Directed by
Justin Dec
Made by
STX Entertainment
Discover the intricate plot of Countdown (2019). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
At a lively party, teenager Courtney is persuaded by her friends to download a mysterious app called Countdown, which claims to predict how much time a user has left to live. To her shock, the app reveals that she has merely three hours remaining before her time expires. When she wisely avoids getting into a car with her inebriated boyfriend Evan, she receives a chilling notification stating that she has violated the “user agreement.” Tragically, upon returning home, she’s attacked by an unseen force and faces a grim fate as her countdown hits zero. Simultaneously, Evan encounters a catastrophic accident, with a tree branch crashing through his seat – the very spot where Courtney would have been.
Afterwards, Quinn Harris, a nurse at the hospital where Evan arrives injured, faces her own set of challenges. She’s a target of continuous harassment from her boss, Dr. Sullivan, and is too fearful to speak out since she has only just achieved her nursing credentials. Upon discovering Evan in a restricted area of the hospital, he reveals his deepening fears related to Courtney and the ominous app. Though she initially dismisses his fears, Quinn succumbs to peer pressure and downloads Countdown, only to be horrified when it warns her that she has just three days left to live. After Evan decides to skip his surgery, he unwittingly breaks the app’s user agreement, leading to a chilling encounter with a demonic version of Courtney that results in his death.
In the wake of this chaos, Quinn visits her home to retrieve a crucial document and faces her younger sister, Jordan, whose relationship with Quinn has been strained since their mother passed away. The next day, upon learning of Evan’s death, she snatches up his phone. After canceling plans to spend time with Jordan and their father, she receives yet another shocking notification indicating that she has also broken the user agreement. As she endures further harassment from Sullivan, she embarks on a frantic search for answers about the app, learning about Courtney’s demise and others who faced similar fates—though many dismiss these as hoaxes. Terrified by a vision of the deceased Evan, Quinn abandons her apartment.
The following day, Jordan finds Quinn and uncovers the horrifying news: the app indicates Quinn has only a day left to live. In a desperate attempt to escape her fate, Quinn purchases a new phone, but to her horror, the Countdown app installs itself again. After a terrifying encounter with a demonic figure, she meets Matt, whose app predicts his death just hours before Quinn’s.
Together, they turn to the hospital’s priest, Father John, for help, only to discover that Quinn has been falsely accused by Sullivan of sexual harassment. This leads to her suspension, while Matt faces an assault by the app’s sinister entity, which has taken the form of his deceased brother. Join forces, they discover that the user agreement can be circumvented if they reject their predetermined deaths. With this newfound hope, they seek Father John’s guidance, learning that the app’s coding may hold the key to their survival. They enlist the help of Derek, a phone salesman, and uncover the dreadful truth: Jordan has unwittingly downloaded the app, sealing her fate just before Quinn’s predicted demise.
In a frantic race against time, they modify the app to extend their lifespans, but their victory is short-lived when Quinn is attacked, and their countdowns reset. After Jordan is viciously assaulted by the Ozhin, a demon identified by Father John, they devise a last-ditch plan to survive: they must beat the countdown by one second. Despite preparing a protective warding circle, Matt is lured outside by the Ozhin and ultimately meets his tragic end.
When Jordan is also targeted by the demon, Quinn, driven by desperation, makes the ultimate sacrifice by overdosing, intending to take down the Ozhin with her. In a moment of clarity, she scribbles “Narcan” on her arm in a bid for survival. Thankfully, Jordan revives her with Naloxone, and they manage to stop the timers just in time.
Later, the sisters and their father pay a visit to their mother’s grave. As they leave, they hear about Sullivan’s arrest following multiple allegations from fellow nurses about his misconduct. Just when they think they are safe, Quinn discovers that her phone has ominously updated to Countdown 2.0.
In a chilling mid-credit scene, the phone salesman Derek finds himself on a date, only for his Countdown app to alert him that he has broken the user agreement, with dreadful consequences lurking just around the corner.
Track the key events of Countdown (2019) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Download of Countdown App
At a lively party with her friends, teenager Courtney is convinced to download a mysterious app called Countdown. The app is said to predict how much time a user has left to live, and Courtney is shocked when it reveals she has only three hours remaining.
Courtney's Warning
After realizing her countdown is ticking down fast, Courtney avoids getting into a car with her drunk boyfriend, Evan. However, she receives a notification from the app indicating she has violated the user agreement, intensifying her fear.
Courtney's Grim Fate
Tragically, upon returning home, Courtney is attacked by an unseen force as her countdown hits zero. The chilling nature of her death emphasizes the app's power and horror.
Evan's Near-Death Experience
Meanwhile, Evan suffers a catastrophic accident when a tree branch crashes through his seat, an act of fate that mirrors Courtney's previous choices. This incident underscores the peril lurking in their lives due to the app.
Quinn's Encounter
Quinn Harris, a nurse at the hospital where Evan is treated, learns about the app from him. Initially dismissive, she is soon compelled to download Countdown herself, only to discover she has three days left to live.
