I Believe in Unicorns (2015)

Unicorns is a truly unique film. Its whimsical, yet bold aesthetic enhances the storyline, which diverges drastically from most coming of aged films about teenage girls. The creative and visually stunning special effects use light and stop motion in enchanting ways that depict Davina's internal condition with a relateable clarity. These magical realist representations illustrate the main character's psyche in a deep and intellectual way that female 16-year-old characters are unfortunately rarely endowed with in films. As someone who often gets bored visually with contemporary films, Unicorns kept me spellbound. It is a feast for the eyes. I had been able to see more films like it when I was 16, in which the story does not (Spoiler Alert) end predictably, with a romantic and heteronormative jaunt into the sunset.

This is an honest, well-composed film with a unique style. I Believe in Unicorns takes you in to the mind of a teenager as she struggles with what life has given with her. It shows her inner turmoil and hopes using fantastic imagery. And even though it is full of imagination, it presents a realistic picture of this young lady's life. It does not offer some "great solution" to life's problems. Instead,it shows the pain of growing up and facing the world for what it is - often disappointing and not all we wish it could be. Though it is definitely geared towards a female audience, if you understand that film is an art form and not an amusement park ride - whether you are male or female - you will enjoy this coming of age picture. Try it out. It's worth it.

When an indie film has a profound story that tracks, actors that transcend their role and truly become their characters and move you without even having to speak, gorgeous cinematography, perfect editing, a soundtrack that accents without intruding, a look and feel that is memorable and unique, and a story that stays with you for a while after…you have a unicorn of a film. It is very rare to see a film that has stop motion animation and super 8 footage from the filmmaker's life that is not gratuitous. This film is brave, honest, and important. Leah Meyerhoff is a director to watch and I Believe in Unicorns is a film not to be missed. If you can see it in theaters, do so. It's shot entirely on film (another unicorn) by cinematographer Jarin Blaschke and therefore should be watched, if possible, in a theater.

I like this film. It has got heart, it has good intentions for the cinematic language that I so adore. I feel like the filmmaker is earnest and thoughtful with the script and the performances are very strong and show a lot of talent on her cinematic future. However, I've been following this movie online and keep seeing photos of the filmmaker, Meyerhoff at festivals. Great right? Well, yes and no. Yes, it's great the film is getting out there, it should! No because it's more that a little embarrassing to see a 38 year old woman wearing a unicorn prop on her head, as though she's so desperate to hype her film that she'll turn into a corny advertisement. Is this what cinema has come to? I should hope not, not in the cinema I know. I get it, you're supposed to do something "striking" and "wild" to stand out, but Miss Meyerhoff, if you need to walk around with a toy horn on your head to get press on your film, or to get attention, well that's just sad and pedestrian. Have some pride in yourself and your work. You are a talented filmmaker. Please take the horn off and have some respect for yourself, your collaborators and most importantly, for cinema.Besides the corny advertising, as a critic I do recommend the film. Don't let the harsh truths discourage you. It is a VERY strong film!