On the Count of Three takes a dark yet comedic look at living life as if it’s your last day on earth. Though the subject matter is quite heavy and can be triggering at times, Jerrod Carmichael handles the story with care. Being able to examine serious themes, depression, poverty, suicide, during a short 85 minute runtime, he delivers a heartfelt feature directorial debut.

Following a failed suicide attempt, Kevin (Christopher Abbott, Possessor) is involuntarily checked into a psychiatric ward. His childhood best friend Val (Jerrod Carmichael, The Carmichael Show) is dealing with similar demons. So the two hatch a joint suicide pact. With a gun in his face, Kevin comes to the realization he has some unfinished business to take care of, so the two give themselves one final day to face their demons and live life to the fullest, uninhibited by consequence.

The film exquisitely demonstrates how minor inconveniences can be blown out of proportion due to mental illness and the negative mindscape that creates. Writers Ari Katcher and Ryan Welch approach many extremes while keeping the story rooted in reality. Much of what has impeded Kevin and Val is their unwillingness to deal with the issues that got them to this point, but together, they can enable one other to take risks that felt impossible up until now. For Val it’s confronting his abusive father, played by J.B Smoove (Mr. Deeds) and opening up to his girlfriend Natasha (Tiffany Haddish, Girls Trip). Kevin has a more difficult journey. Having been walked over his whole life, he must declare himself powerful and accost his former psychiatrist, Henry Winkler (Arrested Development), for exacerbating his issues. Behind the heavy subject matter is a charming bromance that inspires these characters to not let obstacles prevent them from reaching their goals. 

Poking fun at gun control, white supremacy, and race helps pacify much of the heavy material. Kevin is obsessed with the idea of jamming out to Papa Roach’s “Last Resort”, but Val will not put up with such corny behavior. Jokes like this gives the audience room to breathe, making the serious moments that occur much more impactful. 

Abbott and Carmichael’s chemistry is electric. The way they bounce off each other is like they’ve been best friends since birth. Abbott captures this suburban joker, broken by years of trauma, resulting as a shell of the person he’s meant to be. His pain is gut wrenching - even in such a dark place, Kevin tries to convince his best friend out of taking his life. That comes off as hypocritical to Val, who feels his pain isn’t temporary either. Carmichael's performance expresses so much uncertainty. He can’t go on living this way, but he worries of what deviation will be left in his wake. Haddish gives her best and most honest performance to date. With only having five minutes of screentime, she is able to leave such an emotional impact.

The film feels slightly rushed, never wanting to linger in the hevy moments, but that doesn’t impede on the experience. The script is sharp and nihilistic, but surprisingly hilarious and full of heart. What truly makes the film successful and worth watching is Abbott and Carmichael’s dynamite chemistry. It is through their connection and unwavering loyalty that they’re able to find lots of hope and optimism. Brilliance can be found in such a dark place. 

If you or a loved one is in crisis, please reach out to National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 

Acting and Casting - 2 | Visual Effects and Editing - 1 | Story and Message - 2 | Entertainment Value - 2 | Music Score and Soundtrack - 1| Reviewer's Preference -2  | What does this mean?