Evan's Decision
Evan decides to skip his necessary surgery, unwittingly breaking the app's user agreement. This choice leads to a horrifying encounter with a demonic version of Courtney, resulting in Evan's death.
Quinn's Family Strains
After Evan's death, Quinn visits her younger sister, Jordan, at home. Their relationship is strained as they navigate the aftermath of their mother’s passing, adding emotional layers to their struggles together.
Quinn's Desperation
Learning about Evan's death, Quinn's desperation grows as she quickly snatches up Evan's phone, seeking information. A new shocking notification alerts her that she has also broken the user agreement.
Discovery of the Harassment
As she navigates the challenges with her boss Dr. Sullivan, Quinn becomes increasingly fearful about the Countdown app. She begins to investigate, discovering Courtney's fate and other similar experiences, igniting her resolve for answers.
The Countdown's Prediction
The following day, Jordan finds Quinn and delivers horrifying news that the app indicates Quinn has only one day left to live. Faced with the urgency of escape, Quinn attempts to buy a new phone.
Matt's Entry
Quinn meets Matt, whose app predicts his death just hours before her own countdown expires. They ally to uncover a way to break free from the app's curse, forging a bond in their shared terror.
Confronting the Priest
Together with Father John, they learn crucial information about the app's coding that may hold the key to their survival. However, Quinn's reputation is threatened when Sullivan falsely accuses her of harassment.
The Sacrifice
In the ultimate act of desperation, Quinn overdoses, trying to take down the demon Ozhin. In a twist of fate, her sister Jordan manages to revive her, showcasing the depth of their bond amid chaos.
Mom's Grave Visit
Quinn and her sister visit their mother's grave, reflecting on their journey and losses. This moment underscores their emotional growth and perseverance through terror.
Countdown 2.0 Revelation
Just when the sisters think they are safe, Quinn discovers her phone has updated to Countdown 2.0, hinting that the horror may not yet be over. This ominous turn leaves an unsettling feeling of dread lingering.
Meet the characters that bring Countdown (2019) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Courtney
Courtney is a pivotal character whose decisions set off the harrowing chain of events in the film. Initially portrayed as carefree, her encounter with the Countdown app reveals a darker side of her fate. Her tragic demise serves as a catalyst for the following chaos, illustrating the fragility of life.
Quinn Harris
Quinn is a dedicated nurse battling both professional challenges and personal fears. Her journey reveals her strength and resilience as she navigates the horrors associated with the app. Her relationship with her sister adds emotional depth, showcasing her vulnerability and determination to protect her family.
Evan
Evan serves as a representation of youthful recklessness, whose choices lead to tragic outcomes. His relationship with Courtney foreshadows his own struggles with mortality. His character arc illustrates the consequences of decisions made in moments of intoxication and pressure from peers.
Father John
Father John is a spiritual guide who attempts to aid Quinn and Matt in their battle against the app. He embodies hope and faith amidst chaos, and his knowledge provides crucial assistance. His character showcases the intersection of faith and fear in times of crisis.
Dr. Sullivan
Dr. Sullivan represents authority figures who abuse their power through manipulation and harassment. His unethical behavior adds another layer of tension in the hospital setting, and his actions directly impact Quinn’s struggle for validation. His character is pivotal in driving the narrative conflict.
Uncover the settings of Countdown (2019), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
Present Day
The events occur in contemporary society, where technology plays a significant role in daily life. The impact of the app reflects current societal anxieties regarding mortality and the interaction between technology and reality. The present-day setting heightens the relevance of the movie's themes, resonating with modern audiences.
Location
Hospital, Quinn's Home, Cemetery
The movie takes place primarily in a hospital where Quinn works, which is fraught with tension and danger. Quinn's home serves as a backdrop for her personal struggles, particularly her relationship with her younger sister. The cemetery signifies the theme of loss and serves as a poignant reminder of past tragedies.
Explore the core themes of Countdown (2019). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
⏳
Mortality
The theme of mortality is central to the narrative as characters grapple with the countdown to their deaths. The app serves as a grim reminder of their limited time, leading to panic and desperation. This theme explores the fear of the unknown and the struggle to take control of one's fate in dire circumstances.
🔒
User Agreement
The concept of the user agreement becomes a critical element of the plot, representing the sacrifices and consequences tied to modern technology. It raises questions about consent and the unseen dangers of digital lives. Characters' attempts to navigate and manipulate this agreement highlight the tension between free will and fate.
👩👧
Sisterhood
The relationship between Quinn and her sister Jordan underscores the importance of family bonds. Their dynamic evolves through shared trauma, highlighting the resilience and support needed during crises. The film emphasizes how familial love can be both a source of strength and vulnerability.
What's After the Movie?
Not sure whether to stay after the credits? Find out!
Check out our other apps:
Actors
Companies
Latest Movies
© 2024 What's After the Movie?. All rights reserved.