They say actions have consequences and Beef is all about that.
From A24 and Netflix's first collaboration, Beef is a dark dramedy that started from a near accident in a parking lot that turns two strangers, Danny (Steven Yeun) and Amy (Ali Wong) into enemies.
Danny is a struggling contractor who is just trying to earn enough money to bring his parents from Korea to the States. Meanwhile, Amy owns a thriving plant business which grants her family a comfortable life. While their lives are completely different, one thing they have in common is that they're both truly at their limit.
A painfully long car honks and a middle finger becomes the starting point of their relationship that leads to escalating acts of revenge as Danny and Amy learn about each other's identities and become more and more involved in each other's lives.
Review of 'Beef'
Beef was a five hour life-affirming adventure that you would surely hate not to have it on your plate. It is multilayered in its views of generational trauma, avarice, nihilism, and deception, all served under the umbrella of vengeance.
The pacing was perfect. It gets not only wilder but also melancholic as the story beautifully explores multiple themes about life. Beneath all that caged anger and questionable behaviours, lies deeply felt emotions I sincerely resonate with. Each episode left me with the satisfaction of wanting to watch another, that's why I ended up devouring the whopping 10 episodes in one go. I couldn't help it, every episode coheres and builds together in this cascade of rage, hilarity, and desperation.
Beef depicts what it's like to be eaten up by a long-simmering rage and have zero outlet to cast it away. It's a detour of how misunderstanding between two hurt individuals can cause so much pain. The side characters have their own drama that stays in tune with the main storyline. It's a perfect balance that's delightfully dark and entertaining. But the five stars credit goes to the main act, Ali Wong and Steven Yeun, who put on a remarkable performance. The chemistry between the two was top-notch to say the least, even though they both played the role of Tom and Jerry.
Overall, I think what surprised me the most is how the story was jam packed with unpredictability. What was expected to be a simple vengeful rage exchange, surprisingly takes turn into a delightful series that's just full of metaphors yet absolutely relatable at the same time.
Also, the title cards put on each episode are absolutely stunning, almost like you could hang them at an art gallery. Even better than George's collection of vases, I would say.
Beef is available on Netflix.
(HAI/tim)