Beef

I had no idea whatsoever about this series, didn't recognize the actors, didn't like the name of the series, yet it kept being shown to me in my suggested "watch next" lists and sometimes they get it right. This is a fabulous series, it's all about being human in so many ways I can't begin to explain it. It's centered around an Asian American cast and there are a few things I suspect I didn't get but generally you can be any walk of life and totally appreciate this drama. I loved it and have recommended it to several friends if they haven't watched it yet. Very real life dialogue, some quirky "nothing but everyday life" moments, the actors are great. I can't recommend this more. Know ahead of time there is some sarcasm which I know some people don't appreciate, but it works well. Watch this now. DRAMA. It's not a comedy!!! Lighthearted drama though and great messages in this flick.

This show is about two complete strangers who get involved in a road race incident. And because of their inability to make better choices, chaos ensues and they end up creating havoc in their lives.

I wasn't sure if I would like it when Episode 1 began. But with each episode, it just got better and better.

The characters frustrated you with their choices. But they weren't one dimensional. And because of that, you found yourself rooting for them to do the right thing just once, in the hopes that they would have happy endings.

Both Ali Wong and Steven Yeun were wonderful in their respective roles. I also enjoyed the performances of the supporting cast members like Young Mazino, Joseph Lee and Justin H Min.

Please give this show a chance. You will not be disappointed.

Kicking off Quickly, The smallest of interactions. Escalates into A full-scale beef very well paced. First episode makes you wonder will they be able to keep it up for the series. The beef is cooked perfectly lots of twists and turns. Netflix often have these filler episodes just to make 10. This doesn't feel like it has any filler with the new angle each episode and a cliff hanger making it tough to not binge watch the next one. This is a strong offering from Netflix with Steven Yeun from the walking dead and A lady, I formally known as a comedian Ali Wong proving to be quite the actress with a strong supporting cast one of the best things I've seen on Netflix for awhile.

On the surface, the premise of BEEF can happen to anyone, of any background, but to center the story around Asian Americans was the right move. We are born into a life of impossibly high standards and the immense pressure to uphold an image of success, to pay off our immigrant parents' sacrifices, to have our sht together.

But as human beings, the pressure comes with the most stubborn pride, and the shame of our shortcomings metastasizes into rage. This show may not be every Asian American's experience but this exploration feels authentic, uncomfortably honest, and revolutionary.

Even those rice cookers were such a funny and jarring clash of Asian and American culture. This series is comedic but it gets dark and these characters are messssssy. Episode 9 had my jaw on the floor.

Ali Wong was perfect for the role. Steven Yeun's Danny is completely different from his role as the father in Minari, yet the suffocating pressure stems from the same place and it bridges the generational gap.

There's a lot of good things to say about this show. The premise is what hooks you in; what happens when two of the most stubbornly angry people in California get involved in a road rage incident? Apparently a whirl wind of escalating bad choices that seem to get crazier with every interaction the two main characters, Danny (Steven Yeu) and Amy (Ali Wong), seem to have.

It's a beautifully written script that delivers a lot of drama, thrills, and emotional moments that may catch some people off guard. The characters have more depth than you would expect, and they all feel like real people who make realistic choices, albeit, that may not always be the case with our two protagonists/ anti-heroes. The show leans pretty deep into it's themes of existentialism, giving us two characters that are faced with unfulfilled lives and can't seem to figure out why. Regardless of how you would face this philosophical dilemma, it turns out Danny and Amy seem to cope with this unhappiness through regressed anger that finally explodes when they meet. For some, the middle may drag on a bit, but it all feels important to the overall story. The last few episodes go completely off the rails in a Tarantino-like fashion, but it's ending feels very satisfying and fitting with the rest of the story and delivers on its promise with its premise.

With its relatively short running time of about 30-40 mins (compared to the hour long episodes most series have) it hits the sweet spot in terms of pacing. The editing is purposeful and clever, and the music choice is also something to enjoy if you are a fan of 2000's rock music and the incredible voice of Steven Yeu (who really sings all the songs he performs in the show).

The acting performances from both Steven and Ali are what really brought this story to life. Aside from the anger being portrayed and highly enjoyable to watch, it was the emotional moments that were really the highlight for me. The range from both leads really helped make those moments hit harder, especially when you see Steven's character Danny go from a road-rage filled civilian belting all types of expletives, and only an episode later witness him break down in tears in a church of people singing.

Again, there is a lot to like about this show. It's structured very well and keeps the tension building from episode to episode, and for a show like this, it works to keep the audience engaged. This feels like a show that had a lot of time and effort put into it to get it just right and polished. I very much enjoyed it and hopefully others will too.