Unicorns opens with a grayscale world inhabited by Luke (Ben Hardy), a single father burdened by responsibility and monotony. His life transforms dramatically when he stumbles into a vibrant Gaysian club night and meets Aysha (Jason Patel), a dazzling drag queen of South Asian descent. This encounter ignites a tender yet complicated romance that challenges Luke’s perceptions and prejudices.
Plot and Themes
Directed by James Krishna Floyd and Sally El Hosaini, Unicorns is a British indie film that explores race, gender, and sexuality through the lens of a romance between a white man and a South Asian drag artist. The story deftly balances gritty social realism with moments of fairytale shimmer, portraying the complexities of love, identity, and community without slipping into trauma porn.
Aysha’s world—full of closeted Muslim men, chosen family rivalries, and the struggle for acceptance—is vividly brought to life thanks in part to consultant and executive producer Asifa Lahore, Britain’s first openly Muslim drag queen.
Performances
Jason Patel delivers a mesmerizing performance as Aysha/Ashiq, effortlessly shifting between magnetic stage presence and vulnerable personal moments. Meanwhile, Ben Hardy gives his best performance yet as Luke, embodying the character’s internal conflict and emotional growth with subtlety and power. Their chemistry elevates the film, offering authentic glimpses into trust and acceptance.
Why Unicorns Matters
While similar to recent British films like Amrou Al-Kadhi’s Layla and Femme, Unicorns offers a gentler, more hopeful take on queer romance and cultural identity. It’s rare to see such authentic representation of South Asian queer experiences in UK cinema despite the country’s large South Asian population, making this film an important and refreshing contribution.
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Final Thoughts
Unicorns is a visually striking and emotionally resonant film that invites audiences to escape the monotony of everyday life and immerse themselves in a story of love, self-discovery, and the power of chosen family. With a release date of July 18 from Cohen Media Group, it’s a must-watch for fans of heartfelt queer cinema.
Grade: B
