Apple TV+’s new limited series “Before” isn’t getting positive reviews. Critics called it “disappointing” and “silly”, with some even calling it a “mess.” While I acknowledge that this may not be everyone’s cup of tea, I sincerely believe it’s worth giving this show a chance rather than outright rejecting it as some reviews may suggest.
Yes, the plot unfolds slowly, and yes, there are some repetitive elements. Another disadvantage is Judith WrightIts extraordinary talent is barely explored, with the first three episodes clocking in at less than a minute of screen time. Eli also exhibits some questionable lapses as a psychotherapist, but considering he’s mourning his wife and dealing with a patient with troubling ties to his past, it wouldn’t be surprising if he didn’t reach Best level of professionalism and that’s understandable.
Nevertheless, I still believe forward Worth a look. The actors worked well together and gave excellent performances. billy crystal Completely committed to the character of Eli Adler, delivering a consistently compelling presence. If some viewers have trouble accepting Crystal’s dramatic roles because of his comedic background, that’s not his fault, and he doesn’t owe anyone a career devoted entirely to comedy.
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| Front, pictured: Jacobi Jupe and Billy Crystal. Apple TV+ ©2024 Apple TV+. all rights reserved |
Jacobi skirtThe performance from the young actor who plays Noah is equally impressive. He and Crystal work so well together, creating a real on-screen connection without which the show wouldn’t work.
One of the most glaring flaws, in my opinion, is the very limited screen time the show’s female characters get. Judith Wright and Rosie Perez Both are great performers but have so far had little opportunity to showcase their talents. We know next to nothing about their characters, as their backstories remain completely unexplored. While this may change in upcoming episodes, it still feels like a missed opportunity not to give them more attention sooner rather than later.
In the show’s third episode, which airs on Apple TV+ on Friday, November 1, we see Eli in therapy with his own therapist, who encourages him to finally come clean about the death of his wife. Here, we learn that Lynn’s suicide was likely related to her battle with cancer — news that came as no surprise to many viewers, as it had been prematurely revealed in several reviews.
Although Lynn rarely appears in the episode, she remains a constant presence as she is constantly talked about. Those around Eli believe his dedication to Noah’s case stems from his unresolved grief over Lynn’s death. While it’s true that Lynn could have been a factor, it seemed to be in a very different way than any of them realized.
Meanwhile, Noah’s condition becomes increasingly disturbing. While still in hospital, he suddenly showed signs of drowning and his lungs inexplicably filled with water. With no clear reason, the hospital classified him as a suicide attempt and ordered his transfer to a high-security ward. Eli objected and offered to take care of the boy himself – a reaction once again attributed to his grief for his wife.
In a conversation with Noah, Eli reveals that he now understands that the boy’s violent behavior was an attempt to protect those around him from a danger that only he was aware of. When Eli asked Noah gently who had hurt him so deeply, the boy hesitated before answering:
Noah: You won’t be angry, will you?
Eli: Of course not.
Noah: …you did it.
Wow!
At the end of the episode, Eli returns to his therapist’s office and begins to expand on his wife’s suicide. In a flashback, he recalled finding Lynn dead in the bathtub. The therapist senses he’s hiding something important, but Eli insists there’s nothing to say—even when he sees his dead wife wandering the therapist’s office.
As he leaves the building, a disturbing image flashes through Eli’s mind: Lynn in the bathtub, eyes fluttering open, hands on her throat. Was he the one who strangled her to death?
We’ll probably find out this Friday when episode 4 is released on AppleTV+!
What do you think of the show so far? Let us know in the comments!
