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Mystery thriller

Head Count (2019): Cast, Ratings, Plot & Where to Watch

Head Count (2019) movie poster

Head Count is a 2019 mystery thriller directed by Elle Callahan, starring Isaac Jay as Evan, Ashleigh Morghan and Bevin Bru. It runs 1 hour 30 minutes. Critics gave it 90% on Rotten Tomatoes and 48 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 5.4/10. Stream it on Amazon Prime Video and Fawesome, or rent or buy it on Amazon Video and Apple TV Store.

IMDb rating
5.4/10
Rotten Tomatoes
90%
Echo Score
67
Metascore
48
Head Count (2019) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 30m (90 min)
Director
Elle Callahan
Genres
Mystery , Thriller , Horror
Original language
English
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Head Count About?

The premise of Head Count without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.

Gathered around a campfire in Joshua Tree, a group of teenagers share frightening stories, until a newcomer named Evan reads an ancient incantation from a website. This act unintentionally summons a sinister force that preys on their deepest fears, turning their spooky storytelling into a terrifying reality as they struggle to survive the night.

Head Count Themes & Keywords

· 38 tags
  • brother brother relationship
  • joshua tree
  • swollen ankle
  • weekend getaway
  • hot tub
  • lights go out
  • bare chested male
  • hairy chest
  • male underwear
  • brother
  • drinking game
  • curse
+26 more
  • demon
  • demonic
  • joshua tree california
  • suicide
  • blood
  • flirting
  • weekend
  • cell phone
  • creature
  • tequila
  • power outage
  • marijuana
  • disorientation
  • falling from height
  • broken ankle
  • beer
  • jealousy
  • drinking bleach
  • two word title
  • grindhouse film
  • shapeshifter
  • shapeshifting
  • vacation gone wrong
  • title directed by female
  • surprise ending
  • plot twist
Where to watch

Where to Watch Head Count

Stream it on Amazon Prime Video and Fawesome, or rent or buy it from Amazon Video and Apple TV Store. US availability and prices from JustWatch.

Streaming availability in the US, powered by JustWatch logo

Cast & crew

Head Count Cast & Characters

Isaac Jay leads the cast as Evan, with Ashleigh Morghan as Zoe and Bevin Bru as Camille. Directed by Elle Callahan; 12 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in Head Count

· 8 more
Ratings

Head Count Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Head Count 90% on Rotten Tomatoes and 48 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 5.4/10. Our Echo Score gives it 67/100, strongest in sensory experience (80) and weakest in story & flow (50).

67 /100

Head Count Echo Score Breakdown

Head Count shows strong visual style and technical craft, though its narrative unevenness and underdeveloped characters limit its impact. While critics and viewers laud the direction’s distinctive vision and the striking cinematography, many point out that the story’s pacing flags in the middle and the emotional stakes never fully cohere. Appreciation for the score and sound design adds sensory depth, but some feel the plot lacks urgency. Overall, Head Count is a technically assured thriller whose mixed storytelling earns a guarded recommendation.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 75

    In terms of art and craft, the film demonstrates a confident visual style with particularly strong cinematography and production design. Reviewers highlight the measured lighting, cohesive aesthetic, and disciplined framing that evoke a distinctive Kansas setting. The editing supports narrative shifts, although some note the pacing unevenness late in the film. On balance, the technical polish and creative camera work underscore Ellie Callahan’s promising directorial flair.

  • Character & Emotion 60

    When it comes to character and emotion, performances receive a mix of praise for charismatic leads and criticism for limited depth. Critics commend Aaron Jakubenko’s engaging presence and the ensemble’s commitment, while observations of underdeveloped supporting roles and weak emotional resonance recur. The chemistry occasionally falters, reducing empathy in key moments. Overall, the film offers solid acting but uneven character development.

