Creature feature “Death of a Unicorn” falls short of its unrealized potential in what turned out to be a lackluster sci-fi horror film.

For his debut film, director Alex Scharfman takes a bold approach to re-imagining the mythical unicorn as a killer. With big names attached, such as Paul Rudd, Jenna Ortega and Richard E. Grant, and acclaimed distributor, A24, fans would imagine that the film is guaranteed success, financially and critically.

While the film may be successful in terms of box office — because it was marketed quite well — audiences will likely leave the theater wanting more.

The film follows estranged father Elliot (Paul Rudd) and daughter Ridley (Jenna Ortega). With reluctance, Ridley travels with her father through a nature reserve to meet with a wealthy philanthropic family that Elliot plans to be the lawyer for. Led by dying businessman Odell (Richard E. Grant), the Leopolds are the typical privileged and white, old-money family. 

In the midst of an argument with Ridley, Elliot hits a unicorn with his car. After the Leopolds find out about the unicorn, they find a way to exploit it for their own gain. Not long after, the unicorn’s parents arrive to enact revenge on the Leopolds. Elliot and Ridley attempt to survive the onslaught while also rekindling their relationship.

From the start, the film follows the typical man vs. nature slasher beats. Think “Gremlins,” “Tremors” or “Jaws.” This is not a bad comparison by any means. There’s a reason that films like those are considered classics. However, this film rehashes the same character archetypes, story beats and commentary that audiences have seen before, without necessarily adding anything of substance.

Paul Rudd is fine in his role. The character he plays is completely irredeemable. Usually with an estranged father-daughter relationship, there is a reason that both characters are unable to love each other. While that exists in this film, Elliot is continuously disrespectful towards his daughter for no reason.

Jenna Ortega provides a good performance. As far as scream queens go, she’s adding to her already expansive repertoire of horror films.

Richard E. Grant plays his usual character type, and it continues to be convincing.

The one actor who provides a surprisingly witty performance is Anthony Carrigan as Griff, the butler for the Leopolds. Carrigan’s screen time is limited, but anytime he appears, he brightens up the scene.

To be fair, there are moments of tension in the film. The killer unicorns appear when viewers least expect it. Despite being mostly concealed on screen, their design is terrifying. 

The CGI itself for the unicorns is okay. At times it’s unconvincing, but that’s expected on a budget of $15 million.

Before the film premiered to audiences globally, it premiered at film festival South-by-Southwest in Austin, Texas, as one of the festival’s headliners. 

Much of this film doesn’t work. Most notably, its commentary on class privilege is a little too typical. Still, it can be a fun experience when watching with friends. Just don’t expect to be amazed or moved by the performances and story.

“Death of a Unicorn” was released March 28 and is in theaters now.