As someone who has always found Billy Crystal a bit unsettling, it’s refreshing to see him embrace his spooky side in his latest role. In the show, he plays child psychiatrist Eli Adler, who is grieving the loss of his wife Lynn to suicide. Despite seeing a therapist weekly, Eli refuses to talk about his grief and remains in denial. However, Lynn appears to him in haunting visions that suggest there are deeper secrets surrounding her death.
One night, a mysterious boy named Noah starts showing up at Eli’s house, unable to speak but creating eerie drawings. Eli discovers that Noah is living with a foster mother, Denise, and decides to become his therapist. As they delve into Noah’s past, strange connections between them emerge, all while Eli grapples with his own guilt and grief over Lynn’s death.
The show is filled with traditional horror tropes like birds crashing into windows and eerie music playing mysteriously. Eli’s nightmares and Noah’s hallucinations intertwine, creating a chilling atmosphere throughout the series. As the visions and facts start to come together, the story becomes more about guilt and grief than just supernatural elements.
Billy Crystal’s performance in the show is standout, as he fully embodies the complex character of Eli. He brings a depth to the role that is both heartbreaking and compelling, making the audience question the kind of man Eli truly is. Jacobi Jupe, who plays Noah, also delivers a strong performance, adding to the overall eerie vibe of the show.
“Before” is a mood piece that explores themes of guilt, grief, and the supernatural in a thought-provoking way. It’s a slow burn that may not appeal to all horror fans, but for those looking for a more nuanced take on the genre, it’s worth a watch.
Overall, “Before” on Apple TV+ is a haunting and engaging series that delves into the complexities of loss and guilt, with standout performances from Billy Crystal and Jacobi Jupe.