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Before and After

Before and After

A murder. A suspect. A shadow of a doubt.

1996108 minPG-13Midcredits score: 41st percentile of all films
Director
Barbet Schroeder
Starring
Meryl Streep, Liam Neeson, Edward Furlong, Julia Weldon

Two parents deal with the effects when their son is accused of murdering his girlfriend.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Before and After?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Before and After streaming on Prime Video and to rent or buy on Apple TV and Prime Video.

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Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about Before and After?

Before and After earns 5 badges, led by Box Office Flop and Preferred by Critics.

  • Reception
  • Awards and box office

Reception

Is Before and After worth watching?

Before and After's Midcredits score is the 41st percentile of all films, from 19K ratings across 4 sources. 39% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

41st percentile

Better received than 41% of films

41st percentile among Crime44th percentile among 1990s
Acclaim (how much people like it)46th
Approval (how many liked it)36th

60 /100

46th percentile of all films

47th percentile among Crime50th percentile among 1990s

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 6.1 — solid but not unanimous.

Approval

How many liked it

39% liked it

36th percentile of all films

36th percentile among Crime39th percentile among 1990s
39% rated it 7–1061% rated it 1–6

Critics 35% · Audience 35%

On Rotten Tomatoes, critics and audiences approve at similar rates.

87th percentile

19K ratings across platforms

84th percentile among Crime82nd percentile among 1990s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 33% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$35M
Opening weekend$4M
Domestic gross$8.8M
Worldwide gross$8.8M

Returned 0.3× its budget — 75th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

A family drama about a teenager accused of murder, driven by its premise and A-list cast but hampered by a mediocre script.

Fans praised

  • moral and ethical dilemmas feel authentic to parenting a teenager in crisis
  • understated performances from Streep and Neeson, especially as complementary opposites
  • murky wintry landscape and shadowy interiors create a fitting cold atmosphere

Detractors panned

  • script riddled with plot holes and illogical character decisions
  • cloying sentimental score and sugarcoated tone stifle any real tension
  • Furlong delivers a flat, mournful performance lacking emotional depth

What stands out

ActingDivisive65

Streep nuanced and understated; Neeson fierce but polarizing; Furlong widely panned as monotone

Atmosphere60

wintry landscapes and shadowy interiors effectively cold and immersive

Emotional impactDivisive55

family crisis resonates with parents; others find manipulation and lack of true emotion

CharactersDivisive45

parents feel real to some but shallow and unlikable to others; daughter sympathetic; girlfriend and her mother caricatured

Pacing45

slow-burn that engages some but drifts and loses momentum mid-film

Plot and storyDivisive40

premise compelling but execution marred by illogical holes and contrivances

TensionDivisive35

subtle suspense for some but drained by sentimental score and bland staging

Dialogue30

often silly, predictable, and un-human; fails the cast's talent

Preferred by

Critics vs users

Preferred by Critics

Critics scored it 16 points higher than users.

US vs non-US

Preferred by Non-US Viewers

Non-US viewers scored it 11 points higher than US viewers.

No notable difference between the other groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • Women vs men 3 points apart

Watch experience

What is Before and After like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Food for thought: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you are ready for heavy feelings, and you want something to think about afterwards.

It takes its time and leaves you thinking. Skip it when you want an easy night or you want things to move fast.

ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Room for heavy feelings and patience.

What it feels like

Food for thought.

Moods
TenseMelancholic
Heaviest: throughout
Register
Brooding: Heavy, inward, weather-beaten.Solemn: Grave and dignified; treats its subject with weight and respect.
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film takes its subject matter seriously, playing the family's moral dilemma straight without irony.
The rideThe sustained pressure of a murder accusation and its family fallout creates a consistently tense and somber mood across the film.
StructureConventional beginning-middle-end structure moving from accusation to trial to resolution.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Thinking.

The answer rests on this: Thought-provokingBittersweet
Why it leaves you this wayThe film leaves viewers pondering the ethics of truth and loyalty while carrying the melancholy of a family permanently altered by tragedy.
How it ends · evidence
Bittersweet ending

Story archetype

where it sits among all films
Monster — 21% of films. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of films. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 10% of films. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 4% of films. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 11% of films. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 9% of films. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 13% of films. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 7% of films. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 22% of filmsPredator — 6% of films. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 6% of films. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of films. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 2% of films. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of films. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of films. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of films. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of films. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of films. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of films. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — under 1% of films. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of films. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of films. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of films. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of films. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 4% of films. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 5% of films. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of films. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — 1% of films. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of films. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 2% of films. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — 1% of films. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of films. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — 1% of films. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 4% of films. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of films. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of films. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of films. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 1% of films. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of films. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — 2% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 2% of films. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 2% of films. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 3% of films. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 3% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 5% of films. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of films. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 2% of films. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of films. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 5% of films. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 2% of films. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).Monster
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21% (this title): Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 2% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% (this title) · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent under 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 10%: Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% · Mission 5% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage 1%
  • Voyage 4%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent 1%
  • Comedy 11%: Romantic comedy 4% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 1%
  • Tragedy 9%: Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3%
  • Rebirth 13%: Redemption 3% · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Overcoming the monster: A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated. · Institutional injustice: A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).

