The Gory Cartoon Film Ending That Haunts Viewers
Out of all the mature cartoon movies I have ever watched, no other has stuck with me quite like the dread-soaked ending of the viscerally violent as well as highly provocative 2022 movie Unicorn Wars.
In the year 2015, the Spain-based writer-director created a grim, somber , frequently brutal universe with some tiny , forlorn hints of optimism.
While Unicorn Wars feels like it originated from a desire to push animation even more, the filmmaker explained that it was more a try to convey a global, cross-cultural theme concerning “the shared root of each battle.”
That idea is conveyed by means of a band of brightly hued teddy bears , clearly modeled after a famous line of lovable figures.
Growing up in a society focused on militarism and the war machine, many of these animals are obsessed with killing unicorns, thanks to a sacred text that tells them they used to be masters of the woodland, until these creatures expelled them.
A few haven’t fully fallen for the propaganda, and would rather sample drugs or mate in the forest.
Unlike their cuddly equivalents, these vivid animals have visible genitals , obvious urges.
For a certain especially vicious, pessimistic creature, the bear named Bluey, the war against the unicorns becomes a path toward dominance — and particularly to supremacy over his softer, nicer brother the bear Tubby.
The character acts as a tormentor and an apparent sociopath , and as horror overcomes his group and claims his teammates individually, he seizes progressively control personally, through ever more bloody, harmful methods.
Meanwhile, these mythical beings are experiencing their own horror, through an expanding, harmful creature in their forest.
“In the early stages, it feels like a humorous movie,” the director commented. “But then it evolves into a more dramatic and sad movie. And in the finale, it becomes a scary feature.”
The Unicorn Wars begins feeling a bit like among the whimsical movies by an iconic animator, that uncover a mischievous joy in allowing cartoon characters swear, engage in violence, or have intimate relations.
Then it evolves into closer to a darker film from the same director, including ever more graphic violence , a tangible connection to genuine tragedy of conflict.
In the finale, it becomes a complete extreme drama bloodbath.
The terror that makes the film a Halloween-friendly watch kicks in well before than that description suggests.
Unicorn Wars is one for the hardcore fans of gore, for lovers of intense movies who desire to view something they’ve never watched previously, and are able to withstand a narrative that offers absolutely no punches.
Watch it in a dimly lit space without any distractions, and the finale will burrow into your mind and take up residence there.
Availability: Available for rental or purchase on several online services.
