The Whimsical Weight of Growing Up: Brie Larson’s 'Unicorn Store' and the Fantasy of Adulthood
There’s something undeniably captivating about Brie Larson’s Unicorn Store. On the surface, it’s a quirky, almost childlike fantasy—a story about a struggling artist who’s offered a real-life unicorn by a flamboyant salesman played by Samuel L. Jackson. But personally, I think what makes this film so intriguing is how it uses whimsy to tackle one of the most universal yet rarely discussed struggles: the awkward transition into adulthood. It’s not just a movie about unicorns; it’s a meditation on the tension between childhood dreams and grown-up realities.
The Fantasy We All Secretly Crave
Let’s be honest: who hasn’t fantasized about escaping the drudgery of adulthood? Kit, Larson’s character, is the embodiment of this longing. She’s an artist stuck in a soul-sucking office job, living with her parents, and feeling like her life has stalled. Enter The Salesman, a character so over-the-top he feels like he’s stepped out of a fever dream. What many people don’t realize is that this setup isn’t just about escapism—it’s about the ways we all try to cling to the magic of childhood when life gets overwhelming.
From my perspective, the unicorn isn’t just a magical creature; it’s a metaphor for the unattainable dreams we chase as adults. Kit’s quest to build a stable, gather food, and create a loving environment for her unicorn mirrors the responsibilities we all face. But here’s the kicker: the film doesn’t romanticize these fantasies. Instead, it shows how they can both sustain and suffocate us. If you take a step back and think about it, Unicorn Store is a subtle critique of the millennial struggle to ‘adult’ in a world that often feels rigged against us.
The Practical Magic of Growing Up
One thing that immediately stands out is how the film balances its fantastical elements with harsh realities. Kit’s parents, played by Joan Cusack and Bradley Whitford, are a masterclass in passive-aggressive parenting. Their relationship with Kit is fraught with unspoken tensions, and her attempts to reconcile with them feel painfully real. What this really suggests is that growing up isn’t just about paying bills or holding down a job—it’s about confronting the emotional baggage we carry from childhood.
A detail that I find especially interesting is how the film treats Kit’s fantasies. She’s not delusional or mentally unwell; she’s simply using her imagination as a coping mechanism. But as the story progresses, it becomes clear that these fantasies are no substitute for real-world problem-solving. The unicorn, as magical as it is, requires practical preparation. This raises a deeper question: Can we ever truly outgrow our childhood dreams, or do we just learn to integrate them into our adult lives?
Brie Larson’s Duality: From Captain Marvel to Unicorn Whisperer
What makes Unicorn Store even more fascinating is its place in Larson’s career. Just a year before its release, she was soaring as Captain Marvel, a character defined by power and invincibility. In contrast, Kit is vulnerable, flawed, and deeply human. In my opinion, this duality is what makes Larson such a compelling artist. She’s not afraid to explore both extremes of the human experience—the superhero and the everyday struggler.
Critics were divided on the film, with some calling it too light and others praising its charm. Personally, I think the criticism misses the point. Unicorn Store isn’t trying to be a heavy-hitting drama; it’s a gentle reminder that adulthood doesn’t have to mean losing your sense of wonder. What many people don’t realize is that the film’s ‘wispiness’ is actually its strength. It’s a breath of fresh air in a world that often feels too serious.
The Broader Implications: Why This Film Matters
If you take a step back and think about it, Unicorn Store is part of a larger cultural conversation about adulthood in the 21st century. We’re living in an era where the traditional markers of adulthood—marriage, homeownership, stable careers—feel increasingly out of reach. The film doesn’t offer easy answers, but it does something far more valuable: it validates the confusion and frustration many of us feel.
From my perspective, the film’s true magic lies in its ability to make us reflect on our own lives. Are we chasing unicorns, or are we building stables? Do our fantasies help us grow, or do they hold us back? These are the questions Unicorn Store leaves us with, and they’re far more profound than they initially seem.
Final Thoughts: A Sweet, Strange Reminder
Unicorn Store isn’t a perfect film, but it doesn’t need to be. Its imperfections are part of its charm. It’s a reminder that life doesn’t have to be all candy castles or all grown-up responsibilities—maybe it’s about finding a balance between the two. Personally, I think that’s a message worth holding onto. So, the next time you’re feeling overwhelmed by adulthood, maybe give this quirky little film a chance. Who knows? You might just find your own unicorn waiting in the wings.
Stream it on Netflix, and let me know what you think. Because, in the end, isn’t that what great art does? It sparks a conversation.
