In the seventh chapter of Apple TV+'s chilling psychological thriller series, "Before," titled "The Power of Belief," the narrative undertakes a mesmerizing shift as Dr. Eli Russell (portrayed by Billy Crystal) ventures deeper into the labyrinthine mind of Noah (Gideon Adlon), a youth ensnared by fantastical delusions and shrouded in an enigmatic past. The episode opens on a mournful note, setting the scene for a sequence of occurrences that will push the boundaries of reality and strain the limits of Eli's unconventional therapeutic approaches.
The hospital, anxious about the efficacy of Eli's treatment and his own mental stability, makes the controversial decision to relocate Noah to a more secure care facility. This mandate meets with steadfast opposition from Eli, who is resolute in conducting one final session with Noah before the impending transfer. Jane (Dana Davis), the hospital administrator, yields reluctantly, permitting Eli to oversee a "transitional therapy session" intended to ease Noah into the forthcoming adjustments.
Eli's session with Noah unfolds as a tour de force of psychological manipulation, where he hypnotizes the youth, convincing him that he is a sack of sand seeping away and his hand levitated by an invisible balloon. This surreal imagery contrasts starkly with the raw emotions pulsating through the characters, as Eli persists in prompting Noah to revisit his initial encounter with Denise (Ali Ahn) and his tenure with previous foster families. Despite Noah's steadfast denial of any abuse, Eli insistently urges him to plunge deeper into his past, inducing a traumatic flashback where Noah clutches his chest, struggling to breathe.
The episode's suspense ratchets up as a psychic cleansing ritual at the Adler residence is intertwined with Noah's therapy session. The psychic's ancient rites seemingly awaken an unseen force within the house, and Eli's presence there precipitates a spectral encounter with Lynn's (Judith Light) ghost. This supernatural happening introduces another facet of intricacy to the already intertwined web of relationships and concealed truths binding the characters.
Eli's relentless pursuit of linking Noah's hallucinations to his own haunting past with Benjamin serves as the fuel propelling his every move. He persuades Jane to escort Noah to the abode of Lawrence, Benjamin's kindred brother, harboring the conviction that healing the phantom Benjamin within Noah's psyche will restore the young man's sanity. However, Eli's clandestine ties to Benjamin remain concealed, a revelation that Jane unearths later, sparking a confrontation and deepening the chasm of mistrust between them.
At Lawrence's residence, Noah's bond with Benjamin manifests more vividly as he engages with artifacts and memories belonging to the deceased. The episode reaches its emotional zenith when Noah plays a melody deeply significant to both Benjamin and Lawrence, eliciting an emotional deluge from Lawrence and reinforcing the conviction that Noah might be Benjamin's reincarnation.
The episode concludes with a stunning revelation, as Noah's hallucinations materialize physically, causing Eli to endure a sensation akin to drowning and regurgitating water, hinting at a supernatural link to a bygone catastrophe. This scene, coupled with flashbacks of a girl in a crimson coat being submerged in water, leaves the audience with an abundance of queries and little clarity, pondering over the essence of Noah's hallucinations and the true scope of Eli's involvement in the harrowing events of the past.
"The Power of Belief" stands as a fascinating chapter in the series, one that challenges the viewer's comprehension of reality and underscores the potency of belief in shaping our experiences. It exemplifies the show's prowess in crafting an intricate narrative that keeps viewers enraptured, eagerly anticipating the next unveiling. As the series unfolds, the boundaries between truth and illusion, past and present, continue to blur, prompting us to question the nature of memory and the repercussions of our deeds.
