Beef is a representation of the permeating and compounding nature of anger when not released. In this series two strangers get into road rage that last way beyond the streets . The series begins with stubborn and prideful reactions from our two main characters Amy Lau , played by Ali Wong and Danny Cho played by Steven Yeun. As the show continues we slowly see what was once petty turn into a deeply disturbing vendetta fueled by deep anger, loss, and a desperation to finally be seen as the winner.
While our main characters lead the show , the secondary characters have intriguing story arch of their own. We have Joseph Lee as an earnest, lovable and wildly naive Nepo baby, Naomi (Ashley Park) the nosy neighbor yearning to attach herself to power and influence as a means to feel worthy and seen , Paul (Young Mazino) the seemingly daft younger Cho brother , and many more noteworthy characters. I have some favorites but I can’t decide between Issac (David Choe) or Fumi (Patti Yasutake). All of these characters serve as tools to show just how complicated and messed up our anti heroes are.
Beef is a great watch. It is a dark comedy with so much depth, nuance, and great grandeur - especially in the opening titles sequences. The show lends itself to plenty of discussion surrounding class, integrity, and one’s capacity to heal. This show makes you rethink and arguably dismantle the idea of a “good” or “bad”person. We all are trying to hold onto to the best versions of ourselves while life is violently tugging us in the other direction . The show explores — and we aught to as well — when and why do we decide to put up the fight just a little bit longer.