After: Apple TV+ Launches Its Unique Take on Stranger Things

As fans of Stranger Things anticipate its climactic fifth season set to arrive in 2025, a new supernatural thriller titled Before has premiered on Apple TV+. This series could satiate your desire for mystery and the macabre.

Though it may not evoke the same nostalgic feel as Stranger Things, Before delivers a captivating mix of mystery and supernatural elements, all steeped in emotional complexity.

When and Where to Watch Before?

Billy Crystal and Rosie Perez in Before — Billy Crystal and Rosie Perez in **Before** | Source: IMDb

Similarities Between Before and Stranger Things

Fans of Stranger Things will likely recognize familiar elements in Before. Both series feature main characters who must unveil unsettling truths about their young charges, with the children’s hidden abilities linked to more ominous forces.

However, while Stranger Things revels in high-energy adventures, Before opts for a more subdued, atmospheric narrative, appealing to an audience expecting intricate storytelling over visual exuberance.

The Premise of Before

Before centers on Eli, played by Billy Crystal, a widower and child psychologist grappling with the heartache of losing his wife. His life takes a dramatic turn when he begins working with Noah, a young boy whose past is mysteriously intertwined with Eli’s.

This bittersweet connection between Eli and Noah sets the framework for a gripping and eerie narrative that delves deep into the supernatural realm, continuously challenging Eli’s perceptions and pulling viewers into the storyline.

An Impressive Ensemble Cast

A standout aspect of Before is its remarkable cast, differentiating it from Stranger Things.

Billy Crystal showcases his dramatic range in a profound performance as Eli, effectively demonstrating his ability to transition from comedic roles to deeply moving portrayals. His performance is complemented by noteworthy talents like Judith Light (known from Poker Face), Rosie Perez (from The Flight Attendant), and Maria Dizzia (famed for her role in Orange Is the New Black), all of whom bring richness to their characters.

Billy Crystal and Judith Light in Before — Billy Crystal and Judith Light in **Before** | Source: IMDb

The cast’s palpable chemistry enhances the show’s supernatural narrative, transforming it into a more personal and poignant exploration of their interconnected lives.

What to Know Before Watching Before

With a gripping central mystery, well-developed characters, and stellar performances, Before emerges as a must-watch series. If you’re searching for a new obsession to fill the void left by Stranger Things, look no further—this show could be your next binge-worthy experience.

Despite its late arrival, the series offers a timely thrill. Happy viewing this Halloween season!

About Before

Before is an American psychological thriller miniseries crafted by Sarah Thorp, who takes the helm as showrunner and executive producer alongside Billy Crystal, Adam Bernstein, Eric Roth, and Jet Wilkinson. The series features a talented lineup that includes Billy Crystal, Judith Light, Rosie Perez, and Jacobi Jupe.

The show made its debut on October 25, 2024, exclusively on Apple TV+, weaving a narrative where a recently widowed psychologist must confront a client deeply linked to his past.

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