Apple TV+ has firmly established itself as a powerhouse for science fiction television, but beyond its flagship hits lies a trove of lesser-known treasures. One such title is the psychological mystery Before, a miniseries that premiered in late 2024 and, despite a substantial $68 million budget, flew under the radar for many viewers. Now, it's emerging as a captivating hidden gem for those seeking a slow-burn, thought-provoking story.
A Story of Shared Trauma and Supernatural Connection
Created and showrun by Sarah Thorp, Before centers on Dr. Eli Adler, a child psychiatrist portrayed by Emmy winner Billy Crystal. Grieving the recent loss of his wife, Eli's world is upended when he takes on a final client: a deeply troubled young boy named Noah, played by Jacobi Jupe. Noah suffers from violent hallucinations of worms, dark water, and ice, and speaks in unknown languages, symptoms that defy conventional medical explanation.
As Eli investigates, he discovers an inexplicable link between Noah's afflictions and the death of his own wife. The doctor, already grappling with visions of his own demise, becomes convinced their connection stems from a shared past-life trauma. His increasingly erratic behavior—driven by a need to save Noah by recreating and altering events from that previous existence—leads his colleagues to believe he is having a mental breakdown.
A Climax of Desperation and Unresolved Ends
The series builds to a tense climax where Eli escapes a psychiatric facility and kidnaps Noah, journeying to the site of their supposed past life to confront their shared history. While his desperate attempt appears to cure Noah of his symptoms, Eli's own conclusion is far more ambiguous. In a chilling final reveal, he is still haunted by the hallucination of a worm under his skin, suggesting his trauma remains potent. After treatment, he publicly chalks the entire experience up to an intense, shared delusion, leaving viewers to ponder the truth.
Upon its release, Before received a mixed critical reception, with some reviews calling it predictable and tonally uneven. However, its very elements of deliberate pacing and psychological unease are what many fans find most evocative and immersive. It's a show that prioritizes mood and character over explosive action, making it a perfect fit for viewers who enjoy mystery thrillers you can binge in one weekend.
Speculative Fiction Meets Psychological Thriller
Before distinguishes itself within Apple TV+'s sci-fi slate by leaning heavily into speculative and psychological territory. Instead of exploring space or technology, it uses elements of the paranormal—visions, unexplained bonds, and past-life regression—to craft a reality-bending mystery. The core relationship between Eli and Noah, with its almost telepathic depth, mirrors speculative fiction's exploration of human consciousness and connections that defy logic.
This focus on internal horror and existential mystery makes it a compelling counterpart to Apple's more outward-facing genre hits. For fans of the platform's diverse storytelling, from the epic family saga of Pachinko to the monster-filled adventure of Monarch: Legacy of Monsters, Before offers a more intimate, haunting alternative.
Bolstered by strong performances from Crystal and Jupe, and wrapped in gorgeously bleak cinematography, Before is a series that rewards patient viewing. It proves that not all great stories arrive with massive fanfare; some of the most intriguing ones are waiting quietly to be discovered. If you're looking for a smart, suspenseful mystery that lingers long after the credits roll, this $68 million hidden gem is now streaming on Apple TV+.
