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Max Announces Streaming Dates for A24 Films: Death of a Unicorn, Opus, and On Becoming a Guinea Fowl
Max has officially revealed the streaming release dates for three highly anticipated A24 films: Death of a Unicorn, Opus, and On Becoming a Guinea Fowl. These movies, each with distinct genres and storytelling styles, will soon be available for subscribers to enjoy. While all three films have generated buzz, On Becoming a Guinea Fowl stands out with a 100% Certified Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes, based on 92 reviews. The other two films, featuring stars like Jenna Ortega and Ayo Edebiri, have received mixed reactions from critics and audiences.
Death of a Unicorn: A Dark Fantasy with Star Power
Release Date: Friday, July 25 (Max) | Saturday, July 26 (HBO)
Directed and written by Alex Scharfman, Death of a Unicorn is a dark fantasy horror comedy that follows a father (Paul Rudd) and daughter (Jenna Ortega) who accidentally kill a unicorn on their way to a weekend retreat. Things take a bizarre turn when Rudd’s billionaire boss (Richard E. Grant) seeks to exploit the mythical creature’s healing powers.
Cast Highlights:
- Paul Rudd
- Jenna Ortega
- Will Poulter
- Anthony Carrigan
- Téa Leoni
The film blends surreal humor with horror elements, making it a unique addition to A24’s catalog. While reviews have been mixed, fans of unconventional storytelling may find it intriguing.
Opus: A Psychological Thriller with a Mysterious Pop Star
Release Date: Friday, July 11 (Max) | Saturday, July 12 (HBO)
Directed by Mark Anthony Green, Opus is a psychological thriller starring Ayo Edebiri as a young writer invited to the secluded compound of a legendary pop star (John Malkovich) who vanished decades ago. Surrounded by cult-like followers and journalists, she uncovers his disturbing plan.
Cast Highlights:
- Ayo Edebiri
- John Malkovich
- Juliette Lewis
- Murray Bartlett
- Amber Midthunder
The film explores themes of fame, obsession, and deception. While it hasn’t received universal acclaim, Edebiri’s performance has been praised.
On Becoming a Guinea Fowl: A Critically Acclaimed Zambian Drama
Release Date: Friday, July 4 (Max) | Monday, July 7 (HBO)
This Zambian drama, written and directed by Rungano Nyoni, follows Shula (Susan Chardy) as she discovers her uncle’s body on a deserted road. The funeral brings buried family secrets to light in a surreal and visually striking narrative.
Why It Stands Out:
- 100% Rotten Tomatoes score
- Explores themes of trauma and family lies
- Unique African storytelling perspective
With its critical acclaim, this film is a must-watch for fans of international cinema.
Final Thoughts
Max’s lineup of A24 films offers something for everyone—dark fantasy, psychological thrills, and poignant drama. While On Becoming a Guinea Fowl is the clear critical favorite, Death of a Unicorn and Opus bring star power and intriguing premises. Personally, I’m most excited about On Becoming a Guinea Fowl—its perfect Rotten Tomatoes score and unique cultural perspective make it a standout. That said, Jenna Ortega and Paul Rudd in a surreal horror-comedy sounds like a wild ride worth taking. Which one are you most looking forward to?
