3.0 out of 5 star rating
Following many years establishing himself as a comedian, viewers accustomed to Billy Crystal‘s humor might find it necessary to let go of their previous expectations when diving into his latest Apple TV+ suspense series, titled “Before”.
Crystal stars as Eli, a child psychiatrist who’s haunted by the loss of his wife Lynn.
One day, an uncommon boy (Jacobi Jupe) unexpectedly shows up at his home, and Eli gradually becomes aware that this newcomer, whom he calls Noah, holds a mysterious link to his earlier life. As Eli helps Noah unravel the enigma surrounding his thoughts, startling revelations emerge about the pasts of both individuals.
The show provides a gripping set-up and, with episodes clocking in at around 30 minutes, it’s easy to begin racing through the series to find out what exactly is happening to Jupe’s Noah.
However, the second part of the show fails to maintain the captivating initial premise, instead revisiting familiar themes and leaving the finale somewhat unclear.
In summary, both Crystal and Jupe give standout performances that truly shine. Their acting feels incredibly authentic, portraying a connection between characters who often find themselves misinterpreted by others. The way these two actors interact on screen adds an extra layer of appeal to the show. It’s their relationship dynamic that really grabs your attention, and the series is noticeably stronger whenever they share scenes together.
At 76 years old, Crystal is embarking on a fresh phase in his professional life, which is highly encouraging. In his role as Eli, he skillfully navigates the line between the logical and skeptical psychiatrist treating a young boy and the mourning husband who believes Noah may be connected to his deceased wife in an inexplicable way.
11-year-old Jupe, still a novice in this field, delivers an impeccable portrayal of Noah, a young character who has witnessed more than his share and is determined to make himself heard.
Right from the start, it’s obvious that this haunting thriller isn’t for the sensitive or weak-hearted, and that’s a good thing. Throughout the series, Eli is plagued by nightmarish and brutal dreams that spill over into his everyday life, making it difficult to distinguish between reality, imagination, and recollections. These scenes of terror are what will linger in viewers’ minds long after the ending credits have finished playing.
The unclear boundaries affect every relationship in his life, ranging from his daughter and granddaughter to his assistant Cleo, as well as his coworkers who try to prevent him from getting out of control. This plot thread is captivating, particularly considering Eli’s analytical mind – many of the most compelling moments occur when he struggles within himself, trying to reconcile logic with what he experiences.
Although the structure of the series is impressive, and some aspects keep viewers hooked, the 10-episode run seems oddly structured with a climax that fails to match the hype created by the preceding events. The conclusion feels hastily done and lacks clarity, falling short of the expectations built during the long wait for the big reveal.
Indeed, an earlier disclosure during the series has a greater emotional resonance compared to the final conclusion. This is because a startling revelation about Eli’s wife’s demise is unveiled, causing a complete overturn of his life.
There’s a possibility that the hasty conclusion is due to the show leaving room for a potential second season. While no official announcements have been made, the last episodes suggest that several loose ends remain unaddressed, hinting at a desire for further storytelling.
Finding a conclusion that’s both fulfilling and hints at more storylines for a potential sequel can be challenging, and unfortunately, Before might not quite manage it perfectly.
As a standalone character study, the film “Before” is incredibly engaging, and the interactions between Crystal’s character, Eli, and Jupe’s character, Noah, remain consistently enthralling.
From scene to scene, the script holds me captive, keeping me invested and empathetic towards Eli’s character – despite his increasingly puzzling decisions. I found myself questioning alongside him, making our journey together all the more intriguing.
However, despite the rich character interactions throughout, the series fails to deliver a fitting conclusion, placing excessive emphasis on those relationships instead of providing a conclusive, fulfilling finale.
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2024-10-25 04:34