Where to Watch Before – Stream Billy Crystal's New Thriller TV Show

Before is a psychological thriller and drama miniseries on Apple TV+, featuring Billy Crystal as a widowed child psychologist grappling with grief and the mysteries surrounding a new young patient. Co-starring Judith Light, Rosie Perez, and Jacobi Jupe, the series delves into themes of loss, memory, and the supernatural, presenting a slow-burning mystery that combines introspection with suspense.

Plot Summary

‍The show centers on Eli (Billy Crystal), a therapist deeply affected by his wife Lynn’s (Judith Light) death after her battle with cancer. His grief has led him to close himself off from his practice and his daughter Barbara (Maria Dizzia). However, when a colleague, Gail (Sakina Jaffrey), introduces him to Noah (Jacobi Jupe), a troubled young boy displaying disturbing behavior and eerie knowledge of Eli’s past, Eli reluctantly agrees to take him on as a patient. Noah’s incidents range from speaking in other languages to violent outbursts, leaving Eli struggling to decipher if the boy is suffering from trauma, mental illness, or something supernatural.

As Eli dives deeper into the case, the therapy sessions morph into a journey that seems to unravel not only Noah’s troubled psyche but also Eli’s own. He begins to suspect Noah might be mysteriously connected to his late wife and events from his past. Meanwhile, Denise (Rosie Perez), Noah’s foster mother, struggles with her own challenges as she cares for the child, uncertain of his outbursts' origin and purpose.

Cast and Characters

‍The show features an ensemble cast led by Billy Crystal as Eli, who tries to bring humor and warmth into the darkness of the storyline. Judith Light portrays Lynn, Eli’s late wife, whose presence is felt through memories. Jacobi Jupe stars as Noah, Eli’s enigmatic young patient, with Maria Dizzia, Rosie Perez, Sakina Jaffrey, and Julia Chan in supporting roles that add depth to the psychological and emotional layers of the series.

Production Background

‍Apple TV+ first announced Before in 2022, with Billy Crystal and Barry Levinson set to collaborate. However, Levinson later exited the project, and Adam Bernstein directed the pilot instead. Filming took place primarily in New Jersey, with multiple delays due to the 2023 Writers Guild of America strike.

The concept of the series was to explore the fine line between psychological distress and supernatural occurrences, with Crystal anchoring the story in a serious, contemplative role far removed from his comedic roots.

Reception

Before has drawn mixed reactions, with praise for Crystal’s earnest performance and the exploration of grief and the human psyche. However, some critics felt the narrative pace was too slow, and the supernatural elements overshadowed the psychological depth. The unsettling atmosphere and the blend of psychological and supernatural tropes have sparked comparisons to other dark dramas, like The Sixth Sense and Shrinking, though Before takes a more somber approach.

Themes and Approach

‍At its core, Before delves into grief, memory, and the struggle between belief and science, challenging viewers to question reality. Eli’s insistence on rational explanations contrasts with Noah’s strange behavior, leaving Eli torn between scientific reasoning and unexplainable events. The show’s cinematography and score underscore the eerie and introspective tone, allowing the themes of family, love, and loss to unfold in an intimate, gradual way.

Verdict

‍While Before may not appeal to fans of fast-paced thrillers, it offers a contemplative, atmospheric experience for viewers willing to embrace its slow pace and heavy themes. Billy Crystal’s nuanced performance adds depth to the show’s portrayal of a grieving therapist navigating both personal and professional demons, making Before a memorable entry in the psychological thriller genre.

Where to Watch

Before premiered on Apple TV+ on October 25, 2024, with new episodes releasing weekly. The series is available exclusively on Apple’s streaming platform.

1. What is the storyline of Before?
Before follows Eli, a recently widowed child psychologist, whose new client—a mysterious young boy—seems to be connected to his own tragic past. As Eli dives deeper into the boy's mind, he uncovers unsettling mysteries that begin to blur the lines between reality and his own psyche.

2. How many episodes are in Before?
The miniseries consists of 10 episodes, each packed with psychological twists and supernatural suspense that build toward a climactic finale.

3. Who plays the eerie boy, Noah?
Noah, the young boy with secrets tied to Eli’s past, is portrayed by Jacobi Jupe, an emerging talent known for his compelling performances that bring depth and intensity to this mysterious character.

4. Is this Billy Crystal’s first serious role?
While Billy Crystal is widely celebrated for his comedic work, Before showcases his versatility as a dramatic actor, offering a haunting portrayal that contrasts sharply with his usual light-hearted roles.

5. Where can I watch Before?
Before premiered on Apple TV+ on October 25, 2024. The streaming platform offers exclusive access to the miniseries, along with a free trial for new users.

6. Who directed and wrote Before?
The series was penned by Sarah Thorp, and various episodes were directed by notable filmmakers like Adam Bernstein and Jet Wilkinson, enhancing the series' eerie, suspense-filled tone.

7. Is Before based on a true story?
No, Before is a work of fiction, but it pulls psychological and supernatural elements that resonate with real-world fears of grief, trauma, and memory, making the plot feel deeply unsettling yet relatable.

8. What genre does Before fall into?
It’s a psychological thriller with supernatural undertones, blending elements of mystery, drama, and suspense, making it a unique addition to the thriller genre.

9. How has Before been received by critics?
Critics are mixed, with praise for Crystal’s performance but criticism of the show’s pacing and length. Before is loved by thriller fans for its moody visuals, while some critics feel it could have been condensed for greater impact.

10. Why did Before take a production hiatus?
Filming for Before paused in 2023 due to the Writers Guild of America strike but resumed after the strike concluded, bringing the completed series to audiences in late 2024.

11. Does Before have any connections to The Sixth Sense?
Before isn’t directly connected to The Sixth Sense, but it’s often compared for its eerie exploration of the human psyche and its haunting supernatural undertones, making it a must-watch for fans of M. Night Shyamalan-style thrillers.