

No, but what I thought there was going to be some wit at the beginning because we see Will Poulter and they make the choice that the Will Poulter character is a 247 shorts and boat shoes guy. Now, that's not a fresh take, but it is a take at least. And that's what I wanted from everybody in this film that I just wasn't getting. I don't think I should be in swim shorts for this moment.

[Aisha Harris]

I will say there were also a couple of nice moments. Anthony Kerrigan, who I think most of us recognize from Barry as Joho Hank. He's playing one of the service staff of the family, of the Leopold family. And he has some moments. I think he's just a good actor and like he does what he can with it. There are moments of wit and cunning, but they are so few and far between. And we're not gonna spoil the ending. But I do think that to me, that was where I kind of got pushed over the edge because this is a movie that is so generic in every way possible. Most of the characters are white. The characters of color are some of the ones who get murdered first. All of these things are happening and then it ends on such a conventional ending. And I'm like, why did we do this? I don't know if that makes sense. It's hard to talk about without talking about the ending, but it makes complete sense. It just felt like this filmmaker is afraid to break the mold in every way. And the Paul Rudd character felt like maybe this is a way of breaking the mold because he's playing against type.

[Glen Weldon]

But then for what this Movie does not seem to know what it is and wants to be this meaningful pseudo spiritual grappling with the dynamics of a father and a daughter, which what are we doing? You know, My only comfort is that if this movie had been made in the 80s or 90s, there would have been a lot more gay panic in.

[Jordan Cruciola]

It and so much.

[Glen Weldon]

We would have gotten a lot more penis jokes and at least one of those impalings would have been in the butt. We were spared that at least soon.

[Jordan Cruciola]

You are so right about that. Yes.

[Aisha Harris]

Yes. Well, I guess we dodged a bullet with that one.

[Jordan Cruciola]

I would say if you're gonna go see this movie, I would say you can be looking forward to this movie. See it in a theater, like try and see it on a Friday night kind of situation. Because when certain elements of unicorn justice were happening, it was literal, like yells and cheers in the audience, bring a group of friends in, hoot and holler kind of movie. Low stakes in that aff because it tries to gin up its stakes in a way that it cannot see through. But it is like there's fun to be had in the in between. If you're just like, okay, movie, you go and play now. Yeah, at those parts, I would say.

[Glen Weldon]

Yeah, I don't know. I would see it at an Alamo if you could. Because you got 40 minutes of nothing happening. If you can order a wine or six while you're watching.

[Aisha Harris]

I think, absolutely, absolutely. This is the opposite of a plane movie. Unless you want to fall asleep on the plane, which is possible. Well, once you've done that, once you've gone to a theater, gotten your beverage and pregamed and all that fun stuff. Tell us what you think about death of a Unicorn. You can find us on [e-mail] PCHH and on Letterboxdetterboxd.com NPRPoculture. We'll have a link to that in our episode description. Up next, what's making us happy this week?

[Audrey Evans]

This message comes from bombas. Their slippers are designed with cushioning so every step feels marshmallowy soft. Plus, for every item purchased, Bombas donates to someone in need. Go to bombas.com NPR and use code NPR for 20% off your first order. This message comes from Progressive Insurance. Progressive makes it easy to see if you could save when you bundle your home and auto policies. Try [e-mail] Progressive Casualty Insurance Company and affiliates. Potential savings will vary. Not available in all states.

[Glen Weldon]

This message comes from Amica Insurance. As Amica says, empathy is our best policy. Whether you're seeking auto, home or life coverage. They'll work with you to choose the policy that best serves you and your family. Discover how Amica can help protect what matters most to you today. Go to amica.com and get a quote today.

[Audrey Evans]

This message comes from Progressive Insurance. Fiscally responsible financial geniuses, monetary magicians. These are things people say about drivers who switch their car insurance to Progressive and save hundreds. Visit progressive.com to see if you could save Progressive Casualty Insurance Company and affiliates. Potential savings will vary. Not available in all states or situations. This message comes from bombas. Their slippers are designed with cushioning so every step feels marshmallowy soft. Plus, for every item purchased, Bombas donates to someone in need. Go to bombas.com NPR and use code NPR for 20% off your first order.

[Aisha Harris]

Now it's time for our favorite segment of this week and every week. What's making us happy? Jordan, let's start with you.

