Before and After (1996)

32% of critics liked it
(19 reviews)
39% of users liked it
(5,178 ratings)

Director Barbet Schroeder and screenwriter Ted Tally adapted the novel by Rosellen Brown into this intriguing drama that, while heavily criticized for a third-act revelation that is something of a cop-out, nevertheless features -- typically of Schroeder's work -- compelling performances, domestic… More Director Barbet Schroeder and screenwriter Ted Tally adapted the novel by Rosellen Brown into this intriguing drama that, while heavily criticized for a third-act revelation that is something of a cop-out, nevertheless features -- typically of Schroeder's work -- compelling performances, domestic discord, and a search for the truth. Meryl Streep stars as Carolyn Ryan, a rural Massachusetts pediatrician married to Ben (Liam Neeson), a handsome, rugged sculptor. Although theirs is not a picture-perfect marriage, the Ryans consider themselves happy, until police arrive at their home one morning to inform them that their son Jacob (Edward Furlong) was the last person seen the night before with a teenage girl who has been murdered. Jacob is missing, and the Ryans frantically search for him, but when the boy returns, it is obvious that he's not being completely truthful about the night's events. While Carolyn wants the truth, Ben is willing to go to whatever lengths are necessary to defend Jacob, hiring an expensive lawyer (Alfred Molina), destroying evidence, and encouraging Jacob to be deceitful. Carolyn and Ben's opposing views of their son's legal trouble cause serious turmoil in the Ryans' marriage, which may be irreparably harmed in spite of the 11th hour appearance of the truth. ~ Karl Williams, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: PG-13, 1 hr. 47 min.
Directed By: Barbet Schroeder
Genres: Mystery & Suspense, Drama

In Theaters: Feb 23, 1996 Wide
On DVD: Apr 6, 2004
Studio: Disney

Critic Reviews

Mike Clark, USA Today
Despite Meryl Streep, Liam Neeson and the usually estimable Edward Furlong, this nonevent huffs and puffs to attain even the level of an ordinary motion picture.
Nell Minow, Movie Mom at Yahoo! Movies
Uneven script, but strong performances by a powerhouse cast.
Frank Ochieng, TheWorldJournal.com
A strained but nevertheless involving little personal drama about a delinquent's alleged murderous deed. Schroeder's suspense piece is arbitrary but satisfying thanks to the reliable leads.

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Featured Audience Ratings

Deb S

Jacob Ryan (Edward Furlong has become adept to playing the disturbed teen-American History X and Terminator 2) plays a moody 16-year-old who is accused of murdering his two-timing girlfriend (Alison Folland) and has to suffers the consequences of his actions. Jacob's concerned… More
Jacob Ryan (Edward Furlong has become adept to playing the disturbed teen-American History X and Terminator 2) plays a moody 16-year-old who is accused of murdering his two-timing girlfriend (Alison Folland) and has to suffers the consequences of his actions. Jacob's concerned parents are played by Liam Neeson and Meryl Streep who are caught between covering for their son and telling the truth. Also starring Alfred Molina as the stereotypical lawyer who is interested more in getting Jacob off the hook, than doing what is morally correct.
nefnie l

What would you do if your kid was accused of murder? Liam Neeson and Meryl Streep create very believable characters at odds with how to handle this very situation. With such a strong leading cast, and a thought-provoking storyline, it fell a little (just a little) short of my… More
What would you do if your kid was accused of murder? Liam Neeson and Meryl Streep create very believable characters at odds with how to handle this very situation. With such a strong leading cast, and a thought-provoking storyline, it fell a little (just a little) short of my expectations. Neeson and Streep play a very affluent couple in a small town whose lives are completely changed when a young womans body is found, and the police suspect their son of her murder. Neeson is great as a dad whose first instinct is to protect his son, even to the point of getting rid of supposed evidence. Streeps character, who believes totally in her sons innocence, is willing to give the police full access in hopes of finding her son; who has been missing since the event transpired. Together they must face their home town that has not only abandoned them, but also has become hostile towards them. They must search for their son and find the truth. The beauty in this movie is watching a realistic transformation of a family facing, coping, and eventually moving forward after a crisis.
Leo L

Intriguing!