Writer and director of Death of a Unicorn Alex Scharfman speaking to the audience at SXSW 2025. Credit: Allison Teegardin 

By Allison Teegardin 

For SXSW 2025, a Hyatt Regency ballroom was transformed into a movie theater complete with stadium-style seating for 300, high-quality sound and even a snack bar. On March 8, the temporary theater was home to the second screening of the film, “Death of a Unicorn.” The film was written and directed by Alex Scharfman and stars Jewish actor Paul Rudd, Jenna Ortega, Will Poulter, Téa Leoni, Richard E. Grant, Anthony Carrigan, Sunita Mani, Jessica Hynes and Stephen Pa. 

Then film is a story about what happens over the course of a weekend when a father and daughter accidentally hit and kill a unicorn while on their way to a weekend getaway at the father’s employer’s home, a billionaire in poor health. While the film explores dark themes such as abuse of resources, greed, disregard for others, it also showcases some beautiful moments of love and courage. With the main characters being a father and daughter who have had a complex relationship since the passing of their wife/mother, the film also shows the progression of their healing. 

Following the screening, Scharfman shared some insights about his first time directing the film-making such as the extensive research he conducted and how the cast organically came together.  He also took questions from the audience.  

Jenna Ortega, Alex Scharfman, Paul Rudd at the “Death of a Unicorn” Premiere during the SXSW Conference & Festivals at the Paramount Theater on March 8, 2025 in Austin, Texas. Credit: Michael Buckner 

Jenna Ortega, Alex Scharfman, Paul Rudd at the “Death of a Unicorn” Premiere during the SXSW Conference & Festivals at the Paramount Theatre on March 8, 2025 in Austin, Texas.[/caption]

Rudd was also featured in another film screening at SXSW titled “Friendship.” Friendship is a film about a suburban dad whose life is turned upside down when he attempts to make friends with a new neighbor. The film premiered on March 11 at the Paramount Theater.