Apple TV+’s Before Debuts With a Bleak Rotten Tomatoes Score

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As a seasoned cinephile who’s seen my fair share of cinematic masterpieces from the likes of Chaplin to Scorsese, I must say that the new Apple TV+ series Before has left me somewhat perplexed. With a Rotten Tomatoes score that currently stands at a dismal 20%, it seems that even the charismatic Billy Crystal’s dramatic turn isn’t enough to save this psychological thriller from critical scorn.

It seems that Billy Crystal’s serious and intense performance in the new Apple TV+ series “Before” hasn’t been well-received by critics so far, as it has received a poor rating on Rotten Tomatoes upon its debut today. In this psychological thriller, Crystal plays Eli Adler, a child psychologist with a complex past who takes on a new client (Jacobi Jupe) who has an unsettling link to his history. The first two episodes were released today, and the series will continue with one episode per week until it concludes on December 20.

According to Rotten Tomatoes, the movie Before currently has a low rating of 20% from critics, but since only five reviews have been posted so far, there’s a chance it could improve. Importantly, it doesn’t yet have an audience score, so we’ll need to wait to hear what the general public thinks.

Mainly recognized for his humorous films such as “City Slickers”, “When Harry Met Sally”, and “The Princess Bride”, Crystal’s work in “Before” represents a noticeable change in direction. He collaborated with creator Sarah Thorp and executive producer Eric Roth to develop the show. At first, he wasn’t planned to be part of the cast, but as production progressed, he expressed his affection for the character of Eli, who offered substantial depth that drew him in.

His platter was overflowing with his own emotional burdens. He carried guilt, regret, and an unwavering sense of integrity. There was a relentless pursuit for the truth within him, a detective-like instinct that drove him to shatter every secret until he could restore this child completely. I admired that quality in him.

What Are Critics Saying About Before?

Sadly, despite Crystal’s passion for the project and his portrayal, the new Apple TV+ thriller hasn’t won over critics. In fact, their reviews have been predominantly unfavorable, as demonstrated by its Rotten Tomatoes rating. Daniel Feinberg from The Hollywood Reporter even went so far as to describe it as “essentially a weak direct-to-video film from the late ’90s spread across 10 tedious half-hour episodes.” That’s quite a sting!

Saloni Gajjar from The A.V. Club and Alison Herman from Variety both share similar views, describing the movie “Before” as a “confused jumble” that barely scratches the surface of its dark narrative. They suggest that while it hints at terrifying themes throughout, it ultimately fails to capitalize on its potential impact.

Despite each episode being only half an hour long, many of which fall short of the usual 25 minutes, this series tends to feel drawn out, continually rehashing similar storylines and visual motifs to prolong the narrative until a rather disappointing finale.

Although the series as a whole has received some negative feedback, Crystal’s performance is being highly commended. For instance, Lucy Magan from The Guardian admires that he avoids leaning on his comedic persona and convincingly portrays a man grappling with challenges he never anticipated. However, this praise may not be enough to make Before popular among viewers. To form your own opinion, check it out on Apple TV+. Additionally, pay attention to Rotten Tomatoes’ Popcornmeter to see how the show fares.

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2024-10-25 20:01