Billy Crystal’s ‘Before’ TV Drama Review: Stagnant and Repetitive
The Apple TV+ thriller series "Before" has been described as "atmospheric" in its promotional materials, hinting at a slow-burn narrative that may not deliver a satisfying payoff. Despite its short half-hour episodes, the show struggles to maintain momentum, often repeating the same setups and visual motifs without significant progression, leading to a lackluster conclusion. This lack of forward movement in a serialized format like television can result in a stagnant viewing experience.
One of the commendable aspects of "Before" is its commitment to establishing a dark and somber mood over prioritizing star power. Created by Sarah Thorp, the series stars Billy Crystal as Eli Adler, a child psychologist grappling with the loss of his wife Lynn, played by Judith Light. Crystal’s return to a regular series role after a hiatus is unfortunately overshadowed by a narrative that fails to fully utilize his comedic talents.
The story follows Eli as he navigates his grief and unexpectedly becomes the caretaker of Noah, an enigmatic 8-year-old with peculiar behaviors that hint at a connection to Eli’s late wife. The series delves into Noah’s eerie hallucinations, which mirror elements of Lynn’s past, creating a tense and unsettling atmosphere. However, despite these intriguing elements, Crystal’s performance lacks the sharp wit and charisma that has defined his previous roles.
"Before" is plagued by repetitive storytelling and underdeveloped characters, with the cast, including Jacobi Jupe, Rosie Perez, and Judith Light, often trapped in one-dimensional roles that fail to evolve. As the narrative progresses, both Eli and Noah begin to experience unexplained phenomena, adding layers of mystery but failing to provide meaningful resolutions to the central plot.
The series struggles to maintain engagement as it meanders through its central mystery, leaving viewers with more questions than answers. Clues into Noah’s condition are sporadically introduced and hastily resolved, leading to a disjointed and unsatisfying conclusion that feels disconnected from the preceding episodes.
While some miniseries successfully expand on their central premise, "Before" falls short in capitalizing on its potential for character development and narrative depth. The show’s emphasis on atmosphere over substance ultimately hinders its ability to deliver a cohesive and compelling storyline. Despite its atmospheric qualities, "Before" fails to capitalize on its intriguing premise, leaving viewers wanting more from its storytelling.
The first two episodes of "Before" are currently available for streaming on Apple TV+, with subsequent episodes airing weekly on Fridays.
