On the Count of Three
Movie Trailer
Release Date
May 13, 2022
Genre
Dark Comedy, Drama, Thriller
Cast & Crew
- Jerrod Carmichael as Val
- Christopher Abbott as Kevin
- Tiffany Haddish as Natasha
- Henry Winkler as Dr. Brenner
- J.B. Smoove as Lyndell
- Lavell Crawford as Donny
Director
Jerrod Carmichael
Other Movies Director is Known For
- Directorial debut
Producer
- Adam Paulsen
- David Carrico
- Jake Densen
- Tom Werner
- Jerrod Carmichael
Writer
- Ari Katcher
- Ryan Welch
Budget
Estimated $3 million
Production Company
- Valparaiso Pictures
- Werner Entertainment
- Morningside Entertainment
Running Time
86 minutes
Languages
English
Maturity Rating
R
Content Advisory
- Strong language
- Themes of suicide and depression
- Some violence
Movie Story
“On the Count of Three” is a dark comedy-drama that follows two lifelong friends, Val (Jerrod Carmichael) and Kevin (Christopher Abbott), who, at the lowest points of their lives, make a pact to end their lives together by the end of the day. The film opens with Val rescuing Kevin from a psychiatric hospital, where he has been placed after a recent suicide attempt. The two friends, both struggling with depression and feelings of hopelessness, decide that they have nothing left to live for and agree to go out on their own terms.
However, before carrying out their pact, they decide to settle some unfinished business and tie up loose ends. What follows is a day filled with unexpected events, dark humor, and moments of reflection, as the two friends confront their pasts, seek revenge, and attempt to find some sense of closure. Along the way, they encounter various characters, including Val’s estranged father (J.B. Smoove), Kevin’s former therapist (Henry Winkler), and Val’s girlfriend Natasha (Tiffany Haddish).
As the day progresses, Val and Kevin’s bond is tested, and they begin to question whether their pact is truly the solution to their problems. The film explores themes of mental health, friendship, and the struggles of finding meaning in life. Despite its heavy subject matter, “On the Count of Three” balances its dark themes with sharp humor and genuine emotional moments, creating a thought-provoking narrative that is both poignant and impactful.
Special Effects
“On the Count of Three” is a character-driven film that focuses on its story and performances rather than on special effects. The film’s visual style is grounded in reality, using natural lighting and handheld camera work to create an intimate and gritty atmosphere that complements the raw and emotional nature of the story.
Box Office Performance
“On the Count of Three” premiered at the 2021 Sundance Film Festival, where it received critical acclaim for its bold approach to difficult subject matter and the strong performances of its lead actors. The film had a limited theatrical release in May 2022, followed by availability on digital platforms. Although it did not achieve significant commercial success, it was praised by critics and audiences for its honest and nuanced portrayal of mental health and friendship.
Filming Locations
- Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Notable Quotes
- “If this is our last day on Earth, let’s make it count.” – Val
- “Sometimes, it feels like life is just one long bad joke.” – Kevin
- “You can’t control the pain, but you can control how you respond to it.” – Natasha
Behind-the-Scenes
“On the Count of Three” marks Jerrod Carmichael’s directorial debut, and he also stars as one of the film’s lead characters. The film was developed by Valparaiso Pictures and received attention for its handling of sensitive topics, such as suicide and depression, in a way that is both respectful and thought-provoking. Carmichael worked closely with the writers, Ari Katcher and Ryan Welch, to ensure that the film’s tone balanced humor with the gravity of its themes, resulting in a dark comedy that resonates on multiple levels.
Awards
- Nominated for the Grand Jury Prize at the 2021 Sundance Film Festival
- Nominated for Best First Feature at the 2022 Independent Spirit Awards
Final Verdict
“On the Count of Three” is a bold and powerful dark comedy that tackles heavy subjects with sensitivity, wit, and heart. Jerrod Carmichael and Christopher Abbott deliver compelling performances that bring depth and authenticity to their characters, making their journey both relatable and emotionally resonant. The film’s exploration of mental health, friendship, and the search for meaning in life is thought-provoking and deeply moving. While it may not be an easy watch, “On the Count of Three” is an important film that offers a unique perspective on the struggles many people face, and it does so with humor, honesty, and a sense of hope.
IMDb Rating
7.1/10