Apple TV+ ‘Before’ Episode 4 Review - Exploring the Quiet Dread Beneath the Surface

Episode 4 of Before, titled Signs and Symbols, dives deeper into the emotional layers of Eli, the child psychiatrist played by Billy Crystal, as he navigates increasingly blurred lines between his personal trauma and his therapeutic work with Noah, a deeply troubled boy. In this episode, the show continues to weave its delicate mix of psychological drama and mystery, inching closer to a boiling point where past and present collide in unsettling ways.

The episode opens with an eerie tone that sets the stage for its exploration of unresolved grief and buried memories. As Eli attempts to decode Noah's cryptic drawings and disturbed behavior, he’s increasingly haunted by memories of his late wife. This thematic entanglement—where Eli’s personal grief overlaps with his professional role—is one of the highlights of the series, and it shines in this episode. Crystal’s nuanced performance allows us to feel Eli’s vulnerability without tipping into melodrama, balancing empathy and growing tension.

One of the more engaging aspects of Signs and Symbols is its subtle use of visual cues and sound design to create an atmosphere of quiet dread. The episode doesn't lean on loud scares or overt horror elements; instead, it fosters an undercurrent of discomfort. This complements the show’s overall mood, where small details—the flicker of a shadow, an offhand comment—carry weight. The creeping tension is palpable but never overwhelming, allowing the audience to linger in the same uncertainty as Eli.

However, there are moments where the pacing feels a bit sluggish, particularly in the midsection. The show tends to dwell on the mystery of Noah’s condition, leaving viewers craving more forward momentum. At times, the narrative almost feels like it's circling itself, teasing revelations without quite delivering them. While this slow burn can work in building suspense, there are moments where it feels like the episode is holding back too much, risking audience frustration.

That being said, Before continues to be elevated by its performances. Crystal remains compelling as the grieving therapist, and his chemistry with young actor Jacobi Jupe, who plays Noah, is one of the show’s core strengths. Jupe’s portrayal of Noah is chillingly effective, never veering into cliché. He brings just the right balance of vulnerability and danger, keeping us on edge about what might be lurking beneath the surface. Judith Light also deserves mention as Eli’s supportive, yet increasingly concerned, wife. Her performance grounds Eli’s unraveling, providing an emotional counterweight to his obsession with Noah’s case.

The episode’s title, Signs and Symbols, works on multiple levels. There’s the obvious connection to Noah’s artwork—dark, haunting images that Eli begins to interpret as clues to a larger mystery—but also to the symbolic weight of Eli’s grief and guilt. The interplay between signs in the real world and the symbols Eli assigns them adds depth to the psychological narrative. It reflects the way trauma can distort perception, and how unresolved pain can manifest in unexpected ways.

Visually, the episode sticks with the series’ muted color palette, which serves as a mirror for Eli’s internal state. The lighting remains dim and shadowy, with soft, natural light often framing Eli as he stares out of windows or reflects on his past. These choices reinforce the show’s tone—this isn’t a fast-paced thriller, but a slow, introspective burn. It's clear the creators are in no rush, preferring to let the emotional stakes simmer until they boil over.

While Signs and Symbols is mostly a success, its restrained approach won’t be for everyone. Some might find the pacing too deliberate, and the lack of clear answers may frustrate viewers looking for more immediate payoffs. But for those invested in the psychological journey of Eli and his relationship with Noah, the episode offers plenty to chew on.

As the show progresses, the tension between Eli’s desire to help Noah and his growing suspicion that their fates are somehow intertwined becomes more pronounced. There’s an almost supernatural edge creeping into the narrative—are these coincidences, or is something more sinister at play? This ambiguity is part of what makes Before so intriguing. The show refuses to hold your hand, leaving you to wonder if the connections Eli is making are real or the result of his own emotional unraveling.

Ultimately, Before Episode 4 continues to walk a fine line between psychological drama and mystery, delivering strong performances and a haunting atmosphere. While the pacing could benefit from a bit more urgency, the depth of character and thematic exploration make it a compelling watch. This episode may not provide all the answers viewers are seeking, but it lays the groundwork for what promises to be a tense and emotionally charged second half of the season.

For viewers who appreciate slow-burn mysteries with a psychological twist, Signs and Symbols will likely resonate. But if you’re hoping for more concrete revelations, you may find yourself impatiently waiting for the pieces to fall into place. Either way, the episode reinforces the show’s strength in character-driven storytelling and its willingness to explore the messy intersections of grief, guilt, and healing.

Final Score- [7.5/10]