Parents' Guide to On the Count of Three

This uneven dramedy is intended to be an honest assessment of suicidal ideation and mental health. But watching it could be a difficult or even harmful experience, especially for people who are sensitive to discussions and imagery related to mental health in general and suicide in particular. That said, the film is well acted, with Carmichael and Abbott convincingly playing the two best friends struggling with their mental well-being. The supporting cast, including Tiffany Haddish, JB Smoove, and Henry Winkler, all provide different perspectives on what caused the two men to have poor mental health. Winkler and Smoove are each horrifying in their own way as paternal figures who caused drastic harm in Val and Kevin's childhoods, And as Val's ex-girlfriend Natasha, Haddish shows how, even if someone is struggling with mental health, it's important not to make decisions that could harm someone else.

Despite the great cast, the tonal shifts that On the Count of Three takes to try to lighten up its dark material feel wonky at best and bizarre and disturbing at worst. The main characters' trajectories regarding their feelings about suicide diverge, and a violent third act could inadvertently lead susceptible viewers into believing that death by suicide is the only option for people who have treatment-resistant conditions. Not only is that not true, but the implication is violently dangerous. The film might not be at the level of 13 Reasons Why in terms of glorifying suicide, but its lack of clarity or education on the subject could be just as harmful.

As stated in the film, if you or someone you know needs help, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK or text the Crisis Text Line (text TALK to 741741).