The fourth episode of the gripping Apple TV+ series "Before," titled "Symbols and Signs," continues to unravel the enigmatic narrative surrounding the lives of its central characters, Eli and Noah. This episode delves deeper into the psychological turmoil that both characters face, as well as the supernatural elements that seem to bind them together in a web of mystery and intrigue.
The episode opens with a continuation of the haunting visions that plague Noah, the young boy with a penchant for violence. These visions, which involve a tentacled monster, are not only terrifying but also seem to have a direct influence on Noah's actions, as evidenced by the chilling incident at his playschool. The visions are accompanied by physical symptoms, such as full-body shivers and a bluish tint to his lips, which adds a layer of realism to the supernatural occurrences. In a particularly disturbing scene, Noah appears to drown in a hospital room, despite the absence of any significant body of water, highlighting the bizarre and otherworldly nature of his experiences.
Eli, the aging child psychologist, is faced with a moral dilemma when he learns of Noah's condition. His instinct is to take Noah home, away from the hospital authorities whom he does not trust. However, Gail, a voice of reason, prevents him from doing so, emphasizing the unethical nature of such an action. This scene underscores the tension between Eli's personal desire to protect Noah and the professional boundaries that must be maintained. Instead, Eli opts for a conversation with Noah, which leads to a chilling accusation from the boy, insinuating that Eli himself has caused him harm.
The sketches that Noah creates become a central focus of the episode, as they reveal a connection to a photograph in Eli's late wife Lynn's office. This revelation is both unexpected and puzzling, as it suggests a link between Noah's visions and Eli's personal life. The sketch of a woman with winding locks of hair, drawn by Noah, further complicates matters, as it seems to resonate with Eli on a deeply personal level. The connection between these sketches and the events in the series is still shrouded in mystery, leaving viewers to ponder the significance of these symbols and signs.
Eli's journey takes a turn when he visits a church, where he hears someone speaking in Dutch, a language that Noah has been using in his disturbing utterances. This leads to the discovery that the church is the place where Noah was abandoned by his biological parents, adding another layer to the boy's tragic backstory. Eli's conversation with Father Dennis, however, yields little information about Noah, further frustrating Eli's quest for understanding.
The episode culminates in a jazz party where Eli confronts Jackson about an ominous email exchange between Jackson and Lynn. Jackson's explanation—that Lynn was consulting him for a book based on her feelings while battling cancer—provides a glimpse into Lynn's inner turmoil but does little to clarify the mystery surrounding her death. The party is also marked by Eli saving a girl from choking, using a pen that he believes Noah had stolen, which later turns out to be a different pen, suggesting that Noah may possess other secrets.
The episode ends with Jackson giving Eli Lynn's last drawing, which features a girl and a boy in a woods filled with the tentacled sketches that Noah is known for. This drawing, combined with Eli's breath condensing in the air like Noah's, suggests a deeper connection between the two characters and the possibility that Noah may possess some form of supernatural power, influencing both Lynn and Eli. The episode leaves viewers with more questions than answers, maintaining the series' penchant for suspense and intrigue.
"Before" continues to be a series that challenges its audience with its complex narrative and refusal to provide easy answers. Episode 4, "Symbols and Signs," is no exception, as it further entangles the characters in a web of mystery and leaves viewers eager for the next installment.