On the Count of Three

On the Count of Three is a daring 2021 drama-comedy film that blends profoundness and edginess with hilarity. The movie marks the directorial debut of the talented stand-up comedian Jerrod Carmichael, better known for his uproarious humor and perfectly timed punchlines on stage. The movie also stars Carmichael alongside the brilliant Christopher Abbott, best known for his roles in Catch-22 and It Comes at Night. The film co-stars renowned actress and comedian Tiffany Haddish, whose palpable energy and distinct comedy style shine throughout the movie.

The story of On the Count of Three is a departure from Carmichael's typical fare of lighthearted humor. The narrative, grounded in realism, casts a whimsical yet hard-hitting look into the troubled lives of two childhood friends enduring their own personal crises. Carmichael plays Val, a man who, like his close friend Kevin (Abbott), bears a significant cross to bear in terms of mental health struggles. The pair decide to make an unusually morbid pact: they will live one final day of freedom before ending their lives together.

With this grim motivation steering them, Val and Kevin embark on a journey that is equal parts breathtaking, heart-wrenching, and humorously absurd. They revisit significant spots from their shared past, encounter impactful characters along the way, and confront unresolved issues from their lives. Each man has his own haunted past, but it's their joint despair that sets the course for an exploration into deeper societal issues. The movie deftly traverses themes about mental health, societal pressures, the health system’s failure, relationships, and the grim reality of adult life.

Yet, amidst the poignancy and dark undertones, humor seeps through at unexpected moments. There’s a constant juxtaposition between humor and heartbreak throughout the narrative, making the movie an emotional rollercoaster. Carmichael and Abbott's compelling performances hugely contribute to the film's impact. The duo has incredible chemistry on screen and brings in remarkable performances, be it in scenes of serious conversations, spontaneous laughter, or shared melancholy. Throw Tiffany Haddish into the mix with her effervescent personality and comic timing, and you've got a film that's as unpredictable as it is engaging.

The cinematic direction of On the Count of Three is impressive. Carmichael, despite this being his first venture into directing, showcases a natural ability to guide the narrative with precision and poise. The movie’s pacing is meticulously constructed, taking audiences through the build-up to the solemn pact and the various escapades that follow. Carmichael’s comedic background also shines through in the movie's numerous comedic moments, while he proves to be equally adept when managing darker, more somber scenes.

The supporting cast, comprising familiar faces like JB Smoove and Lavell Crawford, further bolsters the movie’s solid entertainment value. Each character contributes to the larger narrative, adding layers to it and helping build a rich tapestry of human emotions and experiences. The film uses satire and dark humor to provoke thought and awareness about mental health, presenting a rather distinct take on a subject that's predominantly addressed with overwhelming seriousness.

In terms of aesthetics, On the Count of Three is visually impressive, employing a muted color palette with occasional splashes of bold color to highlight the inherent contrasts within the storyline. The cinematography by Marshall Adams is simple yet effective, and the film's sound design works to complement its narrative and visuals, subtly enhancing the viewing experience.

On the Count of Three is a bold, groundbreaking film that leaves a lingering impact, thanks to the seamless fusion of humor and pathos. It manages to tackle tricky conversations around mental health and relationships wrapped in witticism and irony. Yet, it does so without undermining the gravity of its subject matter. The film is a testament to Carmichael's immense talent, both as an actor and as a director, and serves as a solid reminder of the exceptional storytelling capabilities of cinematic art. Regardless of its harsh premise, it's a movie that's worth a watch for its wonderful performances, handcrafted humor, and its nuanced exploration of some truly heavy themes.