Our ‘On the Count of Three’ review was first published as part of our Sundance Film Festival 2021 coverage.

Where to watch: ‘On the Count of Three’ opens this Friday, May 13th in select theaters.

Stand-up comedian Jerrod Carmichael isn’t afraid to get dark and dirty in the director’s chair and on-screen in his filmmaking debut On the Count of Three. Playing opposite a Robert Pattinson in Good Time-looking Christopher Abbott, the film is a tightly packaged character study that tackles sensitive subjects like mental health and suicidal thoughts while remaining slightly absurd and, at times, darkly humorous.

The responsibilities of being a “best friend” can have different meanings for different people. To Val (Carmichael), it means helping Kevin (Christopher Abbott) break out of an involuntary hold at a mental institution and create a suicide pact that would put them both out of their misery forever. It’s definitely a notch above wearing matching heart-shaped necklaces. Intrigued by the idea, and just relieved to escape another day playing checkers with a schizophrenic, Kevin obliges, and the two make their getaway to end their lives.

Just as the boys are about to pull the trigger on each other, Kevin panics as he realizes that he wants a couple more hours to wrap up unfinished business in his personal life. Val agrees, and a “Save The Date” for their double suicide is set for later that night. Their last joyride is anything but joyous.

Blasting Papa Roach’s Last Resort, Val and Kevin leave a trail of destruction in their wake as they visit people from their past to either make amends or kick their ass, there is no in-between. Comforted by knowing there are no repercussions for a dead person, their actions become increasingly outrageous and careless. But it’s not long until Val gets disillusioned with the idea of death and starts second-guessing his own suicide pact.

With its Thelma & Louise-like shenanigans mixed with the graphicness of a David Cronenberg film, On The Count of Three is bold. It has its funny moments but don’t be fooled, this film is somber as hell. Mental health issues, childhood trauma, and walking depression are just some of the heavy themes that are woven throughout.

The cinematography by Marshall Adams captures the despair and struggle the boys are feeling. Low angle shots reminiscent of a Yorgos Lanthimos picture give the feeling of uneasiness, an off-balance dynamic between actor and audience, and we can only watch and wait for the other shoe to drop. The close-ups are also profound because it was the first time I noticed Christopher Abbott has freckles.

Aided by a beautiful score from composer and frequent Arcade Fire collaborator Owen Pallett, On the Count of Three is an existential bromance that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

1h 26m. Distributed by Annapurna Pictures.