Apple TV+ ‘Before’ Episode 7 Review - A Riveting Exploration of Connections Across Time

Episode 7 of Before, The Power of Belief, is where the psychological thriller leans deeper into its central mystery, forcing viewers to confront its unsettling mix of reality and the supernatural. The series has consistently explored the relationship between Eli, a grieving psychiatrist, and Noah, a young boy inexplicably tied to Eli's life. This episode brings these themes to a crescendo, revealing new facets of their connection that are as disturbing as they are fascinating.

The episode opens with a particularly tense scene that sets the tone for what is arguably the most emotionally charged installment so far. Eli, portrayed masterfully by Billy Crystal, becomes increasingly obsessed with understanding the bizarre link between himself and Noah. His character’s internal conflict is palpable, torn between professional skepticism and a growing belief in the inexplicable. Jacobi Jupe, playing Noah, matches this intensity with a hauntingly subdued performance. His portrayal of Noah—a child seemingly wise beyond his years—teeters on the edge of unnerving, giving the episode an almost gothic undertone.

The narrative here is both its strength and its weakness. On one hand, the episode is brimming with ideas. It delves into the notion of collective trauma, suggesting that some bonds transcend lifetimes, carrying unresolved pain forward. On the other, it struggles under the weight of its ambitions. While the script tries to weave together themes of memory, reincarnation, and redemption, the transitions between these elements often feel abrupt. The backstory, which ties Eli and Noah across multiple lifetimes, is intriguing but bogged down by lengthy exposition. At times, it feels like the writers are more interested in explaining the mythology than letting it unfold naturally.

Visually, the episode stays true to the show’s atmospheric style. The muted color palette and deliberate use of shadows effectively reflect the characters’ psychological states. Certain scenes—like Eli’s recurring dream sequences—are particularly striking, blending surrealism with a sense of grounded dread. These moments are enhanced by the sound design, which uses silences and faint, eerie tones to keep viewers on edge. However, the heavy-handed symbolism, such as recurring motifs of clocks and mirrors, can feel a bit on the nose, detracting from the episode's subtlety.

Where The Power of Belief truly shines is in its emotional depth. Eli’s growing desperation to protect Noah, combined with his own unresolved grief, adds layers to his character. The show continues to explore his vulnerabilities, making him a compelling, if occasionally frustrating, protagonist. Noah, meanwhile, remains an enigma, his actions and words laced with ambiguity. The dynamic between the two is the emotional core of the series, and this episode capitalizes on that, delivering moments that are both heartwarming and unsettling.

Despite these strengths, the episode falters in its pacing. The middle section, which dives into the supposed past-life connection between Eli and Noah, feels overly dense. The show spends too much time unpacking the mechanics of this connection, leaving less room for organic character development. As a result, certain emotional beats—like Eli’s realization about his role in Noah’s trauma—don’t land as powerfully as they could have.

Furthermore, the supporting characters are sidelined in this episode, which is a missed opportunity. Figures like Judith Light’s enigmatic therapist or Rosie Perez’s skeptical detective could have added more layers to the narrative but are instead reduced to brief, inconsequential appearances. This lack of balance makes the story feel narrower than it should, especially given the series’ overarching theme of interconnectedness.

Still, the episode redeems itself in its final act. The climactic confrontation between Eli and Noah is as intense as it is ambiguous, leaving viewers questioning what is real and what is imagined. The closing moments, which hint at a deeper conspiracy involving otherworldly forces, set up intriguing possibilities for the series’ remaining episodes. The show’s refusal to provide easy answers is both its most frustrating and compelling trait, ensuring that viewers remain invested even as they grapple with its many unanswered questions.

Ultimately, The Power of Belief encapsulates everything that makes Before both captivating and challenging. It’s a series that thrives on ambiguity, using its psychological and supernatural elements to explore profound themes. Episode 7 is no exception, offering a mix of gripping drama and frustrating overreach. For all its flaws—overstuffed plotting, uneven pacing, and underdeveloped subplots—it delivers enough emotional resonance and narrative intrigue to keep viewers hooked.

If you’ve been following Before, this episode is essential viewing, even if it leaves you with more questions than answers. And if you’re new to the series, be prepared for a show that demands patience but rewards it with moments of genuine brilliance. The Power of Belief may not be perfect, but it’s a thought-provoking chapter in a series that isn’t afraid to push boundaries.

Final Score- [6/10]