That Gruesome Cartoon Movie Ending That Haunts Viewers
Among every mature cartoon movies I have personally viewed, no other has stuck with me quite like the fear-filled conclusion of a viscerally violent as well as deeply subversive 2022 movie Unicorn Wars.
In the year 2015, the Spanish filmmaker created a dark, somber and frequently brutal universe that included some tiny , forlorn hints of hope.
Although Unicorn Wars seems like it originated from a drive to expand the medium further, the filmmaker clarified that it was actually an attempt to express a global, cross-cultural message regarding “the common origin of every conflict.”
That message is expressed via a band of brightly hued teddy bears , obviously inspired by a well-known series of cuddly figures.
Growing up in a culture focused on militarism and the military-industrial complex, a lot of the bears are obsessed with exterminating the mythical beasts, because of a religious scripture that tells them they used to be kings of the forest, before the unicorns drove them out.
Others have not completely fallen for the propaganda, and would rather experiment with substances and fornicate in the woods.
Unlike their friendly counterparts, these vivid animals show genitals , clear libidos.
For a certain especially vicious, cynical bear, Bluey, the conflict with the unicorns turns into a path to control — and specifically to dominance over his gentler, kinder brother the character Tubby.
This bear is a bully and a seeming sociopath , and when fear overcomes his unit and takes his comrades one by one, he takes more and more influence for himself, via progressively violent, damaging approaches.
Meanwhile, the unicorns are suffering their own horror, as an expanding, deadly beast in their habitat.
“In the early stages, it appears as a lighthearted film,” the filmmaker stated. “Yet it evolves into a more serious and melancholic film. And in the finale, it becomes a terrifying movie.”
The Unicorn Wars commences resembling one of the most quirky features by a renowned filmmaker, that uncover a mischievous joy in permitting cartoon characters swear, fire weapons, or sex each other up.
Subsequently it becomes more akin to a more grim work by that same artist, including ever more visual gore and a palpable link to the actual suffering of battle.
Ultimately, it’s a full-on extreme drama bloodbath.
The horror which makes the film a perfect Halloween movie kicks in a lot earlier than that description suggests.
The Unicorn Wars is suited for the devoted fans of gore, for fans of extreme cinema who want to watch a film they haven’t ever viewed until now, and are able to withstand a plot that offers no restraint.
View it in a dimly lit space without any distractions, and the finale will dig into your mind and stay with you.
Where to watch: Accessible via streaming or buying on various online services.
