Sat Nov 02 04:10:00 UTC 2024: ## Billy Crystal’s “Before” Is A Waste of Potential, Despite Star Power
Apple TV+’s new series “Before,” starring Billy Crystal, attempts to break away from the comedian’s usual comedic persona by diving headfirst into a dark psychological thriller. However, the series ultimately falls short, failing to deliver on its horror premise and squandering the talent of its A-list cast.
Crystal plays Eli, a widowed child psychologist struggling with grief after his wife’s suicide. His world is thrown into chaos when a creepy young boy named Noah (Jacobi Jupe) arrives at his door with bloody fingernails and unsettling visions. Despite the child’s obvious distress, Eli chooses to take him on as a case, believing there’s a connection between their traumas.
Unfortunately, “Before” relies heavily on horror cliches without offering any genuine subversion. The series feels overly explanatory and suffers from meandering plot turns, ultimately failing to deliver on its potential for psychological depth.
The writing is weak, leaving the supporting cast (including Rosie Perez, Robert Townsend, and Hope Davis) with underdeveloped characters and minimal backstory. Even with the talented cast, the series feels rushed and lacking in genuine depth.
“Before” ultimately feels like a wasted opportunity for a more nuanced exploration of grief, trauma, and the darker side of human psychology. It’s a reminder of the dangers of relying on genre tropes without offering anything new or innovative. While Crystal brings some of his signature charm to the dour premise, it’s not enough to save “Before” from being a disappointment.
First Piper 