Follow us on Google News
Get the latest updates directly in your Google News feed
There are two things I never thought I would say in the same sentence: “Billy Crystal stars inBefore, an Eli Roth-produced psychological horror thriller.” While it’s refreshing to seeApple TV+stream something more mainstream instead of the usual prestige projects that no one watches, this is a misstep in almost every way.
The series is poorly written, with disjointed scenes and weak tropes already filled with ’80s and ’90s thriller clichés. And when the story starts to trudge along, which is often, it throws in an inexplicable, dreamlike jump-scare cut that does nothing but cause headaches and a touch of vertigo. It’s only a matter of timeBeforethe series sparks acute conversion boredom household-wide.
Robert De Niro Believes Comedy Lacks the Gravitas of Drama, Claimed Actors Only Need To “Yell at Billy Crystal for an hour” and Go Home
Apple TV+’sBeforeSeason 1Review and Synopsis
Crystal plays Eli, a well-respected child psychologist and widower who recently lost his wife, Lynn (Emmy and Tony Award winner Judith Light), to cancer. His daughter, Barbara (Maria Dizzia fromMy Old Ass), struggles with depression and anxiety. To make matters worse, Eli also encounters a pushy real estate agent (Miriam Shor) trying to sell his valuable brownstone.
However, things turn mysterious when a young boy, Noah (newcomer Jacobi Jupe), scratches his fingers against Eli’s front door and later breaks into his home. Soon, Eli begins drawing unsettling connections between Noah’s actions and haunting memories of his past. The only question is how far Eli will go to uncover the truth.
‘Monsters, Inc.’ Star Billy Crystal Foiled David Letterman’s Plan To Steal Twitter From Elon Musk for $33.9B
Billy Crystal is Miscast in the Apple TV+ SeriesBefore
Before is from creator Sarah Thorp (The Bounty Hunter), whose first mistake was a bit of stunt, by miscasting legendary funny man Billy Crystal in the lead role. Now, Crystal also is listed as the first executive producer, so she may not have a choice in the matter. The fact is the role, no matter the quality, demands a nuance and complexity along with subtle emotional depth.
The other matter is, Crystal has a muscle memory delivery, even with the most serious of lines, cannot help but try to be funny. Admittingly, as the episodes progress, Crystal slowly gets more comfortable in the role. Young Jacobi Jupe creates a good mount of tension and fear in the role, easily out acting Crystal and then some.
“No way this makes financial sense”: Brad Pitt and George Clooney’s Whopping Salaries For ‘Wolfs’ Reveals the Apple TV+ Film’s Release Strategy Could Be a Huge Mistake
Is Apple TV+’sBeforeSeason 1 Worth Watching?
However,Beforeis not worth watching because of the predictable and stagnant story. It’s frustrating watching veterans like Hope Davis andRosie Perezstuck in such thankless roles whose purpose it to voice objections only to write in deus ex machina resolutions. How medical profressionals would let Eli act like a manianc for insurance purposes alone, is headscratching.
The series has some interesting special effects, using de-aging techniques on Crystal and Light in flashbacks, which feels a bit like watching an ’80sSoapdishandWho’s the Bosscrossover. While these moments add context to the story, the result is somewhat telegraphed and predictable. Thorp and Audrey Rosenburg’s scripts stretch the material beyond its limits.
Beforemilks any goodwill by testing the audience’s patience. There is simply no need for ten episodes, when the story could have easily been wrapped up in 90 minutes. This will aggrivate not only the core audience, but newcomers the low ranked streamer is trying to attract.
The Young Wife Star and Director Kiersey Clemons and Tayarisha Poe Discuss the Film (INTERVIEW)
All ten episodes of the series were screened for review. You can stream the Apple TV+ series Before October 25th.
Before Review — Billy Crystal Plays Against Type in This Disappointingly Hackneyed Psychological Horror Thriller
M.N. Miller
Film & Television Critic
Articles Published :336
M.N. Miller is a film and television critic and a proud member of the Las Vegas Film Critic Society, Critics Choice Association, and a 🍅 Rotten Tomatoes/Tomato meter approved. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Mansfield University and a Master’s from Chamberlain University. However, he still puts on his pants one leg at a time, and that’s when he usually stumbles over. When not writing about film or television, he patiently waits for the next Pearl Jam album and chooses to pass the time by scratching his wife’s back on Sunday afternoons while she watches endless reruns of California Dreams. M.N. Miller was proclaimed the smartest reviewer alive by actor Jason Isaacs but chose to ignore his obvious sarcasm. You can also find his work on Hidden Remote, InSession Film, Ready Steady Cut, Geek Vibes Nation, and Nerd Alert.
More from M.N. Miller
What We Hide Review — Mckenna Grace Anchors a Haunting and Profound Tale of Survival
Witchboard Review — Over-the-Top, Campy, Scary Goodness For Fans of the Genre
Nobody 2 Review — Odenkirk Packs Some Wicked Punches and Savage Laughs
Recommended
How Did Mila Kunis Prepare for Black Swan? Harsh 12 Hours Routine Details
Bella Ramsey’s Campaign to Become MCU’s Spider-Man: Is It Really That Absurd?
The Conjuring: Last Rites Faces Its Toughest Box-Office Battle After Rare WB Record
Bridgerton’s BTS Moment Proves the Netflix Show Is Against James Cameron’s Ways
Fallout Season 2 Release Date Confirmed: 5 Post-Apocalyptic Shows to Watch While You Wait For Peak Cinema
Kevin Hart Is Trading Dwayne Johnson for Another WWE Star in New Netflix Film
AppleApple tvBilly CrystalRosie Perez
