Unicorn Wars: A must-watch morbid reimaging

*Minor spoilers ahead* 

Yes, you read that title correctly. This article is about a movie titled Unicorn Wars (2022), but please stay with me, because this is a prolifically deep movie hidden under a cutesy and colorful exterior. It is a movie that I promise will thoroughly entertain you and, shockingly, will make you think about aspects of our society differently through the actions and beliefs of teddy bears.

The general storyline is as follows: in a world thrown into war caused by the reincarnation of the Devil himself, also known as the unicorn, two twin bears, Bluey and Tubby, are sent to fight and protect their faith. The relationship between these two brothers is tested through trials and mind-breaking horrors while they fight in a brutal war that will either result in the retaking of the magic forest or the bears’ destruction. 

Now, I know that sounds like a lot, but remarkably every aspect of this film works seamlessly with each other. Through the story of these cute plush bears, complex themes like religious zealotry, fascist militarism, and the true definition of what it means to be human are expressed in implicit ways that build up to the final takeaway of the film. It sounds bizarre, but this is a phenomenal film that depicts themes that aren’t often explored in modern animated films.

The execution of this film is perfect: everything from the design of the teddy bears and unicorns to the contrasting landscapes shown between the two species is seamless. This is the result of the fantastic director and illustrator Alberto Vázquez. 

Vázquez is a Spanish-French illustrator, writer, and director specializing in anti-war films, specifically adult animated horror dramas. He is a director who focuses on mundane-looking films—ones that would initially give the impression of a children’s film—that tell a tale expressing very mature and sophisticated themes. 

For example, one of Alberto’s better-known works is Birdboy: The Forgotten Child (2015). It follows the story of three children attempting to leave their industrial-ridden island to start a better, cleaner life. This hope of being free from atmospheric pollution results in unforeseen tribulations as the three children flee. The story focuses on themes of mental illness, abuse, and addiction through simplistic, cute-looking characters in a dark, grotesque world. 

Vázquez’s innate talent and skill to produce movies dealing with hard-hitting, philosophical, and psychological issues framed through the lens of a bright and colorful world is hard to see replicated in modern filmmaking, making his work shine far above the rest! A clear vision and passion drive this film’s creation; Vázquez has made it clear that his intention with this film is to shock, disgust, and then educate its viewers on the stances it pushes along. This process hooks the viewer and makes sure they can’t leave, relying on the viewers’ investment in the hyperbolic violence they see to then transition into complex ideas. 

Hopefully, by this point, I have slightly swayed your view on this film; please give the movie a try—I promise you won’t regret it. This story has so many plot twists that it is hard to predict exactly how the film will conclude; it will keep you guessing and wondering the entire time! These cutesy characters are able to become three-dimensional with fully realized personalities and beliefs through small, telling lines that hit close to home. Don’t just take my word for it, though; as word of this film spreads, so does the amount of recognition it is receiving in the public eye due to its deep and grotesque reimagining of adorable, childlike animation. 

Unfortunately, this film has had no worldwide release since it came out in late Oct. of last year in select theaters around Spain and Mexico, so getting your hands on the movie won’t be the easiest, but thankfully, this is set to change. As of today, Mar. 10, this film will be free to watch on demand through cable providers, or you can see it in select theaters in English or Spanish. In addition, Adult Swim has agreed to periodically air this movie during its primetime viewing hours on its service “Toonami,” so now is the perfect time to try this film and enjoy the insane story unfolding before you!