On the Count of Three
On the Count of Three

On the Count of Three

2022Movie86 minEnglish

Val has reached a place where he feels the only way out is to end things. But he considers himself a bit of a failure—his effectiveness lacking—so he figures he could use some help. As luck would have it, Val’s best friend, Kevin, is recovering from a failed suicide attempt, so he seems like the perfect partner for executing this double suicide plan. But before they go, they have some unfinished business to attend to.

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Insights

IMDb6.3/10
Rotten Tomatoes94%
Metacritic72/100
Google Users86%
Director: Jerrod CarmichaelGenres: Comedy, Drama

Plot Summary

Two best friends, Kevin and Val, are facing difficult life circumstances and decide to spend their last day together engaging in a suicide pact. As they navigate through their final hours, they revisit old haunts, confront past traumas, and attempt to tie up loose ends. Their journey becomes a darkly comedic exploration of friendship, mental health, and the search for meaning in the face of despair.

Critical Reception

On the Count of Three received positive reviews from critics, who praised its unique blend of dark humor and poignant exploration of mental health issues. The performances of Jerrod Carmichael and Christopher Abbott were particularly lauded for their depth and authenticity. While its subject matter is heavy, the film was commended for its sensitive and ultimately hopeful approach, resonating with audiences for its raw honesty.

What Reviewers Say

  • A surprisingly hilarious and deeply moving film about two friends navigating depression and a suicide pact.
  • Jerrod Carmichael delivers a brave and heartfelt directorial debut that tackles heavy themes with grace and dark humor.
  • The chemistry between Carmichael and Abbott is undeniable, grounding the film's emotional core.

Google audience: Audiences appreciated the film's willingness to tackle difficult subjects like mental health and suicide with a unique blend of comedy and sincerity. Many found the performances compelling and the story emotionally resonant, though some acknowledged the heavy nature of the subject matter.

Awards & Accolades

Premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, where it received critical acclaim. Nominated for the Grand Jury Prize: Dramatic at Sundance. Won the Waldo Salt Screenwriting Award at Sundance.

Fun Fact

Jerrod Carmichael, who directed and starred in the film, based elements of the story on his own personal struggles with mental health.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

3 reviews
andrialynn

andrialynn

My favorite from sundance. Great direction and a really funny script. This is exactly my type of humor so it worked for me most of the time. The performances are great, Christopher Abbott's still a Sundance darling. My only gripes with this...
Louisa Moore - Screen Zealots

Louisa Moore - S...

A suicide pact between two friends sets the tone of the dramedy “On the Count of Three,” directed by Jerrod Carmichael. If a murder-suicide doesn’t sound like your idea of a good time, never fear. Carmichael adds just enough dark humor and ...
Manuel São Bento

Manuel São Bento

If you enjoy reading my Spoiler-Free reviews, please follow my blog @ https://www.msbreviews.com Even though On the Count of Three isn’t exactly a comedy or a light film based on a silly premise (How It Ends), I did expect humor to play...