Unicorn Store

Unicorn Store is a 2017 American comedy fantasy film that marks Brie Larson's feature film directorial debut. Larson also co-produced and starred in the movie, alongside Samuel L. Jackson, Joan Cusack, Bradley Whitford, Karan Soni, Mamoudou Athie, Mary Holland, and Hamish Linklater. The film first screened as part of the Special Presentations section at the 2017 Toronto International Film Festival, and later came out on Netflix on April 5, 2019. Critical reception was mixed: reviewers praised the acting and Larson's promise as a director, but some felt the screenplay was overly "immature" and "whimsical."

Plot

The story follows Kit, a failed artist who moves back in with her parents and takes a temp job at a PR agency. There, she meets the awkward vice president Gary, who makes inappropriate advances. Soon after, Kit gets a mysterious letter from "the Salesman," inviting her to a store that sells "what you need." He offers to fulfill her childhood dream of owning a unicorn, but she must meet several requirements.

First, she must build a suitable enclosure. Kit hires Virgil, a hardware store employee, to construct a stable without explaining its purpose. They start talking and spending time together. Next, she must prepare to feed the unicorn, so she and Virgil buy hay on a day trip, getting to know each other better.

Gary gives Kit a chance to pitch a vacuum cleaner marketing campaign. Meanwhile, Kit receives another requirement: she must provide a loving environment for the unicorn, but realizes her strained relationship with her parents prevents this. On the weekend she should be preparing her presentation, she goes on an "Emotion Quest" wilderness trip with her parents, confronting them during a "truth circle" and sparking an argument that worsens family tensions.

Back home, Kit finds inspiration and works all night on her pitch. The next requirement is that she must be able to financially support the unicorn. Her flamboyant presentation is met with stunned silence from the executives, who choose a different pitch featuring an attractive model. Kit leaves or is fired from her job.

On a date with Virgil, he asks about the stable's purpose. Kit tells him about the unicorn store and takes him there, but it's gone. Angry and feeling betrayed, she exits after Virgil says she's been conned but assures her he doesn't think she's crazy.