When Silence Speaks: The Emotional Depth of the Movie Unicorns

Unicorns takes Queer romance in a direction that feels both familiar and refreshingly unique. Directed by Sally El Hosaini and James Krishna Floyd, this film gives us Luke (Ben Hardy), a mechanic and single father who’s straight – at least, he thinks so. Then there’s Aysha (Jason Patel), a Queer Muslim drag queen with a captivating presence. Their worlds collide unexpectedly, and what starts as a curious encounter leads to a deeper, emotional exploration of identity, culture, and desire.

Ben Hardy’s Luke is such an intriguing character – he’s caught in the middle of his identity crisis, struggling with suppressed feelings while trying to be the father he thinks he should be. Hardy brings an incredible vulnerability to Luke, with every moment of hesitation and confusion perfectly captured. You can see him grappling with not only his attraction to Aysha but also what that attraction means for his entire understanding of himself.

In the intimate world of Unicorns, love goes beyond mere connection – unlocking the parts of yourself you’ve always been too afraid to reveal.

Then there’s Aysha, portrayed brilliantly by Jason Patel. She’s bold, glamorous, and absolutely owns her drag persona, but she’s also layered with insecurities rooted in her conservative Muslim upbringing. Patel’s performance gives Aysha both strength and fragility, making her more than just a romantic interest – she’s a fully realised character with her own journey of self-acceptance.

One performance that cannot be ignored is that of Luke’s son, played by newcomer Aiden Cheng. His presence adds a layer of innocence and responsibility that anchors Luke’s emotional conflict. Cheng’s portrayal of Luke’s son is nothing short of remarkable, bringing both the energy and vulnerability of a young boy unknowingly caught in the complexities of his father’s life. His scenes with Hardy add heart to the film, serving as a reminder that Luke’s journey isn’t just about self-discovery – it’s about figuring out how to be a father in the midst of it all.

Visually, Unicorns is stunning, with vibrant, dreamy shots that reflect the beauty of drag culture and the complexity of navigating multiple identities. It’s in these moments where the film feels fresh and deeply personal, offering a look at the intersection of Queer and South Asian identities, something we don’t see enough of on screen. The cultural clash between Luke’s working-class world and Aysha’s Queer, South Asian experience is where the film really shines.

But if I’m being completely honest, Unicorns falls into some familiar tropes. It follows a star-crossed lovers’ path that feels a bit too comfortable at times, and there are moments where the script feels predictable. Despite this, the emotional depth between Luke and Aysha keeps you invested. The chemistry between Hardy and Patel makes every stolen glance, every uncertain kiss, feel charged with tension.

Final Thoughts ★★★★★

Would I recommend Unicorns? Definitely. If you’re into Queer love stories with cultural intersections and heartfelt performances, this film is worth the watch. It’s not perfect, but it offers something fresh in its exploration of identity, love, and desire. Even with its familiar beats, Unicorns offers a touching, thoughtful look at the complexities of modern Queer relationships, anchored by strong performances from both Ben Hardy and Aiden Cheng, whose portrayal of Luke’s son adds a touching layer to the film’s narrative.

It’s a film that sticks with you, asking you to reflect on your own journey and the ways we all hide parts of ourselves.

Available to watch on Apple TV and other streaming services.

More Reading