The Last Unicorn – Film Review

In the realm of animated fantasy films, The Last Unicorn (1982) stands apart as a uniquely haunting, poetic, and dreamlike experience. Based on Peter S. Beagle’s 1968 novel of the same name, the film was directed by Jules Bass and Arthur Rankin Jr., best known for their work in stop-motion holiday specials. With an all-star voice cast and striking animation by Topcraft—the Japanese studio that would later evolve into Studio Ghibli—the film balances whimsy and melancholia, creating a tone that is both enchanting and deeply nostalgic. While it has earned its place as a cult classic over the decades, The Last Unicorn is not without its flaws, particularly in pacing and tonal inconsistency. However, its themes, memorable characters, and poignant message about identity and loss elevate it beyond a mere children’s fantasy film into something more timeless and thought-provoking.

At its core, The Last Unicorn follows a lone unicorn (voiced by Mia Farrow) who sets out on a journey to discover what became of the rest of her kind. She soon learns that the world believes unicorns no longer exist, and that a menacing force—the fiery Red Bull—has driven them away. Along the way, she is joined by Schmendrick the magician (Alan Arkin), a bumbling yet kind-hearted sorcerer, and Molly Grue (Tammy Grimes), a jaded yet compassionate woman who has longed for magic all her life. Their journey leads them to the ominous King Haggard (Christopher Lee) and his castle, where the unicorn is transformed into a human named Lady Amalthea in a desperate bid to escape the Red Bull’s wrath.

This premise is simple yet rich in metaphor, exploring themes of immortality, loss, and transformation. The unicorn, an immortal being, experiences love and sorrow for the first time in her human form, making her plight deeply affecting. While fairy tales often center on quests of self-discovery, The Last Unicorn approaches its narrative with a heavy air of tragedy. The unicorn is not just searching for her kin but is also confronting her own identity. Is she more unicorn or human? And is love worth the cost of mortality? These questions linger long after the film ends.

The animation, though not as fluid as Disney’s work from the same era, possesses a distinct, painterly quality. The backgrounds are lush and intricate, evoking the feeling of medieval tapestries or illuminated manuscripts. The character designs, particularly of the unicorn herself, are graceful and ethereal, reinforcing the film’s dreamlike atmosphere.

However, the film’s animation has its inconsistencies. Some sequences, especially those involving action, feel stiff, with limited movement. The Red Bull, meant to be an overwhelming force of nature, is sometimes depicted with a lack of weight and presence, which lessens its impact as a terrifying entity. Despite this, the film’s more surreal imagery—such as the ghostly unicorns trapped beneath the waves or the eerie, shadowed halls of King Haggard’s castle—remain striking and unforgettable.

The voice performances in The Last Unicorn are an eclectic mix. Mia Farrow’s unicorn is appropriately delicate and otherworldly, but at times, her delivery feels too detached, even in moments where heightened emotion is required. Alan Arkin’s Schmendrick is one of the more divisive aspects of the film; his delivery is often flat, making his comedic lines feel more awkward than endearing. However, Tammy Grimes as Molly Grue is an emotional standout, imbuing her character with a raw honesty that makes her one of the film’s most relatable and human figures.

The true highlight of the cast is Christopher Lee as King Haggard. His deep, resonant voice adds gravitas to the character, transforming what could have been a stock villain into something far more tragic. Lee, a devoted fan of Beagle’s novel, reportedly took the role very seriously and even made script suggestions to preserve the book’s dialogue. His portrayal of Haggard as a lonely, melancholic figure elevates the film’s themes of possession and loss, making his scenes some of the most compelling in the movie.

One of the film’s most distinctive features is its soundtrack, composed by Jimmy Webb and performed by the folk-rock band America. The music gives the film a haunting, almost wistful quality. Songs like “The Last Unicorn” and “Man’s Road” evoke a sense of longing and ethereal beauty, fitting the film’s tone perfectly. However, some viewers may find the folk-pop style a bit dated, particularly in contrast to the medieval fantasy setting.

The instrumental score is more universally praised, lending weight to the film’s emotional beats. The final confrontation with the Red Bull, accompanied by a swelling orchestral arrangement, remains one of the film’s most powerful moments.

Despite its strengths, The Last Unicorn does suffer from uneven pacing. The first half of the film moves at a meandering pace, taking its time establishing the world and the unicorn’s journey. While this allows for rich world-building, it occasionally feels sluggish. Conversely, the third act rushes through pivotal moments, particularly the climactic confrontation with the Red Bull. The resolution, while poignant, feels abrupt, leaving some emotional threads underdeveloped.

The tonal inconsistency is another notable issue. While the film is often melancholic and poetic, moments of broad humor—especially those involving Schmendrick—sometimes feel jarring against the otherwise somber atmosphere. This inconsistency might make it difficult for some viewers to fully immerse themselves in the story.

Ultimately, The Last Unicorn is a film that lingers in the memory, not because of its technical perfection, but because of its profound emotional core. Its exploration of identity, loss, and change resonates across generations. The film’s dreamlike quality, combined with its deeply human characters, ensures its place as a beloved cult classic.

However, its flaws—pacing issues, inconsistent animation, and uneven voice performances—prevent it from being a flawless masterpiece. While it may not reach the universal acclaim of other animated classics, its poetic storytelling and haunting beauty make it an unforgettable experience for those willing to embrace its idiosyncrasies.

For fans of fantasy, The Last Unicorn remains a must-watch, offering a unique and bittersweet take on the traditional fairy tale. While it may not be perfect, its magic endures, much like the unicorn herself—a creature of legend, forever wandering, forever remembered.