Watch I Before Thee

I Before Thee is an independent psychological thriller film released in 2018 that explores the struggles of a young man named Jeffery who is struggling with depression and addiction. Directed and written by Aaron M. Abelto, who also stars in the lead role, the film follows Jeffery as he tries to find redemption and salvation in his life.

The movie starts with Jeffery waking up in his car in the middle of nowhere. He looks disheveled and his eyes seem to tell a story of their own. It is soon revealed that he is running away from his past - his addictions, his past mistakes, and his broken relationships. He then takes refuge in a church where he meets a pastor named Michael played by Randell J. Jackman, who takes him under his wing.

The story unfolds as Jeffery begins to confront his past and his demons through his interactions with Michael and a young woman named Eliza played by Brandi Patterson. Eliza is a woman who seems to have a connection with Jeffery, and he connects with her on a deep level, which pushes him to come out of his shell and face his inner-self. As their friendship develops, the audience learns about their past and the challenges they have overcome or are trying to overcome.

I Before Thee is a raw and emotional exploration of the institutional and social challenges people experiencing addiction and depression face. Jeffery's character is a reflection of the often-unappreciated bravery and courage, that people display in their fight against external and internal battles. Aaron M. Abelto expertly portrays the struggles of addiction and mental health, effectively conveying his character's emotions and descent into darkness.

Moreover, the movie highlights the power of spirituality, and the story depicts Jeffery struggling to find faith in a higher power in the midst of his spiritual crisis. The film draws comparisons between a religious community and its values of communal support with the rest of society, where an individual might feel a sense of disconnection and loneliness.

Brandi Patterson's portrayal of Eliza provides a counterbalance to Jeffery's persona as she is optimistic and hopeful in the face of her struggles. Her character also reflects the pursuit of happiness beyond materialism and societal norms, which resonates with the audience deeply.

Randell J. Jackman's character Michael is a calming force that helps Jeffery to process his emotions and come to terms with his past. Through his conversations with Michael, the audience is exposed to the idea that maybe talking to someone who understands and cares may help during difficult times.

The film’s atmospheric score, composed by Joshua Hanford, heightens the suspense and adds to the tension building throughout the movie. The electrifying cinematography by David M. Brewer, Jr. brilliantly captures the moments of silent introspection and intense self-reflection.

The movie is a testament to the power of independent cinema and the dedication of the cast and crew involved in its production. A small budget film produced by Boutté Rouge Entertainment, I Before Thee is a raw and emotional exploration of the difficulties people face when dealing with mental health and addiction, a heartfelt piece that will connect with audiences who have also walked those challenges. It demonstrates the importance of compassion and understanding of those who may be struggling with daily mental health challenges.

In conclusion, I Before Thee provides a gripping and emotional account of a man coming face to face with his darkest demons and navigating his road towards recovery. It is an uplifting yet heartbreaking story that depicts the struggles of humanity and the power of personal spiritual connections as a means of navigating one's internal world. This movie is definitely worth watching, with some spectacular performances and beautiful cinematography.

I Before Thee is a 2016 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 21 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.0.