Billy Crystal debuts new psychological thriller about loss on Apple TV+

Billy Crystal is making a comeback on television this month with his new limited series, Before, which debuts on Apple TV Plus on October 25.

In an interview with Newsweek, Crystal shared that filming this psychological series was both “thrilling” and “exhausting.” While he’s known for his comedic roles, his character Eli, a psychiatrist dealing with the loss of his wife, showcases his dramatic acting chops. He explained that stepping into Eli’s mind was a rewarding experience, saying, “After a while, I just didn’t want to let go of Eli… I was in a good groove with him, and I just didn’t want it to stop.”

Despite his attachment to the character, he felt a sense of completion after wrapping up production. “Once we wrapped the shooting and I got to see the edits and give my notes on everything… I feel very complete,” he reflected. “We got it there, and that’s very satisfying.”

What is Before?

Before is described by Apple TV Plus as “an atmospheric, character-driven psychological thriller.” The plot revolves around Eli, a child psychiatrist who, after losing his wife, meets a young boy needing help—only to discover the boy has a mysterious connection to his past.

Who Stars in Before?

Alongside Billy Crystal, the series features:

• Judith Light
• Rosie Perez
• Jacobi Jupe

Crystal expressed that playing Eli was a deeply enlightening experience for him. He described it as freeing to portray a character who is “losing his mind” while simultaneously discovering himself. He appreciated the creativity of the series’ writers, noting, “I just kept giggling sometimes… I got this thing coming out of my neck or whatever it may be. It was actually thrilling, you know, exhausting.”

Streaming Information

Before will be available to stream on Apple TV Plus starting October 25, 2024. A trailer for Before was released by Apple TV Plus in October.