[Jordan Cruciola]

What is making me happy? Thank God it's back. Season three of one of the great shows on television. It's Reacher on Amazon. Ladies and gentlemen, Alan Ritchson as Vice victus of the Action for Everyone podcast says Tyrannosaurus Flex, the vanilla gorilla. Talk about a thing that knows exactly what it is. Talk about a thing that, like if it had been made in the 90s, it feels like that Reacher is giving us the 90s. One procedural military investigator with a code at a time. He's in hot water again, folks. He's in Maine and he's ended up in the home of a rich family who is running guns for an even worse high level criminal kingpin. And guess what? Jack's got a grudge to resolve and he has got some young people to save because again, his code demands that he do so. Alan Ritchson, pure charm yet again. Can't wait make this show for the rest of my life. Find that on Prime. That is an Amazon prime show.

[Aisha Harris]

Thank you, Jordan. And this is where I must note that Amazon supports NPR and pays to distribute some of our content. All right, Glenn, what is making you happy this week?

[Glen Weldon]

The actor, writer, comedian Jeffrey Self has a new memoir. It's called Self Sabotage. Get it? Self Sabotaged and Other Ways I've Spent My Time. He's a novelist, he's a working actor. You might have seen him in search party or 30 Rock or difficult people. I first became aware of him way back in 20092010 when he had a sketch show with Kola Scola online logo. Self Sabotage is about exactly what the title Says the many ways he has managed to be his own worst enemy over the years. And this guy writes with a kind of hilarious intensity about bad decisions, bad behavior, bad breakups. And I want to be clear when I say he's being self deprecating. He's not just being charmingly, wittily self deprecating. This is searingly self lacerated. Whether he's telling stories about moving to New York and paying the rent with sex work or finding a real mentor in the Broadway actor Gary Beach. That's a very sweet and moving part of the book. Cause it's all about what we gay men owe to our elders and how there's an entire generation of elders who are missing because of aids. And even if you don't know the Jeffrey Self the actor, you should get to know Jeffrey Self the writer, because this guy's in complete command. If you want to read a book and it's by a performer and that performer reads it, get the audiobook. He reads it. His timing and delivery is spot on. That is Jeffrey Self's self sabotage and the Other ways I Spent My time.

[Aisha Harris]

Thank you so much, Glenn. That sounds very, very fun.

[Jordan Cruciola]

Yeah, I'd be super into that. I'm so glad you put that on my radar.

[Glen Weldon]

It's terrific.

[Aisha Harris]

Yeah. Yeah, for sure. Well, what is making me happy this week? Kendrick Lamar and SZA's duet Luther has been number one on the Billboard charts for like a few weeks now. And that song, of course, heavily samples the Luther Vandross Cheryl Lynn duet if this World Was Mine classic. And this led me down a rabbit hole to a Soul Train performance of Vandross and Lynn Duke doing this song. It is so good. The mic is on. The mic is on. It sounds like it could be the studio recording, but it's just different enough that you know it's not. They are ad libbing in ways that they don't do in the studio version. It is beautiful. It is magnificent. I'm so glad that the song Luther has really sort of like put this classic back into the rotation. So that's Luther Vandross and Sheryl Lynn performing if this World Were Mine on Soul Train. And you can find that on the Internet online. And that is what's making me happy this week. If you want links for what we recommended, plus some more recommendations, sign up for our newsletter at npr. That brings us to the end of our show. Jordan Crucciola, Glenn Weldon, thanks so much for being here. This was a pleasure.

[Glen Weldon]

Thank you.

[Jordan Cruciola]

Thank you so much. We survived the Unicorns we did.

[Aisha Harris]

We did. This episode was produced by Liz Metzger and edited by Jessica Reedy and Mike Katsuff, and Halil Kamin provides our theme music. Thanks so much for listening to Pop Culture Happy Hour from npr. I'm Aisha Harris. We'll see you all next week.

[Audrey Evans]

This message comes from Warby Parker if you wear glasses, you know how hard it is to find the perfect pair. But step into a Warby Parker store and you'll see it doesn't have to be. Find a Warby Parker store near [e-mail] retail. This message comes from Thrive Market. The food industry is a multi billion dollar industry, but not everything on the shelf is made with your health in mind. At Thrive Market, they go beyond the standards, curating the highest quality products for you and your family while focusing on organic first and restricting more than 1,000 harmful ingredients, all shipped at your door. Shop at a grocery store that actually cares for your [e-mail] podcast for 30% off your first order plus a $60 free gift. This message comes from Warby Parker if you wear glasses, you know how hard it is to find the perfect pair. But step into a Warby Parker store and you'll see it doesn't have to be. Find a Warby Parker store near [e-mail] retail.