Lucio, a radio host proud of his progressive views, faces a crisis when his nine-year-old son, Blue, says he no longer wants to be a boy. Confronted with his own hypocrisy and his wife’s acceptance, Lucio realizes he’s more conservative than he thought and begins a journey to become a truly open-minded father.
Unicorns
There are two types of parents: those who are unprepared, and those who think they are. Lucio, 45, belongs to the latter. A self-made man from a working-class family, he is a progressive and outspoken radio host known for tackling controversial issues. He is married to Elena, a 38-year-old from a middle-class background. Together, they are proud to raise their nine-year-old son, Blue, with strong democratic values and the freedom to express himself. Unfortunately for Lucio, it is Blue’s own self-expression that upends their world.
At a family lunch filled with artists, intellectuals, and open-minded friends—including Lucio’s ex-wife Marta and their teenage daughter Diletta—Blue shows up dressed as a girl. It isn’t the first time, but lately, it’s been happening more often. Elena accepts it as part of who Blue is, while Lucio insists it stays at home, not out of shame but fear of how the world might react. That day, the presence of Stefano, Lucio’s macho childhood friend and colleague, and his bullying son, Giorgio, triggers a chain of events that will shake the family to its core.
After Stefano mocks Blue, Lucio defends his son outwardly, but something within cracks. Later, when Elana takes Blue to a costume party as the Little Mermaid—breaking Lucio’s rule—the boy is mocked by classmates. The couple’s relationship fractures. Elena feels Lucio doesn’t understand Blue; Lucio thinks Elena is too permissive. Desperate, they turn to Marta, who suggests they contact a support group for parents of gender-questioning children: the “Unicorn Parents,” led by Vittoria, a psychologist who was once Vittorio.
Among families from all walks of life, Lucio and Elena begin their journey of understanding. While Elena learns to truly listen to her son, Lucio retreats into denial, trying to “re-educate” Blue through sports, action films, and macho bonding. His misguided efforts backfire, pushing Blue toward real danger. Only when Lucio sees his son’s light dim does he realize how far he’s fallen—from self-proclaimed liberal to fearful, controlling father.
Meanwhile, Blue faces his own challenges. When his insistence on using the girls’ bathroom leads to suspension, and his parents argue bitterly, he cuts off his braid in a heartbreaking attempt to make peace. For Lucio and Elena, it’s the moment of truth: in trying to protect Blue, they’ve been losing him.
Unicorns is the coming-of-age story of two parents forced to confront their contradictions and grow alongside their child. It’s about identity, love, and the courage to change. Through Elena’s quiet strength and Lucio’s painful awakening, they learn that acceptance is not an idea to preach but a daily act of love. And Blue—resilient, curious, and luminous—is their guide. Because true freedom begins when you stop fearing who you are and start allowing others to be the same.
