Brie Larson’s directorial debut “Unicorn Store” is a movie destined to leave some of its audience scratching their heads. Bathed in glitter and pastels and juggling more themes than you would expect, Larson gives us a weird little concoction with a sweet, whimsical flavor that I kinda fell for.
Larson not only directs but stars as Kit, an aspiring artist who has her dreams shattered by her snobbish art professor. Dejected and cash-strapped, she moves back in with her hyper-motivated parents (really funny turns from Joan Cusack and Bradley Whitford). It’s a big blow for a young woman still clinging to her childhood ideals. She finally crawls out of her melancholy, caves to her parents wishes, and joins the uninspired everyday work force.
Kit lands a job as a temp at a public relations agency, a workplace filled with ambition-quenching monotony and one creepy boss named Gary (a wonderfully absurd Hamish Linklater). Kit tries to assimilate but her rainbow colored dreams are kept alive thanks to a series of elaborate invitation cards that lead her to “The Store”. It’s ran by the truly bizarre Salesman (Samuel L. Jackson) who tells her his shop can provide whatever she needs.
The movie’s title probably gives it away, but Kit asks for a unicorn. A real one mind you although the metaphors are aplenty. The screenplay from newcomer Samantha McIntyre treats Kit with tons of sympathy and respect. She and Larson challenge us to do the same – to look at Kit through an empathetic lens. Everyone in the film wants Kit to change and be someone she isn’t. The exception is Virgil (Mamoudou Athie), a learn-on-the-fly handyman and the lone person who accepts Kit for who she is.
Larson’s direction makes for a nice behind-the-camera debut. It doesn’t showcase a ton of flair but it’s proficient, nimble, and steady. She doesn’t overreach and has a nice actor-like way of highlighting her characters. That leads to her performance which is warm, charming and utterly convincing. And fans of “Captain Marvel” will instantly recognize the chemistry between Larson and Jackson. This was wrapped up prior to her big Marvel splash, but you can already see how well the two work together. Linklater, Athie, Cusack, and Whitford are all strong in supporting roles. Also toss in a very funny Karan Soni.
“Unicorn Store” slyly straddles the line between celebrating and embracing our inner child and finding identity and fulfillment in the real world. I can see it being too quirky for some. Maybe it is lighthearted to a fault and too optimistic for our cynical current-day climate. But despite its flaws I found it to be warm, charming and packed with a ton of heart and far more laughs than I expected. Even more, it’s a really good performance from Larson and a satisfying directorial debut. I’m anxious to see what she does next.
VERDICT – 3.5 STARS
Keith & the Movies 
I may watch it depending on whether there is a real unicorn in it. 🦄
I can’t spoil it! 😉
Hah! No worries, that’s what Wikipedia is for 🤣
Ha!!!
Pumped to see this available now, early reviews also were big on mentioning the quirk. First Captain Marvel, now this? It’s a good year for Brie Larson fans!
Good year for her for sure. Not everyone bought into Unicorn. I really enjoyed it despite its blemishes. Anxious to hear how you respond to it.
I want to see this just to see what Brie Larson has in store as a director. I don’t mind if it has flaws but I’m sure she at least something interesting to say.
Indeed. It left me very interested in seeing her direct again.
Brie Larson and Samuel L Jackson appear in a few things together. I was just last night watching them in Kong: Skull Island.
They sure were. I quite liked Kong. How about you?
A little too violent and scary at time, but I quite enjoyed it. My first monster movie – not counting Jurassic Park.
It was for sure.
You’re quite positive about this one. I didn’t like it at all, it was very weird, Larson didn’t convince me and just couldn’t connect with it at all unfortunately.
It’s really weird but (for me) in a good way. She was a strange lonely young woman so it kinda made sense to me. It has its flaws, but I found it to be sweet and kinda touching.
Quirky is probably the best description of this film. That, or whimsical. I enjoyed it, and I think our thoughts on this one are quite similar.
It’s pretty good isn’t it? It’s pretty lighthearted but I think it has several interesting themes it explores. I can see where some wouldn’t be impressed. I thought it was a nice, welcomed escape.
I am kind of intrigued by it.
It’s a weird one and I’ve talked to several people who just couldn’t go along with it. I had a good time with it.
I enjoyed this movie at the begining near to end, the humor was good, the characters were interesting too and i was so curious how it ends. But i’m not really satisfied by the ending tho
I can’t see that. Not a clear conclusion. Glad you enjoyed the bulk of it though.