The Count (2012) User Reviews

Found footage film surprises on all levels.

[scheffilm · 8/10 · 7 May 2014]

Luke Launer's 'The Count' is a tour de force. From the word go we are taken on a non stop journey of intensity through the lens of a camcorder held by Chris who has gathered family and friends to celebrate his partner, Amy's birthday. The story cleverly hooks the audience into Chris and Amy's relationship early on preparing us for the worst. The worst being the tirade of two off the wall criminals, Marko and a serial killer by the name of Jericho who torment and storm Chris and Amy's home.

The use of storytelling through the perspective of the camcorder becomes forgotten as the film moves forward. This style is further enhanced by the clever editing/addition of typical film style shots we see in narrative films. This helps to complement the footage found scenario without it being over bearing and jolting for the audience.

Not only has Luke Launer written and directed the film he also acts in the role of Jericho. Jericho who gets his kicks out of tormenting his victims with a sick game called 'The Count' is the devil reincarnated. Launer's performance of Jericho definitely streams from a deep and dark place which I hope no one ever encounters in their life time, it's that insane.

Overall 'The Count' is an intense story, well performed and executed, that leaves little breathing space for the viewer when it hits its peak. One tip don't go in watching this after a bad day...Enjoy!

"Nail Biting"

[julianpillirone · 10/10 · 9 May 2014]

"The Count" keeps you on the edge of your seat. Really thrilling and you can feel the emotion portrayed. The performances made by Dan Hill and Nicole Davidow were incredible, Luke Launer's performance especially was one that stood out and was really intense. It goes to show that when you bring the most talented individuals together they can truly make something worth remembering. Well written story with great combination of cinematographer to back it. Not all directors can feed the curiosity to keep you enthralled, Luke Launer does it well to keep you fixated to find out what will happen next. Like all games they have rules, and with all players they don't always play by them.

Peter Spowart

[lut_e_lut · 6 May 2014]

There is a slow build up to the violence in which we see the reality of the characters. We see how events are being recorded, by anyone capable of picking up a camcorder. We get thoroughly used to an amateurish use of the camera. So there is an illusion of something happening now. The actual home invasion is not shown, there is a jump forward to two victims apparently unconscious and restrained. The main tormentor appears and explains his mad logic. One of the victims is tortured and killed. The woman is injured. Eventually the two intruders start fighting each other and the recording stops. Very good acting all round. Camera techniques reminiscent of John Cassavetes. Great control in the editing. Audio was designed for a decent sound system and is obviously better than what was the Revolt experience. Audience would be massively disappointed that there can never be a sequel where Jericho is brought to book or metamorphoses into a demon.