Apple TV+’s Before is a masterclass in the balance of the familiar and the unknown. Headlined by Billy Crystal, Judith Light, and Rosie Perez, this 10-episode supernatural thriller isn’t afraid to dive deep into themes of grief, memory, and the inescapable pull of the past. What we get is a slow-burn psychological drama wrapped up in a ghostly package, but does it work? Well, mostly.
At its core, Before is about Eli (Crystal), a child psychologist grappling with the recent death of his wife, Lynn (Light). Enter Noah, a young boy who appears to have a supernatural link to Eli’s late wife, dragging the psychologist into a mystery that becomes increasingly intertwined with his unresolved trauma. The show thrives on the strength of this premise, pulling you in with just enough intrigue to keep you asking, "What happens next?" As Eli attempts to help Noah unravel, the psychological and supernatural elements blur, leaving us unsure whether the real ghosts haunting him are literal or metaphorical.
Billy Crystal's portrayal of Eli offers a nuanced take on a man whose humor and warmth mask a deeper pain. It's a refreshing pivot from Crystal’s usual comedic roles, and he brings a compelling depth to the character's vulnerability. Judith Light as Lynn—though often seen in flashbacks or spectral moments—commands presence even in her limited screen time, reminding us why she remains a powerhouse of quiet intensity.
The dynamic between Eli and Noah, played by Jacobi Jupe, is where the series truly finds its heartbeat. Their evolving relationship is the emotional core, grounding the otherwise eerie, suspenseful vibe of the show. Watching Crystal and Jupe interact feels like peeling back layers of two deeply connected souls, even if the narrative occasionally falters in pacing. At times, Before takes its time—perhaps too much—moving from one plot point to another. This leads to some episodes feeling stretched, and a tighter edit could have done wonders for maintaining momentum.
Rosie Perez, whose role remains cloaked in mystery for much of the season, adds an additional layer of intrigue. While her character takes a backseat for much of the story, Perez’s emotional weight lends itself well to the tense, somber atmosphere. However, her character could have used a bit more fleshing out. You’re left wanting more from her, both in terms of screen time and story development.
What Before does get right is the atmosphere. The series excels in its visual storytelling. Directors Adam Bernstein and Jet Wilkinson craft a haunting but beautiful aesthetic, often relying on muted tones and shadowy lighting to mirror Eli’s internal struggle. There’s a creeping sense of dread, of something just out of sight, that lingers in every frame. The use of supernatural elements is subtle—think more psychological horror than jump scares. It’s the kind of show where you find yourself leaning in, trying to catch a whisper in the silence.
But here's where the series also falters slightly. The pacing, as mentioned, can be uneven, especially in the middle episodes. Some viewers might find themselves frustrated with how long it takes for certain plotlines to pay off. While the show builds an excellent sense of tension, there are moments when it drags, leaving you to wonder if certain scenes could have been trimmed or tightened for better effect.
Thematically, Before tackles some heavy issues: grief, guilt, and the question of whether we can ever truly escape our past. These themes are explored with a delicate hand, but there are times when the show verges on becoming too introspective. The balance between the psychological drama and the supernatural thriller aspects doesn't always hold, and at points, the show feels more like a meditation on grief than a fully realized thriller.
Despite this, Before sticks the landing. The final episodes bring a satisfying payoff, with enough twists to keep you guessing and enough emotional resonance to leave you thinking about it long after the credits roll. The show may not always deliver at a breakneck pace, but its slow-burn nature allows for character development and deeper thematic exploration, making the final moments hit that much harder.
In summary, Before is a series that rewards patience. It’s not the kind of show you binge in one sitting—it asks for time, for contemplation, and for you to sit with its characters as they unravel their personal demons. The stellar performances by Crystal, Light, and Jupe elevate what could have been a fairly standard supernatural drama into something more thoughtful, if occasionally ponderous.
If you’re looking for a series that blends emotional depth with eerie suspense, Before is a solid choice. Just be prepared for a few slow moments along the way. It’s 60% thoughtful drama, and 40% supernatural mystery—enough to keep both fans of psychological thrillers and character-driven stories satisfied.
Final Score- [7/10]
Reviewed by - Anjali Sharma
Follow @AnjaliS54769166 on Twitter
Publisher at Midgard Times
Note: All 10 episodes are screened for this review.
Premiere Date: October 25, 2024, on Apple TV+ with the first two episodes followed by a new episode every Friday.