Here Before

Here Before is a psychological thriller that premiered in 2021. This movie follows the story of Laura (played by Andrea Riseborough), a grieving mother who becomes obsessed with a new family that moves in next door.

The movie begins with Laura and her husband, Brendan (played by Jonjo O'Neill), mourning the loss of their young daughter, Josie. Laura is a schoolteacher who spends most of her time sitting alone in her daughter's room, surrounded by her belongings. However, her life is turned upside down when a new family moves in next door, with a young daughter named Megan (played by Niamh Dornan) who bears a striking resemblance to Josie.

Laura begins to obsess over the new family, convinced that Megan is the reincarnation of her daughter. She even begins to see signs and symbols that seem to confirm her beliefs. Her growing obsession strains her relationship with her husband, who is skeptical of her theories.

As Laura becomes more and more convinced that Megan is Josie, tensions rise between Laura and Megan's parents. The movie explores themes of grief, loss, mental health, and motherhood. It also plays with the idea of perception and reality, questioning whether Laura is truly seeing signs of her daughter or if she is merely projecting her own desires onto Megan.

Here Before is a slow-burning movie that builds tension throughout. It is filmed in a muted color palette, reflecting the subdued emotions of the characters. The score is eerie and unsettling, adding to the growing sense of unease. The movie takes place almost entirely within the confines of Laura and Brendan's home, adding to the claustrophobic feeling as Laura becomes more and more obsessed.

The performances in Here Before are excellent, particularly Andrea Riseborough's portrayal of a grieving mother on the brink of a mental breakdown. Jonjo O'Neill's performance provides a counterweight to Laura's shift into madness, adding realism to the story. Niamh Dornan is also impressive as the young girl who unwittingly captures Laura's attention.

Overall, Here Before is a haunting and thought-provoking movie about the far-reaching effects of loss and grief. It is a well-crafted thriller that keeps the audience on edge until the very end.