Friday Flicks: The Unicorn Store

You may have noticed this strange looking film on your Netflix queue and been intrigued by the trailer that featured Brie Larson painting and Samuel L. Jackson with tinsel in his hair, but were too afraid to check it out, never fear! For this week's Friday Flick, we will be discussing this adorable new film. Read on!

Acting: 10/10

Brie Larson kills it as Kit, and honestly who is surprised? The Oscar winning, literal superhero is unbelievably loveable as the childish and the imaginative failed painter, while Samuel L. Jackson is his usually hilarious self in a very different role, the mysterious unicorn Salesman. Bradley Whitford and Joan Cusack are picture perfect supportive parents, who despite being a little chaotic always reassure the audience that not all grown-ups in Kit's world are bad. A relatively newcomer, Mamoudow Athie holds his own in a star studded cast and is the perfect deadpan counterpart to Larson's starry-eyed animation.

Costuming: 8/10

With the story revolving around Kit turning away from her art dreams and becoming a temp at a bland PR Company, there are a whole lot of really ugly gray suits. However, Kit's personal style bleeds through, and she sports some really adorable outfits. Though a little kiddish, Kit's wardrobe of pastel skirts, paint stained overalls, and button covered jackets will make you smile and give you major outfit envy.

+2 Bonus points for ALL of Samuel L. Jackson's suits; They have a magic all of their own.

Set Design: 7/10

Since Kit struggles to become an adult, the setting of the movie is often radically changed from Kit's sad basement bedroom, to the dreary gray office, to the dark and mysterious Store, to Kit's old pink playhouse. The setting helps to contribute to the icky feeling that comes with growing up,

Soundtrack: 8/10

Unicorn Store uses a lot of classical music to portray a sense of whimsy. The soundtrack isn't one of those soundtracks you could listen to while jogging, but the tracks perfectly fit the scenes, adding emotion and magic to every moment.

Final Score: 8/10

Magical realism is one of those themes that isn't used very often, because it tends to confuse viewers. However Brie Larson's directorial debut Unicorn Store is a crystal clear portrait of a millinial leaving her childhood behind. Sweet, sincere. and fresh, Unicorn Store will make you giggle and leave you teary-eyed.