On the Count of Three (2021) User Reviews

Funny and Reletable but also Shocking and Sad

[bakergarrett · 8/10 · 14 June 2022]

On the Count of three is a funny and dark new film by Jerrod Carmichael who stars along side Christopher Abbott. There two performances make this one of the best movies of 2022. Both these guys are emotional, layered, funny, and even a little scary and make the movie a great experience for fans of acting.

Supporting roles from Henry Winkler, Tiffany Hadish, JB Smoove, and Huel while small, are all played with tip top perfection. This film goes from laugh out loud hilarious to jaw dropping sadness with ease, and not many films can do that.

Check this one out, if you wanna watch something new.

It needed better writing.

[Top_Dawg_Critic · 7/10 · 20 April 2023]

This was a great directorial debut by actor/lead in this film, Jerrod Carmichael. However the two writers, Ari Katcher and Ryan Welch, missed an opportunity to create something great with this concept, but instead it was just good. Don't get me wrong, it was a very good idea that was perfectly cast and performed, with an amazing soundtrack and score, but the writing was missing the cohesion and balance it needed to be great. The humor in this dark comedy mostly hits the mark, but felt restrictive with not enough laughs. It also lacked emotional depth and narrative structure, and the subject matter felt too skimmed over to have much of an impact. Still, a decent one-time watch.

A brilliant directorial debut for Jerrod Carmichael with biting and fearless satire anchored by solid leads in Carmichael and Christopher Abbott.

[IonicBreezeMachine · 8/10 · 26 June 2022]

Depressed blue collar worker Val (Jerrod Carmichael) stuck in a dead end job and recently ended relationship visits his lifelong mentally troubled friend Kevin (Christopher Abbott) who's currently in a psychiatric holding facility after having recently attempted suicide. Val breaks Kevin out of the facility where the two agree on a joint suicide pact after taking one final day to close the books on their unfinished business.

On the Count of Three is the directorial debut for comedian Jerrod Carmichael who directs from a script by Carmichael Show alum Ari Katcher and Ryan Welch who's behind the Hulu series Ramy with Katcher. As seen in The Carmichael Show, Jerrod Carmichael is no stranger to approaching taboo or controversial topics in ways that are both humorous as well as brutally honest and while On the Count of Three isn't laugh out loud funny, it's a darkly humorous and enjoyably uncomfortable sit that tackles its broken characters with Carmichael's trademark frankness.

From the cold open that shows Val and Kevin pointing guns at each other counting up to three, the movie makes no secret of dark undercurrent of this story. From its jaunty soundtrack juxtaposed against depressing and grim imagery, the movie sets itself up as a quirky buddy comedy in its first scenes but as the film goes along it inches closer and closer to a darker and more twisted character piece that punishes its audience for identifying with Val and Kevin and pointing out how dysfunctional and unhealthy these two truly are. The movie tackles issues related to treatment of mental illness, gun control, racism, and abuse of all kinds (even sexual/child molestation) with Jerrod using Katcher and Welch's screenplay framing it as an actually discussion rather than laying it out for the audience and spoonfeeding it to the audience. On the Count of Three moves at a brisk pace at about 77 minutes not including credits, but Carmichael uses that pacing to excellent effect and you feel you get to know these characters warts and all.

I really liked this movie. It's a promising directorial effort for Jerrod Carmichael, features strong work from Carmichael and Christopher Abbott, and is unapologetic in its approach to taboo and charged subject matter. If On the Count of Three is any indication, Jerrod Carmichael may have a solid future directing other films.

Great debut by Jarrod Carmichael

[xNecRosex · 7/10 · 22 June 2022]

It's a solid debut.

A role made for Christopher Abbott, I love seeing him in films of this genre, it's totally fitting his look/behaviour.... it almost feels like he's not even acting, it's very genuine.

Looking forward to watching the director's next one!

