Unicorn Store (2017) is a whimsical fantasy comedy-drama marking Brie Larson's directorial debut. Larson also stars as Kit, a failed art student who moves back in with her parents and takes a mundane office job. Her life takes a fantastical turn when she receives a mysterious invitation from "The Salesman" (Samuel L. Jackson) to a store that promises to fulfill her childhood dream of owning a unicorn.
To earn the unicorn, Kit must meet a series of peculiar requirements, including building a suitable home for it and proving she can provide a loving environment. She enlists the help of Virgil (Mamoudou Athie), a hardware store employee, to construct the stable. As they work together, a bond forms between them, and Kit begins to confront her own insecurities and the pressures of conforming to adult expectations.
The film explores themes of self-acceptance, the tension between childhood dreams and adult responsibilities, and the importance of embracing one's individuality. Kit's journey is both literal and metaphorical, as she navigates the challenges of adulthood while holding onto her imaginative spirit.
Unicorn Store premiered at the 2017 Toronto International Film Festival and was later released on Netflix in April 2019. The film received mixed reviews, with some praising its earnestness and Larson's performance, while others critiqued its whimsical tone and narrative execution. On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds a 66% approval rating based on 94 reviews, and a Metacritic score of 44 out of 100, indicating mixed or average reviews.
Despite the divided critical reception, Unicorn Store offers a unique and heartfelt exploration of staying true to oneself in a world that often demands conformity. It's a film that resonates with anyone who's ever felt out of place or struggled to balance their dreams with reality.
