Code 3 is a heart-warming drama disguised as a cynical dark comedy, but that is precisely what makes it so good. Rainn Wilson is perfectly cast to play a burned-out EMT trying to cope with the complexities of his work. The film is an emotional roller coaster with tension, fun, and surprising depth.

Randy has been working as an underappreciated EMT for the past 18 years. He’s seen horrors and become completely numb to emotion. But something keeps him coming back. And over the course of one 24-hour shift with a new trainee, Randy confronts the range of his emotions regarding this work.

Code 3 Cleverly & Authentically Navigates Complex Subject Matter

Code 3 is designed to be a dark comedy. The movie leans heavily into its twisted humor, and while discussing graphic and intense scenes, it plays into the morbidity and callousness that someone like Randy may rely on to cope with the intense workload. However, the true strength of this film lies in how it depicts several aspects of this exhausting work.

With the film largely set in one 24-hour shift, Randy has the opportunity to reᴀssess what he knows through the eyes of a particularly bright and inquisitive new rookie. And while it plays into the dramatic, the story comes off as sincere and meaningful, resulting in a genuinely touching film that navigates emotion with incredible tact and skill.

With the writing by Patrick Pianezza and co-writer/director Christopher Leone, Code 3 is a wonderful accomplishment and a testament to what is possible when the narrative is strong and well-designed. Of course, with incredible performances from Wilson and his co-stars, Lil Rel Howery and Aimee Carrero, the film comes together beautifully.

Code 3 Works Smarter, Not Harder

The movie is a great example of what can be achieved when it focuses on the characters and works within its means. The story is captivating, with tension building throughout, until it finally resolves in an incredibly satisfying way.

The humor may be a little too crude for some, and the dark nature of the comedy could turn others away, but realistically, this movie achieves what it sets out to do. It conveys a powerful message, and does so with humor and grace. It effectively plays to its strengths as a character-focused story, with actors who understood the director’s vision and then brought it to life with layered performances.

Code 3 is a stunning film that boasts a career-defining performance for Rainn Wilson. It delivers on almost every level. It has a beautiful mix of emotions, with some moments feeling incredibly tense, while others are overwhelmingly relieving. There is little more you could expect from a movie, and to see all of that captured in an unᴀssuming dark comedy is spectacular.

Code 3 is now playing in limited theaters.