How far would you go for a friend? “On the Count of Three” explores the supposed final day of two friends intent on ending their lives. The film marks a major milestone for its star Jerrod Carmichael; the comedian and actor helms the project from co-writers Ari Katcher and Ryan Welch. For Carmichael, ‘Three’ builds on what has already been a fantastic year. He’s garnering positive reviews for the HBO special “Rothaniel” and recently hosted an episode of “Saturday Night Live.”
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It might surprise some viewers to know that ‘Three’ came about well before either of those major events. In 2021, the film played to audiences during that year’s Sundance Film Festival. While only a virtual event due to Covid, its impact was felt nonetheless. Carmichael finds a perfect collaborator in actor Christopher Abbott. The Playlist’s Robert Daniels highlighted Abbott as “…showing a pure, spontaneous essence under a Robert-Pattinson-in-“Good-Time” exterior.” Abbott is also set to appear in the highly anticipated “Kraven the Hunter.” ‘Three’ also stars Tiffany Haddish — with appearances by JB Smoove and Henry Winkler.
The film’s official synopsis:
From Annapurna Pictures (“Spring Breakers,” “Sorry to Bother You,” “Booksmart”) and Orion Pictures, Jerrod Carmichael makes his directorial debut and stars in “On the Count of Three,” a darkly comic feature about two best friends, Val (Carmichael) and Kevin (Christopher Abbott), on the last day of their lives.
Friends contemplate the consequences of life and death in “On the Count of Three.” The film is set for limited release on May 13. Watch the trailer below. Note the red-band trailer has a trigger warning as the film centers on suicide and mental health issues.