Cast
View AllBrie Larson
as Kit
Samuel L. Jackson
as The Salesman
Joan Cusack
as Gladys
Bradley Whitford
as Gene
Mamoudou Athie
as Virgil
Hamish Linklater
as Gary
Martha MacIsaac
as Sabrina
Karan Soni
as Kevin
Annaleigh Ashford
as Crystal
Ryan Hansen
as Brock
Mary Holland
as Joanie
Ithamar Enriquez
as Cashier
Todd Jeffries
as Joel
Deb Hiett
as Librarian
Nelson Franklin
as Aaron
Crew
Director
- Brie Larson
Writer
- Samantha McIntyre
Producer
- Brie Larson
- Terry Dougas
- Lynette Howell Taylor
- Paris Kassidokostas-Latsis
- Ruben Fleischer
- David Bernad
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Unicorn Store examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Brie Larson brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2017, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Unicorn Store took approximately 31 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 92 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 121 minutes long.
- The musical score contains over 60 unique compositions.
- The costume department created over 399 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The film contains approximately 2371 individual shots.
Historical Context
- In 2017, when this film is released:
- Climate change awareness was becoming a central global concern.
- Political polarization was intensifying in many countries.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Unicorn Store shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike 3-Way (Not Calling), which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Unicorn Store subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Coming Soon and Veronika Decides to Die explore similar territory, Unicorn Store stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: September 11, 2017
- Runtime: 1h 32m
Where to Watch

