A Slow Burn Simmered to Perfection: A Review of Beef

Date:

Share post:

Review of Beef (2023) At a glance

Genre: Comedy, Drama Director: Lee Sung Jin Stars: Steven Yeun, Ali Wong, Joseph Lee Number of Seasons: 1 Number of Episodes: 10 Running Time: Approx. 35 minutes per episode

Ratings:

  • IMDb:0/10 (130,000+ ratings)
  • Rotten Tomatoes:98% Certified Fresh (116 critic reviews)

Short Plot:

What the heck is Beef about? A road rage incident between two strangers, Danny Cho and Amy Lau, escalates into an all-consuming feud with dark humor and unexpected consequences.

beef tv shows review

Plot of Beef 2023

What is Beef in Netflix about? In “Beef,” a seemingly insignificant road rage incident between Danny Cho, a struggling contractor, and Amy Lau, a successful entrepreneur, explodes into a full-blown vendetta. As their anger intensifies, they engage in increasingly outlandish acts of revenge, exposing their personal struggles and unraveling their seemingly perfect lives.

The series explores the dark humor and unsettling consequences of unchecked anger, leaving viewers to grapple with the human condition and the lasting impact of our actions.

You may also be interested in this: Which Netflix Series Should I Watch?

Review of Beef

In the age of instant gratification and bite-sized entertainment, “Beef” arrives as a slow burn, a character study marinated in dark humor and simmered to a point of uncomfortable brilliance. Created by Lee Sung Jin, this Netflix miniseries isn’t afraid to take its time, unfolding like a pressure cooker, building tension with each passing episode.

review of beef tv series

At the heart of it all are the phenomenal Steven Yeun and Ali Wong, playing Danny Cho and Amy Lau, two strangers whose lives collide in a seemingly insignificant road rage incident. What starts as a middle finger escalates into a full-blown feud, consuming their thoughts and actions with a chilling intensity.

Yeun, known for his nuanced performances, delivers a portrayal of simmering frustration and buried rage. We see a man clinging to the remnants of his American Dream, his business failing, his family strained. Wong, on the other hand, brings a frenetic energy to her portrayal of Amy, a woman on the verge of a breakdown, juggling an unfulfilling marriage and career aspirations that seem destined to remain just that.

beef tv series

Their on-screen chemistry is electric, crackling with animosity and laced with moments of unsettling humor. The script, sharp and witty, avoids easy stereotypes, delving deep into the complexities of their characters, exposing their vulnerabilities and forcing us to confront the ugliness that can fester beneath the surface of seemingly ordinary lives.

“Beef” isn’t for the faint of heart. It’s a show that revels in its awkwardness, its uncomfortable silences, and its moments of sheer absurdity. But within that discomfort lies a profound truth about the human condition, about the simmering resentments and frustrations that can boil over with the slightest provocation.

This isn’t a series that offers easy answers or cathartic resolutions. Instead, it leaves us pondering the consequences of unchecked anger, the ripple effects of our actions, and the fragility of the lives we so diligently construct.

You may also be interested in this: Movies About Kindness on Netflix for adults

Ultimately, “Beef” is a triumph. It’s a slow burn, yes, but one that rewards patient viewers with a deeply satisfying and thought-provoking experience. It’s a testament to the power of storytelling, a reminder that sometimes, the most compelling narratives are the ones that unfold at their own pace, leaving us both entertained and unsettled long after the credits roll.

 

Cast and Characters of “Beef” (2023)

Here are name of some actors who help any review of beef series:

  • Steven Yeun as Danny Cho:A Korean-American struggling contractor whose life unravels after a road rage encounter. Yeun portrays Danny with simmering frustration and buried rage, revealing a man on the verge of a breakdown.

  • Ali Wong as Amy Lau:A Chinese-American entrepreneur on the precipice of a major career move. Wong captures Amy’s frenetic energy and underlying anxieties, showcasing a woman juggling an unfulfilling marriage and unfulfilled dreams.

  • Joseph Lee as George Nakai:Amy’s stay-at-home husband of Japanese descent. Lee portrays the seemingly perfect husband, but hints at hidden depths and struggles within their marriage.

  • Young Mazino as Paul Cho:Danny’s younger brother, constantly seeking his approval and struggling to find his own path.
  • David Choe as Isaac Cho:Danny and Paul’s cousin, recently released from prison and adding another layer of complexity to their family dynamic.
  • Patti Yasutake as Fumi Nakai:George’s mother, a character who provides cultural context and adds a touch of humor to the narrative.

Will there be a season 2 for Beef?

As of today, there is no official announcement from Netflix regarding a season 2 of “Beef.” However, there are some clues that suggest it’s a possibility:

  • Creator’s Vision: The show was originally pitched as an anthology series, meaning each season would follow a new set of characters and story centered around a “beef.” Creator Lee Sung Jin has expressed interest in continuing the series in this format.
  • Open Ending: Season 1 concludes in a way that leaves room for potential continuation without offering definitive closure. This could be interpreted as paving the way for a future season.
  • Critical Acclaim: “Beef” has received positive critical reception, with a 98% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, suggesting an audience and potential viewership for a second season.

beef tv show

why is Beef on Netflix so good? It’s a unique blend of humor, drama, and social commentary that challenges expectations and leaves a lasting impression. If you’re looking for something different, something that will make you think and feel, then “Beef” is definitely worth adding to your watchlist.

 

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Related articles

the Best Movies Based on Egyptian Mythology

Egyptian mythology, with its pantheon of gods, legendary creatures, and ‎epic tales, has charming audiences for millennia. While...

‎ the Best Movies of Denmark

Denmark, a land of rolling green hills, Viking history, and a thriving film industry, has consistently produced some...

Best movies of Lars von Trier ‎

Lars von Trier, the enigmatic Danish director, is a name comes with challenges and thought-provoking cinema. His films...

Abbas Kiarostami’s Best Films

Abbas Kiarostami dedicated to poetic realism, blurring the lines between documentary ‎and fiction, and capturing the essence of...