Apple TV+ ‘Before’ Episode 10 Review - A Poignant Finale that Balances Grief and Horror

"Before" concludes its haunting season with Episode 10, and it’s both a resolution and a revelation. The psychological thriller builds on its eerie foundation, mixing emotional depth with nightmarish visuals. This episode captures the core essence of the series—grief as a ghost, unrelenting and omnipresent, yet intricately human.

The finale centers on Eli, still mourning his wife, and Noah, a boy whose supernatural abilities remain enigmatic. As their paths converge at the ominous farmhouse, secrets are unearthed: the truth behind Eli’s wife’s death and the mysterious connections tying him to Noah. The episode thrives on atmosphere, its visual storytelling vivid yet restrained. The house, cloaked in shadows and memories, becomes a character itself, mirroring the characters’ unraveling psyches.

Billy Crystal, as Eli, delivers a performance that oscillates between raw vulnerability and steely determination. His portrayal of a man grappling with guilt and loss anchors the fantastical elements of the plot, keeping them grounded. Jacobi Jupe as Noah is equally compelling; his transition from a silent enigma to a more vocal presence adds layers to his character, while Rosie Perez (as Noah’s foster mother) injects warmth into an otherwise chilling narrative.

The pacing in this episode deserves credit. Unlike earlier chapters, which occasionally meandered in repetition, the finale keeps its momentum, with every scene serving a purpose. The writers skillfully balance exposition with suspense, leaving viewers on edge without feeling overwhelmed. Moments of gore are used sparingly but effectively, heightening the horror without crossing into gratuitous territory.

That said, the episode isn’t flawless. Some may find the resolution of the central mystery predictable, as earlier clues make the twists easier to anticipate. The supernatural elements, while fascinating, occasionally feel underexplored—perhaps a deliberate choice to keep the story focused on its human drama but one that might leave certain viewers wanting more.

Visually, Episode 10 is a standout. The cinematography leans heavily into contrasts, with stark light-and-dark imagery emphasizing the themes of revelation and concealment. The score, too, deserves a mention—subtle yet insistent, it underscores the tension without overpowering the quieter moments.

Ultimately, "Before" Episode 10 delivers an emotionally charged conclusion that ties its narrative threads together while leaving room for interpretation. It’s a fitting end to a series that’s as much about the terrors within as the horrors without. Fans of psychological drama and understated horror will find much to appreciate, even if the occasional cliché sneaks in.

If you’ve followed "Before" from its enigmatic beginning, the finale won’t disappoint. It may not reinvent the genre, but it offers something more enduring: a meditation on loss, connection, and the stories we tell ourselves to survive.

Final Score- [6/10]