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Billy Crystal is obviously best-known as a comedic actor, appearing in films that are now considered classics (When Harry Met Sally, City Slickers, The Princess Bride) and giving voice to Mike Wazowski across Pixar’s Monsters Inc. franchise. He’s also hosted the Oscars and starred on Broadway. But one thing he hasn’t really tackled is the focus of his latest project: horror. Apple TV+ just released the first trailer for new series Before, starring and executive produced by Crystal.
The press release calls Before both a “character-driven psychological thriller” and a “supernatural mystery,” so there’s more here than just grief trauma messing with reality. It’s definitely new terrain for Crystal; his character has slipped into a troubled mindset after his wife’s sudden death, a precarious situation that only gets worse when an “unnerving” kid turns up outside his house. What’s the deal with the cabin they’re both obsessed with? And has “You’ll Never Walk Alone” ever sounded quite so menacing before?
Here’s the official description: “Before stars Crystal as Eli, a child psychiatrist who, after recently losing his wife, Lynn (Judith Light), encounters a troubled young boy, Noah (Jacobi Jupe), who seems to have a haunting connection to Eli’s past. As Eli attempts to help Noah, their mysterious bond deepens.”
There are Sixth Sense vibes in this trailer, for sure—with maybe a dab of The Ring as well? And while there’s a “spooky kid” trope front and center, Jupe’s performance looks to be layered in a way that will keep things interesting. The rest of the cast includes Rosie Perez, Maria Dizzia, and Ava Lalezarzadeh.
Sarah Thorp created Before and is also its showrunner and writer, and is among its executive producers. The show premieres October 25 with two episodes; the remaining eight in the limited series will roll out weekly on Apple TV+.
Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.
