Billy Crystal Used to Mock ‘Before’ as a Self-Serious Project

Billy Crystal is known for his comedic talents, especially during his time hosting the Academy Awards, where he often incorporated humor into the show’s opening montages. In the 2000 Oscars, Crystal took a nostalgic approach, inserting himself into classic Hollywood films like The Graduate and Psycho, while also poking fun at contemporary movies like The Sixth Sense with witty references like "I see dead people" and a song parody.

Transitioning to his latest project, Crystal stars in the Apple TV+ miniseries "Before," where he plays Eli, a therapist grappling with the loss of his wife Lynn, portrayed by Judith Light. When Eli is called upon to treat a troubled foster child named Noah, played by Jacobi Jupe, he discovers eerie parallels between the boy’s hallucinations and his own past. As Eli delves deeper into Noah’s condition, skepticism from those around him, including Rosie Perez, Sakina Jaffrey, and Hope Davis, grows, leading to a risky treatment approach focused on Eli’s unresolved emotions.

"Before," created by Sarah Thorp, delves into dark and surreal themes, blurring the lines between mental illness and supernatural occurrences through nightmarish visuals. However, despite its imaginative elements, the series lacks the emotional depth and compelling storytelling needed to sustain its grim tone. Crystal’s performance as Eli showcases his dramatic range, but the show’s repetitive and uninspired narrative fails to engage viewers fully.

While Crystal has proven his ability to balance humor and sincerity in past roles, "Before" struggles to find a cohesive blend of these elements, resulting in a disjointed viewing experience. The miniseries feels like a stretched-out concept with insufficient substance to justify its extended runtime, culminating in a lackluster resolution that leaves several narrative threads unresolved.

One standout moment in the series features a flashback to Eli and Lynn’s initial meeting, with digital effects transforming Crystal and Light back to their younger selves. This nostalgic scene offers a glimpse into what could have been if the story had been produced during the ’90s, a period where Crystal might have joked about starring in such a production rather than actually taking on the role.

The first two episodes of "Before" premiere on Apple TV+ on October 25, with subsequent episodes releasing weekly for viewers to follow Eli’s intricate journey.