Not what I was expecting but not disappointed

[leonmessyb · 7/10 · 14 May 2022]

With the cast for this movie, I was expecting more comedy than drama. I was surprised that I got the opposite. This movie touches on mental health, society as a whole, the challenges in life, trauma, friendship and more. This film is gripping and you really beignets invested in both characters. The film was the perfect length too. Worths. Watch.

Comedic, Emotional, and Filled With Heart

[sweidman-28016 · 7/10 · 30 January 2021]

Two guns. Two best friends. And a pact to end their lives when the day is done. One the Count of Three is today's crowd-pleaser, but on a different note. The parallels between this and I Don't Feel At This Home in This World Anymore feel all too real, especially since that one won the dramatic competition a couple years ago. The seriousness of suicide juxtaposed to the comedic best friends works perfectly. Christopher Abbott and Jerrod Carmichael have wonderful chemistry together. The casting is great. The script covers many topics, suicide being the main one, in a manner that lingers in your thoughts. For example, the last shot spoke so much without saying anything. For a directorial debut, Jarrod Carmichael did fantastic. I love actor-directors because they understand both sides, it's just the execution that is the question when going it. But there's no trouble directing here. Along the way, there's a few spots that slow down and didn't exactly work, but it still manages to work well in the end. By the way, the third act is done so well and one to think about. Moments throughout of the beauty of life and friendship made me like it more and more. I believe this will either win dramatic jury prize, audience dramatic, or maybe even both. One of the best Sundance has given us so far!

My favorite film I saw at Sundance

[Jblum5 · 9/10 · 18 February 2021]

I had the awards pass so in total I saw 7 films and with respect to CODA this was my top pick of the year.

Go ahead and try to explain the plot to someone and make yourself sound sane. A comedy about a man (Carmichael) finds out his best friend (Abbott) tried to kill himself 3 days prior and now wants them both to end their own lives. The subtlety in Camichael's performance is absolutely fantastic. When watching the film just take note of his level of emotion he is showing in each scene and how it changes as the film moves on. It is most interesting when he isn't talking. It is expertly done by someone known for just comedy. Abbott also shines as the damaged and crazed friend with 1999 Justin Timberlake hair who is dangerous one minute and sweet the next. The comedy lands throughout the film and this is because the film trusts it's audience to understand what is satire and what isn't. Their is no crowd-pleasing apology scene for its subject matter. No monologues about what we learned today. The film knows what it is and it's done well. I watched it with someone who was personally affected by suicide and he thought it was handled well. However if you're easily triggered this is not the film for you... and that is okay. Overall some production design could mildly improve it does look cheap at times but this was a fantastic film with great performances and the award winning script at Sundance. Don't miss it!

Laugh At My Pain?

[brittanystar-94340 · 6/10 · 23 August 2022]

On the Count of Three is the tale of two lifelong best friends who decide to end their suffering once and for all, and kill themselves. Labeled as a "dramedy" it's a solid attempt at finding some humor to such a dark topic. Yet the question remains...does it work? I think it's a step in the right direction, but there's much to be desired.

The tone is really where most of the faults lie. I don't think you can ever truly make suicide "funny." Bit of jokes are tossed throughout the movie, but the film is so stern it feels inappropriate to laugh at them. It also doesn't help that the chemistry between our two leads is a little stale. Despite being lifelong best friends, I never felt they cared about one another (or had anything in common, except being depressed.) Sure you see it in the film (with one life-saving scene after another) but to me it felt like damage control from the screenwriters to make up for the shoddy dialogue between them.

There was also too much plot for this film. I'd think killing oneself would be plot enough, but they go on a few goose chases to right their wrongs as well. (Not atypical, but the movie is under 90 minutes, so of course, it's rushed.) Thus the film actually doesn't end up saying anything extraordinary.

All in all: an interesting premise, an average execution. Not bad for a debut, but left me stolid.

Subversive and wholly satisfying

[benjaminskylerhill · 9/10 · 19 July 2022]

Solidly directed, splendidly acted, and wholly hilarious and witty while never losing its sharp edge of dark profound observations on life, loss, and purpose.