21% of films fit this archetype

A loose fit — the map only half-holds this one.

Why this archetypeThe film follows a family battling the legal system and community hostility after their son is accused of murder; the central conflict is against an oppressive institution and public opinion.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 27% of filmsSelf — 22% of filmsPower — 7% of filmsMorality — 16% of filmsSurvival — 15% of filmsSociety — 9% of filmsIdeas — 5% of filmsRomantic love — 15% of filmsMarriage — 2% of filmsFamily bonds — 21% of filmsParenthood — 2% of filmsFriendship — 9% of filmsLoyalty — 4% of filmsIdentity — 14% of filmsComing of age — 5% of filmsAging — under 1% of filmsSelf-worth — 7% of filmsAmbition — 7% of filmsPurpose — 9% of filmsMemory — 3% of filmsObsession — 3% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 2% of filmsCorruption — 3% of filmsGreed — 3% of filmsClass — 3% of filmsOppression — 4% of filmsFreedom — 5% of filmsJustice — 13% of filmsDuty — 2% of filmsRevenge — 4% of filmsGuilt — 3% of filmsRedemption — 6% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — 1% of filmsSacrifice — 4% of filmsBetrayal — 5% of filmsDeception — 9% of filmsSurvival — 17% of filmsWar — 1% of filmsViolence — 4% of filmsMortality — 2% of filmsGrief — 6% of filmsTrauma — 7% of filmsMental illness — 1% of filmsAddiction — 1% of filmsIllness and disability — under 1% of filmsCommunity — 14% of films. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 5% of filmsPrejudice — 3% of filmsDisplacement — 1% of filmsFaith — 3% of filmsTradition vs change — 2% of filmsFame — 3% of filmsLegacy — 4% of filmsFate — 1% of filmsFree will — under 1% of filmsTruth — 4% of filmsHope — 5% of filmsNature — 2% of filmsArt — 4% of filmsTechnology — 1% of filmsSelfJusticeMorality
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27%: Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% (this title) · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22%: Identity 14% · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% · Memory 3% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7%: Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16% (this title): Justice 13% (this title) · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9% (this title)
  • Survival 15%: Survival 17% · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% · Trauma 7% · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: Community 14% · Isolation 5% · Prejudice 3% · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% · Tradition vs change 2% · Fame 3% · Legacy 4%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Morality

Justice · 13% of filmsDeception · 9% of filmsFamily bonds
Interrogates its theme: Questions its theme without settling the answer.Community stakes: Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Ensemble lead
How it treats its themeThe film explores how a family's moral choices and the legal system respond when a son is accused of murder, testing truth, loyalty, and what justice really means.
StanceThe film appears to question what justice means when a family's loyalty and the legal system collide, without offering easy answers.

The world

ContemporarySuburbanInstitutionalRealistic
Orchestral modernSupportive music · original score · Howard Shore
Settinga small American town shaken by a murder accusation against a local teenager
MusicHoward Shore's score likely underscores the film's brooding and tense atmosphere.

Content guide

Is Before and After okay for kids?

PG-13

Before and After is rated PG-13: “Rated PG-13 for some disturbing images of violence, brief strong language and some sensuality” (MPAA). As of March 15, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at moderate (56/100), sexual content at mild (32/100), language at intense (61/100), drug and alcohol content at minimal (4/100) and frightening material at mild (27/100). Its violence and drug and alcohol content have too few votes to rank. Overall it is heavier than 56% of PG-13-rated films.

Ratings in 6 other countries
  • UK12
  • FranceTP
  • Ireland12
  • Czechia15+
  • ItalyT
  • PortugalM/12
Overall
Moderate · all five categories
Heavier than 35% of all filmsHeavier than 56% of PG-13-rated films
Violence & Gore
Moderate · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
too few votes to rank (9 votes)
Sex & Nudity
Mild
typical for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 57%
Profanity
Intense
heavy for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 90%
Alcohol & Drugs
None / Minimal
too few votes to rank (8 votes)
Frightening / Intense
Mild
light for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 24%

Point along a line to see a well-known title at that level.

The reason to think twice is language. Everything else sits at or below what PG-13-rated films usually carry.

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other films that have them.

What content warnings does Before and After have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Before and After?

Cast

2 of the cast already had the standing of a top-10% working actor.

Meryl Streep
as Carolyn Ryan
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Liam Neeson
as Ben Ryan
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Edward Furlong
as Jacob Ryan
Rising: A short career with a standing when this film came out above the median working actor today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Julia Weldon
as Judith Ryan
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Alfred Molina
as Panos Demeris
Daniel von Bargen
as Fran Conklin
John Heard
as Wendell Bye
Ann Magnuson
as Terry Taverner
Alison Folland
as Martha Taverner
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Kaiulani Lee
as Marian Raynor, Prosecutor
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Before and After?

Movies like Before and After include Kiss of Death (1995), Murder by Numbers (2002) and Night Falls on Manhattan (1996). Of the 9 closest matches, two are films by Barbet Schroeder, and several are films about law enforcement.

Balanced: every group counts the same, and production only breaks ties.

5 of these 9 share its character type: a marriage in crisis. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with Before and After?

5.2K other films share the rarest tag below, relationship: marriage in crisis. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.