  • Story & Flow 50

    In terms of story and flow, Head Count opens with intriguing supernatural hints and clever narrative turns but falters in the third act. Observers mention a slow first half that gains traction later, yet the plot cohesion weakens as character motivations remain vague. While the film injects originality into horror conventions, lulls in pacing and a basic resolution temper its engagement. On balance, the narrative’s uneven rhythm limits its overall impact.

  • Sensory Experience 80

    Regarding sensory experience, the film excels with a subtly atmospheric score and meticulous sound design that heighten psychological tension. Reviewers praise cohesive visual motifs, precise sound cues—like the muted tiger growl—and an understated color palette that reinforces mood. Though not reliant on overt gore, the audio-visual synergy sustains interest throughout. Overall, its sensory craftsmanship stands out as one of the film’s strongest assets.

  • Rewatch Factor 60

    When assessing rewatch value, opinions diverge on lasting appeal. The film’s stylistic flourishes and hidden audio-visual details invite repeat viewings, and some viewers appreciate its humor-infused dark moments on subsequent watches. However, the uneven narrative and limited character arcs diminish replay interest for others. Ultimately, its rewatch factor is moderate, appealing primarily to those drawn to its distinctive style rather than a broad audience.

Plot

Head Count Plot Summary

What happens in Head Count from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 3-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

Evan, a college student, embarks on a journey to Joshua Tree, California to reconnect with his older brother, Peyton. This trip is set as a chance for the two brothers to strengthen their bond while exploring the scenic desert landscapes. During their adventure, they encounter a lively group of nine vacationers, including photographer Zoe and her friends Camille, Tori, Vanessa, Haley, Nico, Max, Sam, and Bryan. As the day unfolds, Evan and Zoe share an unexpected connection, which deepens their bond.

Full summary

The whole story of Head Count, scene by scene

Read the full summary
Videos

Head Count Trailers & Videos

The trailer of Head Count.

Official Trailer
Quiz

How Well Do You Know Head Count?

10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 10

  1. Question 1: not answered
  2. Question 2: not answered
  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
  7. Question 7: not answered
  8. Question 8: not answered
  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

Where does Evan travel to reconnect with his older brother?

Cars

Cars in Head Count

34 cars on screen, including the 1968 Alfa Romeo Giulia Super and the 2018 Aston Martin DB11 Volante.

All 34 cars
  • 1968 Alfa Romeo Giulia Super in Head Count 1968 Alfa Romeo Giulia Super Important role
  • 2018 Aston Martin DB11 Volante in Head Count 2018 Aston Martin DB11 Volante Important role
  • 2015 Cadillac Escalade in Head Count 2015 Cadillac Escalade Important role
  • 1989 Jaguar XJ-S XJ27 in Head Count 1989 Jaguar XJ-S XJ27 Important role
Details

Head Count Also Known As

5 alternative titles, including “헤드 카운트” and “Пересчёт”.

Also known as
  • 헤드 카운트
  • Пересчёт
  • 아무도 없었다
  • Групата
  • 仿形魔

Seen Head Count?

FAQ

Head Count FAQ: Where to Watch, Cast & Runtime

Runtime, release date, director, cast, where to watch, ratings and post-credit scenes of Head Count, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Head Count?

Head Count runs 1 hour 30 minutes (90 minutes).

When was Head Count released?

Head Count was released on June 14, 2019.

Who directed Head Count?

Head Count was directed by Elle Callahan.

More films by Elle Callahan

Who is in the cast of Head Count?

Head Count stars Isaac Jay as Evan, Ashleigh Morghan as Zoe and Bevin Bru as Camille, among 12 credited actors.

Where can I watch Head Count?

In the US, Head Count is streaming on Amazon Prime Video, Fawesome and Hoopla and available to rent or buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store and Fandango At Home (availability from JustWatch).

How is Head Count rated?

Head Count has 5.4/10 on IMDb, 90% on Rotten Tomatoes, 48 on Metacritic and 53% on TMDB.

Does Head Count have a post-credit scene?

No. Head Count has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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