I was surprised how the script manages to handle so many subplots and themes with grace and care, with none of them ever overshadowing the others.

The characters are all monumentally flawed, saying and doing things that I certainly didn't agree with, but that's what made for such a satisfying human experience.

Tiffany Haddish is in the movie for less than 5 minutes and she manages to portray what is arguably her best character on screen. That alone makes this movie worth checking out.

A tough film to balance handled pretty well

[jtindahouse · 7/10 · 1 January 2023]

I've actually thought in the past that the concept of someone deciding to end their life, but having people they'd like to hurt first would make for a great movie. Turns out it makes for an okay movie. A could've been better, could've been worse movie.

Some films like this sell out. They promise a lot at the start, but then ultimately deliver nothing and take the safe route home. I liked that 'On the Count of Three' wasn't afraid to go to some very heavy places and take some risks along the way. I imagine this would've been a tough film to write the conclusion to and I thought they did a pretty good job.

The film is very short (85 minutes with almost 10 minutes of credits), so even if it's not your thing it isn't a massive commitment. I thought it was pretty good for the most part but I'm not sure it will stick with me. 7/10.

Rewarding Experience!

[pangipingu · 8/10 · 22 May 2022]

On the Count of Three is a beautiful film about friendship, empathy, and mental health. The two main characters, Kevin and Val, are lifelong pals who would do literally anything for each other. These bosom buddies are currently at the end of their ropes and see no way out of their situations but to end their lives. Forming a suicide pact, they set out on a journey to savor their last day on Earth, embarking on adventures of a tragicomic nature. An oft-underrated actor, Christopher Abbott delivers a stellar performance worthy of accolades. Carmichael on the other hand proves himself as an adept director with a bright future ahead. One last note: Kudos to the person in charge of music! Truly aced it. Go Team Indie Movies!

A solid movie

[chazzdoover · 7/10 · 3 February 2023]

On the count of three. This was a good movie. It had its funny moments it had it sad moments. Overall it gave you what you were looking for if you were looking for a dialogue Driven thought-provoking movie. Some of the political agendas feel a bit forced. But overall this shows that Jared Carmichael is a filmmaker at heart to create something unique and entertaining at the same time. I would recommend this to the people looking for a refreshing independent film. That being said it is not for everybody. With that being said go into it with an open mind and you'll find that it does make you think while keeping you engaged with the Intriguing dialogue. Definitely a highlight in the 2021 Indie circuit.

Decent

[FeastMode · 5/10 · 21 May 2022]

This is a decent movie that does a good job making you care about the characters and their struggles. The two leads give great performances and the movie has a good message. It does a nice job portraying the mental health aspects.

I chose this movie because the first genre listed is comedy. But it was maybe 5% comedy. And a drama about mental health struggles isn't something I normally go for. If that's a subgenre you enjoy then I think you will like it. (1 viewing, 5/20/2022)

Wonderful Debut Film, Nonsensical Message

[literaryhumanist · 6/10 · 18 November 2022]

I watch Jerrod Carmichael's special "Rothaniel" before watching this film. I loved it. I'm a bigger fan of feature films than comedy specials, so I thought I was going to love "On the Count of Three" even more. And while I enjoyed the film for the most part, the ending and overall quickness of the film left a sour taste in my mouth. Spoilers by the way.

Not counting the credits, the film is only eighty, eighty- five minutes at most. That's not a bad thing by any means. I do believe you shouldn't waste time. But there are a few additions that would make the film stronger from an emotional perspective. Adding a scene or two more with Henry Winkler as the awful therapist would make his death more meaningful. We know he's a bad dude from the two scenes he's in, but the lack of specific traits or backstory makes the character seem less like an evil human and more like a being in passing. Winkler is more alluded to be evil rather than acting as a proper antagonist.

