Suicide is a lonely venture, but how does someone get to this point without anyone knowing? In Joshua Barnett’s How to Tie a Noose, we are put in the mind of one man who decides it is no longer worth going on.
Elden Henson plays Joshua Barnett, a deeply depressed man who lies alone in bed after suffering a humiliating incident. Dwelling in his darkened bedroom, lying in bed, and occasionally watching television, Joshua finds himself having a conversation with…himself.
This “inner demon” replays the traumatic incident over and over again and talks about Joshua’s worth to others and himself. The relentless self-criticism can only lead to one final conclusion…but can Joshua find that glimmer of hope to make it worth going on?

“…lying in bed, and occasionally watching television, Joshua finds himself having a conversation with…himself.”
Although How to Tie a Noose serves as a warning to seek help if feeling suicidal, Barnett’s short film emphasizes the importance of empathy. It strongly emphasizes that you are not alone in the world and that others have felt the feelings you are experiencing in similar situations.
Writer/director Barnette brilliantly portrays on screen that argument playing in your head that you screwed up, no one loves you, and you’ll always be alone. Almost as if the fact that Barnette’s protagonist bears his name is not exactly coincidental.
Elden Henson’s portrayal brings to life the intense and confrontational conversation, depicting Barnette’s internal struggle as his mind both condemns and ultimately lures him into committing the final act.
How to Tie a Noose is for those who are struggling with hitting rock bottom in life and a reminder for the rest of us to keep our eyes open to those we’ve not seen in a while.