Reviews for the film are polarized, often reflecting the viewer's tolerance for "Z-grade" or indie production values.
The story follows (Michael Estridge), an ambitious young officer eager for action. Instead of chasing legendary warriors like Geronimo, he is tasked with a seemingly mundane mission: escorting two nuns back to safety. His squad is a ragtag group of misfits and "old men," including the veteran but disgraced Sgt. Whitlock (John Marrs), a civilian scout of questionable loyalty, and raw recruits.
Counting Bullets is an impressive feat of filmmaking considering it was shot with a crew of only two or three during pandemic lockdowns. It isn't a "great" Western in the traditional sense, but for fans of the genre who enjoy seeing what can be achieved with grit and a camera, it is a watchable, entertaining find .
The film’s low-budget origins are evident in its audio quality and acting , which some found amateurish. Critics also pointed out that the lack of characterization for the antagonists (the Comancheros) makes them feel like faceless threats, which can drain the tension from the siege. Some dialogue has also been called out for being anachronistic to the 1880s setting. Final Verdict