Similar critique can be said of Tiffany Haddish's character Tasha. She's the primary motivator for one of our two main characters. Yet we only get one solid scene of character development. The main problem is we don't get a view of Val and Tasha's relationship before the events of the film. Why Val became so distant in the first place apart from depression? Why wasn't his first instinct to talk to her about these feelings? I understand the audience can fill in the blanks on some things, but considering the ending, the relationship needed a little room for exploration.

My final major gripe is the ending. Kevin following through on his suicide whilst Val goes to prison. The final shot is Val spending time with his daughter in a prison Father's Day party. I like the sentiment of Val finding purpose through raising his daughter, but he lost as much as he gained which makes ending far more sad than I think Carmichael intended.

Val lost his best friend and went to jail. Not because of his own faults, but because of Kevin's reckless abandon. I understand Kevin had nothing to lose, but he also makes it clear how much he cared about Val. Kevin wouldn't want Val to go to prison because of him. The ending makes a lot of sense, but doesn't allow for a lot of emotional weight. Which considering the main theme of the film is suicide, is disappointing.

I'll finish this review with a summary of the good things. The film's mood, tone, and setting are fantastic. It nails the "depressing dead-end town" feeling. The performances by Carmichael, Christopher Abbott, and Lavell Crawford all have great moments of fun and sadness. And the country-esque soundtrack is not all that present, but fits like a glove for a film about depressed outsiders.

I enjoyed this film overall, but I don't see myself returning to it anytime soon. It's a decent one-and-done kind of film that seemed to need a few deleted scenes added back in to make it great. But for a feature film debut, Jerrod Carmichael is doing good and I'm excited about what he'll do in the future.

Good little oddity with a good cast

[justahunch-70549 · 7/10 · 3 September 2023]

Cute, sometimes clever, never boring and a bit different from first time director Jerrod Carmichael and he does a pretty good job. This odd little film stumbles now and then but for the most part it's quite entertaining. I swear that Christopher Abbott is more than determined not to be a leading man in major films. The man is in so many oddball films giving so many oddball performances, but I don't mean that in a negative way. He is always very interesting though this is the most lightweight performance I think I've ever seen him give despite the ending. Carmichael is just as strong in the acting department as he is in the directing department in this story of two guys who plan on ending their lives at the same time together. It's pretty clear things aren't going to go quite to plan with the only question being just what that is. It's a bit downbeat, but it's also rather humorous in a dark sort of way.

On the Count of Three

[FKDZ · 6/10 · 18 February 2023]

On the Count of Three is a dark comedy drama with a fairly engaging plot, the dynamic between characters is pretty great, directing is fine and in general it doesn't feel amateur. However it lacks strength in subtly, some acting, story and writing.

Directing is fine, though not as exciting as could be. One thing that felt the weakest was the lack of focus on the emotions of the two main characters. Like the bully scene(s). They all just need that extra push, both in performance but also framing. Pacing was oké, some imbalance.

The story is really dark. Filled with heavy themes. It does have a nice mix of comedy in between some of that, dark comedy. Though it wasn't enough to give the movie that necessary dynamic. It does bottom out sometimes during it's runtime. But the way the movie handled it's dark themes was kind of a miss for me. It felt blunt, in ways that never really meshed with the correct bluntness or anger. There needs to be the underlying hatred, the anger within. Both characters though seem to be written to be an extreme of either personality types, without the nuance to add the depth. Both of them just never felt fully realized to me. Besides that there's tons of blunt social commentary which is also used as humor, but also not, it's kind of in between, and for me never landed. Taking me out of the movie a bit. And this goes with the personality types as well being not fleshed out enough.

Thing is there was a ton of potential here. But the setups and payoffs were weak, and the in between never as convincing as it should have been. I kept waiting for ''that'' moment that made the movie whole. But it never happend.

I think acting was good, just never pushed to it's full potential. Kevin had that foundation, and Val could've really used a scene where he broke. Just needed *those* heavy emotional moments, to go along with such a dark plot.

