Before – The Liar – Review: Better Than The Critics Claim

Apple TV’s new limited series Before hasn’t exactly received glowing reviews. Critics have labeled it “disappointing” and “goofy,” with some even calling it “a mess”. And while I admit it may not be everyone’s cup of tea, I genuinely believe it’s worth giving the show a chance rather than dismissing it outright, as some reviews may suggest.

Yes, the plot unfolds slowly, and yes, there are some repetitive elements. Another drawback is that Judith Light’s remarkable talent is scarcely tapped into, with under a minute of screen time in the first three episodes. Eli also displays some questionable lapses as a psychotherapist, but considering he’s grieving his wife and dealing with a patient disturbingly tied to his past, it’s understandable if he’s not at his professional best. 

Still, I believe Before is worth watching. The cast works seamlessly together, delivering outstanding performances. Billy Crystal is fully committed to the role of Eli Adler, offering a consistently compelling portrayal. If some viewers struggle to accept Crystal in a dramatic role due to his comedic background, that’s hardly his fault, he doesn’t owe anyone a career devoted solely to comedy.

BEFORE, Pictured: Jacobi Jupe & Billy Crystal. AppleTV+ ©2024 AppleTV+. All Rights Reserved

Jacobi Jupe, the young actor portraying Noah, delivers an equally impressive performance. He and Crystal work exceptionally well together, creating an authentic on-screen connection without which the series would not work.

One of the most significant drawbacks, in my opinion, is the very limited screen time given to the show’s female characters. Judith Light and Rosie Perez are both outstanding performers who so far have had few opportunities to showcase their talents. We know almost nothing about their characters, as their backstories remain completely unexplored. While this may change in upcoming episodes, it still feels like a missed opportunity not to give them more attention early on.

In the show’s third episode, which Apple TV+ dropped on Friday, Nov 1, we see Eli in a session with his own therapist, who encourages him to finally open up about his wife’s death. Here, we learn that Lynn’s suicide was likely linked to her battle with cancer – a revelation that, for many viewers, came as no surprise as it was already disclosed prematurely in several reviews.  Though Lynn rarely appears in the episode, she remains a permanent presence as she is talked about constantly. Those around Eli are convinced that his dedication to Noah’s case stems from his unresolved grief over Lynn’s passing. And while Lynn may indeed be a factor, it seems to be in a very different way than any of them realize. Meanwhile, Noah’s condition becomes increasingly disturbing. Still hospitalized, he suddenly exhibits signs of drowning, with his lungs inexplicably filling with water. With no identifiable cause, the hospital classifies it as a suicide attempt and orders his transfer to a high-security unit. Eli objects, offering to look after the boy himself – a reaction that is once again, attributed to the grief over his wife. During a conversation with Noah, Eli reveals that he now understands that the boy’s violent behavior is an attempt to protect those around him from a danger only he perceives. When Eli gently asks Noah who hurt him so deeply, the boy hesitates before answering:

Noah: You won’t be mad?

Eli: Of course not. 

Noah: … You did.

WOA!

At the end of the episode, Eli returns to his therapist’s office and begins to open up further about his wife’s suicide. In a flashback, he recalls finding Lynn dead in the bathtub. The therapist senses he’s holding something important back, but Eli insists there’s nothing more to tell – even as he sees his dead wife wandering around the therapist’s office.

When he leaves the building disturbing images flash through Eli’s mind: Lynn in the bathtub, her eyes suddenly opening, hands clutching her throat. Is he the one choking her? We might find out this Friday when AppleTV+ releases episode 4!

What are your thoughts on the show up to now? Let us know in the comments!