Apple TV+ ‘Before’ Episode 8 Review - A Farmhouse of Truth and Shadows

Episode 8 of Before, titled When We Dead Awaken, deftly combines psychological tension with emotional gravity, offering viewers an intimate look at Eli’s internal and external struggles. This episode serves as both a narrative climax and a contemplative pause, blending the thrill of discovery with the weight of personal reckoning.

At the heart of the episode is Eli's discovery of photographs that hint at a shadowy past linked to a secluded farmhouse. The journey to this enigmatic location is as much about physical travel as it is about traversing the landscape of memory. The farmhouse, eerily serene, becomes a symbol of the ghosts Eli has been running from, both literal and metaphorical. The cinematography here deserves special mention—muted tones and hauntingly beautiful frames make the farmhouse almost a character in itself, encapsulating the episode's underlying theme of confronting dormant pain.

Billy Crystal's portrayal of Eli reaches new depths in this installment. His performance oscillates between moments of vulnerability and quiet determination, making Eli's quest both relatable and compelling. Crystal captures the subtle, lived-in nuances of someone grappling with the past—a strained sigh here, a lingering gaze there. The supporting cast also shines, with key flashbacks providing emotional weight and insight into how relationships have shaped Eli’s current psyche.

The script is sharp, avoiding over-exposition while layering its story with enough ambiguity to keep viewers on edge. The dialogue feels authentic, punctuated with moments of quiet introspection that echo the show's overarching theme of life's fleeting nature. What Before excels at, particularly in this episode, is resisting melodrama. Even as Eli edges closer to the truth, the revelations feel earned rather than shoehorned, maintaining the series' grounding in realism.

However, while the episode excels in many areas, it isn’t without its flaws. At 24 minutes, the pacing occasionally feels rushed, especially as Eli's investigation reaches its crescendo. Key moments—such as uncovering the farmhouse's significance—deserved more breathing room. The truncated runtime somewhat diminishes the emotional payoff of an otherwise well-crafted story arc. Additionally, while the atmospheric soundtrack elevates the suspense, it occasionally dips into overly familiar motifs, slightly undercutting the originality of the visuals.

The episode’s title, When We Dead Awaken, is a subtle nod to themes of revival and confrontation. It's not just Eli awakening to the ghosts of his past but also a reflection on how memories, suppressed or forgotten, demand acknowledgment. This philosophical undercurrent enriches the narrative, prompting viewers to consider their relationship with their past and how it shapes their present.

From a technical standpoint, the direction is impeccable. Each frame feels intentional, from the wide shots that capture the farmhouse's isolation to close-ups that convey Eli’s internal turmoil. The interplay of light and shadow is particularly effective, visually reinforcing the theme of hidden truths coming to light.

Ultimately, When We Dead Awaken is a poignant, thought-provoking entry in the series. While its brevity and occasional reliance on thriller tropes might leave some yearning for more, the episode's emotional resonance and visual storytelling are enough to keep viewers invested. It’s a chapter that lingers—like a faint echo of a melody you can’t quite place—inviting reflection long after the credits roll.

Fans of Before will appreciate how this episode deepens Eli’s character arc, setting the stage for a potentially impactful finale. For all its minor imperfections, it’s a testament to the show's ability to blend suspense and sentiment with finesse, keeping its audience both intrigued and emotionally tethered.

Final Score- [6.5/10]