I floats between being a comedy, a dark drama, and neither really coming to fruition.

Looking forward to more from Jerrod Carmichael

[stylss · 8/10 · 13 May 2022]

Hilarious, genuine, relatable, nihilistic, emotional, and surprising.

A well executed and well-paced dark comedy starring and directed by Jerrod Carmichael for his debut. The performances and chemistry between him and Christopher Abbott were undeniable and authentic to the point were they really seemed like childhood friends. For such a dark subject matter, the entire theater audience and myself were laughing the entire time but be warned there is some heavy stuff joked about here.

Nicely done but kinda forgettable

[akoaytao1234 · 6/10 · 31 August 2023]

Two friends tries to make a suicide pact and failed miserably. With the feeling of impending doom still looming in their heads, both decides to make a final push to finish those who wronged them into a darkly comedic direction

I think the film is admirable. It is not really anything special to be honest. Its just the right enough adept that it is a fun watching experience. The acting between Carmichael and Abbott was nicely done though not explicitly outstanding. The direction (also by Carmichael) was nicely done, especially for a debut feature - will actively look for his future works.

Overall, a good but forgettable material.

Sundance 2021: On the Count of Three carries enough humor, but it's the emotionally investing screenplay and characters that steal the show.

[msbreviews · 8/10 · 30 January 2021]

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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 a big part. In this regard, I wasn't disappointed. Christopher Abbott (Possessor) is particularly funny with all his self-debates about taboo matters such as racism and general discrimination, but there are several meaningful messages "hidden" in the seemingly comedic scenes. Let me also praise Jerrod Carmichael for his grounded, emotionally compelling display and for his terrific directing. The actors share impeccable chemistry and transform a supposedly close friendship into something really authentic.

Val (Carmichael) and Kevin (Abbott) are incredibly relatable, which could make a movie about committing double suicide a bit dangerous. The screenplay from Ari Katcher and Ryan Welch is carefully written in a way that clearly demonstrates how different people deal with depression, sadness, stress, and so many other aspects in life that bring people down. Fortunately, these characters are built and developed in such a rich, enlightening manner that the ending - while shocking in its essence - works beautifully as a message that life is worth living no matter how tough it might be. This might be a confusing statement to write for people who have already seen the film, but it all has to do with the care that the viewers gain for the protagonists.

The first act puts them at equal standpoints regarding suicide, but throughout the runtime, it's shown to the audience what happened in each of their lives. It's the subtle conversations, the apparently insignificant jokes here and there that ultimately turn the climax so emotionally effective. The best compliment I can offer this movie is that the ending - despite being somewhat expected - clearly transmits to the public what's right and wrong. Technically, exceptional camera work from Marshall Adams (beautiful long takes) and an amazing score from Owen Pallett elevate the overall picture. I wish the characters could have been more explored, but having in mind the short runtime, it's truly a great piece of filmmaking.

On the Count of Three is one of those films I know I'll undoubtedly rewatch more than just a couple of times. Boasting two phenomenal performances from Christopher Abbott and Jerrod Carmichael (also the director), the genuine chemistry between the two actors elevate a close friendship into something that makes the viewers deeply care about their fate. Tremendous praise to Ari Katcher and Ryan Welch's screenplay, which is definitely the element that makes this movie one of the best I've seen this year. By writing it with extreme care and responsibility, the predictable yet impactful ending doesn't leave a margin for doubts about what's right or wrong. Everyone deals with the bad moments in life differently, but life is always worth living. I felt emotionally invested in the main characters to the point of wishing the film was longer so that the writers could dive deep into these protagonists. Technical shoutouts to the impressive camera work and remarkable score. In the end, I couldn't recommend it more.

Rating: A-

Not really a comedy, but an important lesson on mental health

[balthesaur · 8/10 · 18 June 2022]

Trigger Warning: this film deals heavily with suicide.

