Unicorn Store (2017) - USA
Reviewed by Andrew Chan (Film Critics Circle of Australia)
Strictly independent, comes the on-screen inspired pairing of Brie Larson and Samuel L Jackson with a futurist vision in the now established Marvel pairing. This is a very unique film as it is so light hearted in its execution with a strong focus on staying true to your childhood dreams including wanting to have an unicorn. It is the kind of suspension of belief kind of experience that needs to be sedated as we journey the world of Brie Larson‘s character. Directed by Larson, the film is given a dream-like creative license and in the commercial lit world these kind of film is like the idea of having an unicorn, a fat-fetched childhood dream.
Brie Larson does well in a role that requires her to go back to her earlier years to produce a performance that can so easily be annoying in those of lesser hands. Samuel L Jackson plays the supporting role of the unicorn store manager and it is his innate eccentric nature that ultimate makes the film more believable than its original nature. Mamoudou Athie plays the love interest and hardware store sales assistant, but lacks crucial chemistry with Larson.
All in all, “Unicorn Store” is not your usual experience within the genre, there are unexpected moments and yet many disconnected parts that require your utmost inner child to endure the proceedings. It’s not a bad film nor does it attempt to be of any commercial value. If all else actually fails, we still managed to create the pre-Marvel pairs of Jackson and Larson.
I rated it 6/10
Director - Brie Larson
Writer - Samantha McIntyre
Stars - Brie Larson, Samuel L. Jackson, Bradley Whitford, Joan Cusack, Martha MacIsaac