Billy Crystal Stars In Unnerving New Thriller Series, Before

22nd October 2024 | By Rufus Punt

Looking for something with a bit of a creepy atmosphere to watch in the dark evenings near Halloween? Apple TV+’s new drama, Before, is a psychological thriller that’ll keep you on the edge of your seat- starring Billy Crystal as a child psychiatrist dealing with the recent death of his wife. He encounters a young child who seems to possess unusual abilities and visions, and forms a kind of bond with him. As he tries to help the boy, he discovers he may be linked to his own past.

What is Before about?

Billy Crystal, usually known for his comedy and roles in films like When Harry Met Sally and Monsters Inc, puts on a serious face for Apple’s new series. As Dr. Eli Adler, he’s in deep mourning following his wife’s death, trying to cope and continue with his profession as a child psychiatrist. His job brings him to meet the young Noah (Jacobi Jupe), and it’s quickly apparent that Noah is not like the rest of Eli’s clients. Noah can apparently see strange visions, speak in strange languages and possesses odd, potentially supernatural abilities. Haunted and intrigued by the young boy and committed to helping him, Eli makes an effort to get to know him and the two create a kind of connection. But it’s clear that Noah has a link to Eli and his past in a way the psychiatrist doesn’t realise- with buried secrets soon to become very relevant.

Apple has kept much of the rest of the plot under wraps- with the official trailer not revealing a huge amount else. Similar to Apple TV’s other, more lighthearted show, Shrinking, Eli is shown to be in therapy himself for his grief, and it’s during this time he meets Noah. An intriguing detail is that Noah seems to make disturbing drawings, including the recurring subject of a farmhouse- one that Eli himself has a connection to. During one of their sessions, Noah also accuses him of having done “bad things” in his past- but is right, or is he just in need of serious help as Eli believes?

Who else stars, and is there a release date?

Before also features Judith Light (Poker Face), Rosie Perez (Birds of Prey), Sakina Jaffrey (Billions), Hope Davis (Your Honour), Stephen Wallem (The Resident) and Julia Chan (Accused). The first two episodes are available on Apple TV+ on 25th October.

Watch the trailer here:


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