Apple TV+ ‘Before’ Episode 6 Review - Unsettling Exploration of Trauma and Mystery

"Fever Dream" stays true to Before’s psychological thriller roots, delivering an unsettling exploration of trauma, mystery, and moral ambiguity. At its core, the episode grapples with Eli's unconventional methods, which hover somewhere between brilliance and recklessness. Billy Crystal, as Eli, commands attention with his layered performance, switching from a compassionate healer to a man unraveling under pressure. This duality adds depth to the story and anchors the episode’s more surreal elements.

The narrative's most compelling feature is its ambiguity. Noah, portrayed with unsettling precision by Jacobi Jupe, is a young boy trapped in a spiral of inexplicable symptoms, which might hint at possession or severe psychological distress. Jupe’s portrayal is chilling and far beyond what’s typically expected from a child actor, making Noah’s plight feel heartbreakingly real. The dynamic between him and Eli is fraught with tension, as the doctor’s techniques push ethical boundaries, leaving viewers questioning his true motives.

Director Zetna Fuentes crafts a haunting visual language for the episode. The confined, dimly lit settings evoke a sense of dread, while fleeting, eerie imagery blurs reality and hallucination. This enhances the show's tone, immersing the audience in its dreamlike (or nightmarish) state. However, the episode occasionally stumbles in pacing, with some moments dragging as they attempt to build suspense but instead veer toward monotony.

The supporting cast adds texture to the story, with standout moments from Rosie Perez and Judith Light. Their grounded performances provide a stark contrast to Eli’s unorthodox behavior, serving as moral and emotional counterpoints. However, the series' tendency to leave too many narrative threads dangling is becoming a recurring issue. Before thrives on ambiguity, but the lack of resolution in key subplots can feel more like a creative crutch than intentional storytelling.

What works brilliantly in “Fever Dream” is its ability to evoke emotion and discomfort, as it walks the tightrope between psychological thriller and supernatural mystery. The tension is palpable, but the episode's reliance on ambiguity as a device risks alienating some viewers, especially those seeking clearer answers. While the story struggles to fully deliver on its complex setup, its haunting atmosphere and outstanding performances ensure it's far from forgettable.

The creative choices made in Before so far reveal both its strengths and weaknesses. While its thematic ambition is commendable, the series often seems overwhelmed by its own complexity. Yet, moments like those in “Fever Dream” highlight its potential to be a standout psychological drama, as long as it can balance intrigue with coherence.

Ultimately, Before Episode 6 is an imperfect but absorbing chapter in a show that dares to be different. If you’re drawn to stories that prioritize mood over clarity, you’ll find plenty to appreciate here. Those hoping for tightly-wrapped conclusions, however, may need to temper their expectations. It’s a fever dream, indeed—intense, disorienting, and sometimes frustrating, but undeniably memorable.

Final Score- [6.5/10]