Audiences Rediscover Jenna Ortega’s Most Underrated Fantasy Film

In the ever-evolving world of film and digital entertainment, it’s not uncommon for certain movies to experience a second life on streaming platforms. While a theatrical flop might suggest a project’s demise, the truth is far more complex—especially when it involves a popular name like Jenna Ortega. Her latest cinematic venture, Death of a Unicorn, is one such film. Despite a lukewarm reception during its theatrical run, the movie has now made a surprising comeback. Jenna Ortega’s underseen dark fantasy finally returns to streaming charts after box office failure, and fans are beginning to rediscover what they might have missed.

The Rise, Fall, and Rise Again of Death of a Unicorn

Death of a Unicorn, distributed by indie powerhouse A24, debuted in theaters in March 2025. With a premise that combined elements of dark fantasy, black comedy, and family drama, the film paired Jenna Ortega with the ever-versatile Paul Rudd in a unique father-daughter duo.

However, despite the exciting cast and ambitious concept, the film struggled to find its audience. Upon release, it garnered mixed reviews and was met with modest box office returns. At one point, the film seemed to fade into obscurity. But now, months later, it’s experiencing a streaming resurgence, cracking back into the HBO Max top ten and climbing the charts.

This pattern is not unprecedented. Many films, particularly those from independent studios, often perform better after theatrical release—especially when given space to reach niche audiences online. Death of a Unicorn is the latest example of this trend.

Jenna Ortega’s Rising Star Draws Streaming Audiences

Much of the renewed interest in Death of a Unicorn can be attributed to the continued rise of Jenna Ortega. Already a household name thanks to her performances in Wednesday, Scream, and You, Ortega has cemented herself as a key figure in modern genre cinema.

In Death of a Unicorn, Ortega takes on a darker and more nuanced role. She plays Riley, a cynical teenager dragged into a surreal and dangerous situation after her father—played by Paul Rudd—accidentally kills a unicorn during a late-night drive. What starts as a tragic accident spirals into a bizarre and deadly chain of events as corporations, scientists, and opportunists descend upon the mythical creature’s body.

Ortega’s performance has been praised even by critics who were otherwise lukewarm on the film. She brings an emotional weight to Riley, portraying her as sharp, troubled, and deeply protective of her father. Her ability to balance sarcasm and sincerity gives the film a compelling center, helping it stand out among the usual fantasy fare.

A24’s Risky Bet: Death of a Unicorn’s Box Office Struggles

A24 has made a name for itself by backing bold, unconventional stories, and Death of a Unicorn is no exception. The studio’s track record with films like Hereditary, Everything Everywhere All At Once, and The Lighthouse demonstrates its willingness to take creative risks. In that sense, Death of a Unicorn fits perfectly within its catalogue.

Unfortunately, its box office performance did not reflect the strength of its concept or cast. Released in a crowded spring lineup, the film failed to connect with mainstream audiences. Critics were split, with Rotten Tomatoes giving it a 53% rating, indicating a largely mixed critical response.

Still, some voices in the film community saw more value in the movie than its numbers suggested. Collider’s Nate Richard, for example, offered a more optimistic take on the film, highlighting its satirical elements, unexpected emotional depth, and the strong performances by Ortega and Rudd.

The Streaming Resurgence: Why It’s Gaining Traction Now

So what changed? Why is Death of a Unicorn suddenly trending again on HBO Max?

Several factors appear to be at play. First, Jenna Ortega’s ongoing popularity keeps drawing attention to her past and recent work. As fans search for more of her performances beyond Wednesday, they’re stumbling upon lesser-known titles like this one.

Second, streaming platforms offer the perfect environment for niche films to thrive. Without the pressure of a theatrical release and the constraints of box office competition, movies like Death of a Unicorn have time to breathe. Viewers can watch, pause, revisit, and recommend to others at their own pace, giving films a chance to build word of mouth organically.

Finally, the movie’s unique genre blend—part satire, part mystery, part surreal fantasy—has proven more appealing to at-home audiences who are looking for something different. In a time where predictable franchises dominate the theaters, A24’s offbeat tone feels refreshing on the small screen.

Paul Rudd and Jenna Ortega: An Unlikely but Effective Duo

Another major draw of the film is the chemistry between Paul Rudd and Jenna Ortega. While both are widely known for their work in comedy and horror respectively, seeing them together in a fantasy black comedy was unexpected.

Their dynamic in Death of a Unicorn strikes a strange but intriguing balance. Rudd plays a father who is as emotionally lost as his daughter is defiant. Their shared trauma and the increasingly bizarre circumstances surrounding the unicorn’s death drive the narrative forward. The actors play off each other with surprising emotional resonance, making their bond one of the film’s strongest aspects.

For fans of character-driven stories, their relationship gives Death of a Unicorn a heart beneath all its satire and strangeness.

Critics Are Still Divided, But Audiences Are Catching On

While critics remain split, the audience score for Death of a Unicorn has slowly begun to rise. Many viewers now watching the film on streaming are calling it underrated, quirky, and even emotionally layered. Social media buzz has increased as fans share their thoughts, recommend the movie, and spark discussions around its themes.

Some compare it to early Tim Burton works, while others highlight its similarities to dark fairy tales and modern satire. In any case, the streaming success has given the film a chance to redefine its legacy.

Will Death of a Unicorn Become a Cult Classic?

It’s still too early to say whether Death of a Unicorn will reach cult status, but its current trajectory is promising. The combination of a passionate fanbase, strong streaming performance, and Jenna Ortega’s growing influence could be the ingredients needed for long-term relevance.

If anything, its resurgence proves that box office numbers aren’t the end of the story. In today’s entertainment landscape, the real test of a film’s impact may be how it resonates over time—and where it finds its audience.

Final Thoughts: A Second Chance for a Unique Fantasy Film

The story of Death of a Unicorn is more than just a tale of a failed theatrical run. It’s a testament to how streaming platforms continue to reshape the film industry. Despite its early struggles, the movie is now finding a new audience, thanks to a combination of star power, genre-blending creativity, and a second look from viewers.

Jenna Ortega’s underseen dark fantasy finally returns to streaming charts after box office failure, and that return may mark the beginning of a longer journey. Whether you missed it in theaters or want to rewatch it with fresh eyes, now is the perfect time to discover this peculiar and compelling film.