In Netflix's "Beef," a dispute between two drivers quickly escalates on the road, leading to a series of dark yet often humor-filled events with significant satirical undertones. It's worth a watch.
Our Real Lives are Always Filled with Anger
The story begins in the parking lot of a family hardware megastore, a familiar setting for those who have experienced the unpleasantness of jostling for parking spaces or encountering reckless drivers. However, this space becomes a powder keg of adrenaline in this series, marking the beginning of the hostility between Amy and Danny. Danny, a contractor played by Steven Yeun, is already furious due to an unsatisfactory return, and things take a turn for the worse when successful businesswoman Amy (played by Ali Wong) in her Mercedes SUV blocks him and honks loudly to top it off. Amy's subsequent obscene gesture sets Danny on a reckless pursuit through Los Angeles in his beat-up old pickup. Little did he know that the luxury SUV harbored someone equally angry at the world. A series of daring chases and retaliations follows, culminating in a surprising array of objects, including eggs, being thrown from Amy's car.
Throughout these ten episodes, viewers gradually get to know Amy and Danny beyond their road rage. Despite their societal differences, both characters face the pressures of being part of the Asian American community in the U.S. and carry a burning anger within them.
Everyone has a Darkly Comedic Side
Amy, a young mother and wife in "Beef," wants to sell her hard-earned indoor plant business and enjoy life. Living in a stylish mansion in affluent Calabasas with an artistic husband and a daughter who loves drawing violent fantasy stories, Amy's life seems perfect. On the flip side, Danny mourns his lost youth, regretting not doing anything significant in his life. Danny lives in an apartment with his brother, and his cousin pressures him to engage in illegal activities to salvage his business. His life is a series of hardships. Meanwhile, his brother, Young, is involved in crypto adventures behind his back.
The stark contrast in their life situations—Amy, a woman who has achieved success independently, and Danny, a man struggling to make ends meet, often due to his troubles—sets the stage for their love-hate relationship that disrupts their lives and those around them.
In essence, Amy and Danny channel incredible willpower, creativity, and passion into making each other's lives miserable in their quest to vent their anger. "Beef" becomes a modern fable about the evil that can arise in high-pressure lives, an invasive war sparked like wildfire, with each perceiving the other as a supervillain. However, as they sense each other's disdain (or blatant attacks), retaliation escalates, leading to a cascade of misguided decisions like a domino effect. Suppose a series sometimes evokes the audience's spontaneous discomfort, even horror. In that case, it typically signifies a narrative that delves into the viewers' dark psychological corners, compelling them to keep watching.
Each Episode is a Startling Allegory
Why is the TV show titled "Beef"? In "Beef," a minor road dispute, akin to the buzzing of mosquitoes, unexpectedly transforms into a colossal roar and giant stampede. The name itself is a prophecy, reflecting our inability to let go of our emotions and troubles in the present moment. Often, it's about more than being right but proving that we stand on the right side, even if it means disregarding everything else.
Each episode of "Beef" opens with a museum-worthy piece of art, setting the tone for the episode. Sometimes, it's a depiction of raw, bloody meat; other times, a beautiful painting, accompanied by highly allegorical title cards like "The Birds Don't Sing, They Screech in Pain" in the first episode or "I Am a Cage" in the seventh. This sounds worse than it is: "Beef" fits anyone living a life filled with irony and black humor.
In one counseling session in "Beef," Amy questions whether love can be forever unconditional or if one mistake could ruin everything. This ongoing conflict between Amy and Danny revolves around their mistakes, causing ripples in their lives. Their actions sometimes receive forgiveness and support from family and friends, appearing almost miraculous. Yet, this is the essence of true love: if it exists, it should be boundless and unconditional, even with the many cruel twists reminiscent of "Beef."
An Outstanding Cast
Firstly, the series subtly touches on the societal context, the initial trigger being road rage. This syndrome has gained increasing attention over the past three years, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic. The lockdowns and stay-at-home orders led to increased social distancing, anxiety, and even antisocial tendencies. In the current global scenario, not only are violent incidents and shootings more frequent, but conflicts sparked by road rage are also more evident, often documented by dashcams. In the post-Covid era, every modern individual is prone to teetering on the brink of collapse, and the characters in "Beef" dramatically reflect the present social atmosphere in their precarious ways.
Steven Yeun, who rose to fame with "The Walking Dead" and "Minari," portrays Danny as a victim of societal inequality, expressing the explosive anger and frustration that one would expect. He is more than convincing in playing the role of a man who has seen better days. On the other hand, Ali Wong, known for her stand-up comedy and roles in "Fresh Off the Boat" and "Always Be My Maybe," skillfully portrays Amy as a woman tired of society's expectations and seeking a radical change. Her journey is filled with humor, struggle, and a touch of insanity, with Wong delivering a memorable performance.
The supporting cast adds to the richness of the narrative. Young, played by Jaden Smith, offers the perfect blend of naivety and cunningness. He navigates through the complicated crypto world while trying to protect his brother. Andy Richter, playing Amy's husband, adds an unexpected layer to the story as he grapples with his insecurities and artistic aspirations.
In conclusion, "Beef" is not just a dark comedy. It's a stark reflection of our society, where everyone is at risk of turning into a ticking time bomb. As it explores the thin line between sanity and insanity, the series captivates audiences with its engaging narrative, compelling characters, and thought-provoking themes. It's a rollercoaster ride through the absurdity of human behavior, reminding us all to take a step back and not let minor inconveniences turn into epic battles. But then again, where's the fun in that?
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