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Review: ‘Before’ Is an Underwhelming Addition to Apple TV+’s Catalog

“Before” features Billy Crystal as a grieving child psychologist, following a recent trend in Apple TV+ programming that explores themes of loss. The series suffers from repetitive narrative structures, lacking originality and depth, with a dull aesthetic and flat performances. Despite a few intriguing moments, the show ultimately falls flat, failing to connect with viewers meaningfully.

Apple TV+’s new series “Before” features Billy Crystal portraying Eli, a child psychologist who is deeply mourning his deceased wife, Lynn. This show marks the third of its kind for the service within a short span, following similar themes in “Disclaimer” and “Shrinking”. The program’s relentless emphasis on grief and loss quickly becomes tiresome, causing the show to feel more like a formulaic direct-to-video production than a gripping drama. Visually, “Before” strongly embodies the somber aesthetic characteristic of Apple TV+ shows, often feeling excessively dour. Each frame seems washed out, potentially aiming for a sense of authenticity but instead coming off as artificial and unearned. The storyline centers around Eli, who, haunted by memories, has withdrawn from life until he’s drawn into the case of a troubled boy named Noah, played by Jacobi Jupe. As Eli investigates Noah’s peculiar episodes and eerie connection to his own grief, the series straddles the line between rational psychology and supernatural phenomena. However, the exploration of themes such as child endangerment and trauma lacks originality and depth, falling into repetitive storytelling that fails to engage the viewer in a meaningful way. Although there are moments of intrigue, many of the show’s frightening scenes are diluted by clichéd execution. The dialogue is unconvincing and lacks personality, leading to moments that require a tedious leap into “dream logic” for narrative cohesion. Eli’s encounters with supporting characters often dissipate without resolution, leaving viewers frustrated with unresolved plot points. As the horror elements unfold, they feel half-hearted, and the characters fail to resonate due to weak development and underwhelming performances. In spite of its flaws, Billy Crystal manages to deliver a convincing performance as the tormented protagonist. Yet, even his talents seem stifled within a narrative that struggles to infuse life into its characters or storyline. Ultimately, “Before” serves as a testament to the pitfalls of reiterating popular themes without the necessary substance to elevate them, concluding that it’s an uninspired addition to the Apple TV+ lineup.

The article is a review of the Apple TV+ series “Before,” which features Billy Crystal as a child psychologist mourning his wife. It critiques the show for being part of a trend of repetitive storytelling within the platform, emphasizing its emotional and visual shortcomings. The series attempts to blend psychological horror with supernatural elements but ultimately fails to deliver a compelling narrative or grounded character development.

In conclusion, the review highlights “Before” as a disappointing entry in the Apple TV+ catalog, suffering from a lack of originality and depth in its narrative and characters. While Billy Crystal’s performance offers some grounding, the overall execution is criticized for reliance on tired tropes and clichéd horror elements. The series is recommended to be avoided in favor of better options available on the platform.

Original Source: www.hollywoodreporter.com

Amir El-Sayed is a veteran journalist, famous for his in-depth analyses and compelling storytelling. With a Master’s degree in Journalism from Northwestern University, he has spent the last decade covering a wide range of topics from international relations to technology. Amir's work has been featured in numerous reputable publications, and he is known for his ability to translate complex subjects into relatable narratives.

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