Before and After (1996)
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32% of critics liked it
(19 reviews) -
38% of users liked it
(5,317 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,… 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
- Directed By
- Barbet Schroeder
- Genres
- Mystery & Suspense, Drama
PG-13,
- In Theaters
- Feb 23, 1996 Wide
- Studio
- Disney
Critic Reviews
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Nell Minow, Movie Mom at Yahoo! Movies
Uneven script, but strong performances by a powerhouse cast.
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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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Cast
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Meryl Streep
as Carolyn Ryan
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Liam Neeson
as Ben Ryan
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Edward Furlong
as Jacob Ryan
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Julia Weldon
as Judith Ryan
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Alfred Molina
as Panos Demeris
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John Heard
as Wendell Bye
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Daniel von Bargen
as Fran Conklin
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Wesley Addy
as Judge Grady
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Pamela Blair
as Dr. Ryan's Assistant
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Kaiulani Lee
as Marian Raynor Prosecutor
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Ann Magnuson
as Terry Taverner
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Larry Pine
as Dr. Tom McAnally
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Sharon Ullrick
as Female Bailiff
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John Wylie
as Dr. Trygve Hanson
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John Webber
as Hardware Clerk
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Alison Folland
as Martha Taverner
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Tim Cavanaugh
as Young Policeman
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Susan May Pratt
as Journalist #2
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Bernadette Quigley
as T.J.'s Mom
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Ellen Lancaster
as Panos' Assistant
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John Deyle
as Doctor
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Oliver Graney
as T.J.
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Jay Potter
as TV Reporter
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Robert Westenberg
as Journalist