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'On the Count of Three' is a story about Val (Jerrod Carmichael), a man who has given up on life, and his best friend and suicide attempt survivor, Kevin (Christopher Abbott). Together they make a pledge to kill each other in a double-suicide pact after a free-for-all last day alive.

This film is really engaging in a lot of ways. Both of the main characters have detailed and explored backstories, which helps build relatability with their lives. Even though the film is marketed as a comedy, it really doesn't have any 'laugh out loud' moments; it's more subtle, nuanced humor in an otherwise somber-toned film.

Direction, video, acting, and flow are all very well done! The content is obviously dark in nature, but it feels organic in how it is presented.

Definitely worth a watch!

Metal or classic song?

[PedroPires90 · 5/10 · 26 May 2022]

Feels like an unfinished product, never sure about what it wants to be. I don't even mean in terms of genre, as I guess it's supposed to be a dramedy and fails on that - surprisingly, the funny bits don't work at all! In a film with such a strong and in your-face soundtrack, it's curious that the film doesn't know if it wants to be a full metal piece or just a classical opera and it's on that weird approach to such strong thematics - with a 20 seconds exploration in some cases - that this don't land at all.

Good acting from the duo, interesting different perspectives and arcs (even if it feel rushed) and some interesting bits about parallel stories/events, even if it tries too touch in too many subjects at the same time.

personal on so many levels

[hernandezadam-08704 · 10/10 · 30 January 2021]

Words cannot describe how great this was for a directorial debut. jerrod carmichaels and christopher abbotts chemistry on screen was just so unbelievably good and hilarious. it also has dark takes on suicide and depression that oddly felt comforting to me because I deal with those issues too.

Amazing movie, might be one of the darkest films i've ever watched and I really cant describe how much I love this.

[nohoesraul · 9/10 · 3 September 2022]

This movie is amazing and kept my eyes clenched open in some parts. The performance, the acting, the environment, mostly everything about this movie is amazing. Every time someone says "this film is not for the faint of heart" or "the film broke me", I go ahead and watch the movie and realize that people are overreacting. But this one, this one was completely different. It does an amazing job displaying depression and suicidal thoughts, I don't really relate to this movie that much but I really wish I did to get the full effect of the movie.

The display of the five stages of grief in this movie is amazing to me, Carmichael has done this better than any other movie i've ever watched. The way he managed to get a laugh or two from me in a movie about suicide really shows how talented he is. To think this is his directorial debut is crazy. He has a lot of potential and this is already a really good kick starter.

Abbott's performance and acting was amazing, most of the time he was on screen I would completely forget that i'm watching a movie. I would feel like if I was there listening to him, he did an outstanding job with his acting. Of course I have to credit Carmichael acting too, although it was not as great as Abbot's acting it was still some amazing performances. Both characters really had me still and I felt like I was connected with them somehow.

The ending, i'm not gonna describe what happened in the ending because I want to make this review completely spoiler-free. But let me tell you, this is one of those endings so jaw opening and shocking that it left me standing still staring at the credits till the whole thing completely ends, only 2 other movies i've watched have got me like this at the ending.

This film is incredibly underrated due to the controversial and sensitive topic of suicide, of course this movie wouldn't fit with some other people, I definitely recommend you to watch it.

Truly a masterpiece of pain.

(Specific Rating: 9.4/10)

If you read up till the end, thank you, this is my first review on IMDb and I plan on making more in the future.

A Dark Comedy With So Many Subliminal Gems!

[zac-68274 · 9/10 · 14 May 2022]

Carmichael and Abbott had perfect timing creating a great performance. One person gets incompetent psychological treatment and the other one doesn't but life plays an immoral trick cursing them both with maniac depression and distrust for humanity.

Snoozer

[krishill91 · 5/10 · 15 May 2022]

Jerrod Carmichael and Christopher Abbott best years are behind them. One would even go to the length of saying that Jerrod is competely white washed for having any hand in this production, let alone directing it. Tori Hammond was the only shining star in this god awful diaster.