It’s a great day to be alive.|May. 13, 2022|Canada|84 Min.|R
Genre: Comedy;Drama
Description: “On the Count of Three,” a 2021 American black comedy thriller, marks Jerrod Carmichael’s directorial debut. Written by Ari Katcher and Ryan Welch, the film features Carmichael alongside Christopher Abbott, Tiffany Haddish, J. B. Smoove, Lavell Crawford, and Henry Winkler. It premiered at the 2021 Sundance Film Festival on January 29, 2021, and was later released on May 13, 2022, by United Artists Releasing in collaboration with Annapurna Pictures and Orion Pictures.
The film follows two lifelong friends, Val (Carmichael) and Kevin (Abbott), who, overwhelmed by despair, make a pact to end their lives. The story begins with the duo in a desolate alley behind a strip club, preparing to carry out their grim plan. The narrative then shifts between flashbacks and the events of their final day, exploring the struggles that led them to this moment.
Val and Kevin’s pain stems from different sources. Kevin, a patient in a mental hospital following a suicide attempt, has long battled depression, rooted in a troubled past as a foster child, victim of bullying, and survivor of abuse. Val, on the other hand, grapples with intense frustration and anger, seemingly fueled by specific personal grievances rather than a prolonged sense of hopelessness.
Carmichael, known for his sharp wit and candid storytelling, brings a unique comedic tone to the film, balancing raw emotional weight with dark humor. “On the Count of Three” delves into themes of mental health, friendship, and the search for meaning, offering a poignant yet unsettling perspective on life’s struggles.
Cast director: Jerrod Carmichael
Cast actor: Jerrod Carmichael, Christopher Abbott, Tiffany Haddish, J.B. Smoove, Henry Winkler, Lavell Crawford, Craig Arnold, Sydney Van Delft, Allison Busner, Jamie Mac
Original name: On the Count of Three