Beef

I came into this completely blind. Never saw the trailer but knew it was going to be Asian American centered. I thought it was going to be a comedy since Ali Wong is in it! I was very wrong.

This is a gripping drama about two people living parallel lives in different circumstances. Money, status, and mental health are key topics covered in this series with a unique Asian American cultural twist. Steven Yeun delivers, as always, but I was also very pleasantly surprised by Ali Wong's performance! She excelled in this serious role.

I loved watching the unraveling of the two main character's lives as their lives become increasingly worse. Of course, they have been miserable for a long time, but the collision serves as an effective catalyst for these two who have completely "had it" with their lives. They have met their match in each other and use each other as punching bags as an outlet, even though they're experiencing similar issues. Something as trivial as a road rage incident evolves into worse and worse situations for the both of them.

The writing is effective and well paced. The viewer gets a great sense of why these people are the way they are. There is no clear cut hero and villain archetype but rather two humans dealing with more than they can manage - something everyone can relate to.

Beef is about two strangers that are unhappy in their lives until one day they both reach their boiling point in a road rage incident. What follows is absolute chaos. Each episode just gets more and more ridiculous at the lengths these two are willing to go. It stars Steven Yeun and Ali Womg. The one reason I was hesitant about watching this is I didn't think those two could lead a series...I was wrong. They both do an incredible job. It goes to show how ridiculous road rage can be and will probably make you think twice about honking your horn at some stranger. Don't be surprised to see see this show get a few nominations during award season.

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.

Beef was actually a pretty good show. I didn't know much about it but saw it as the #1 show on Netflix and thought the trailer looked pretty funny too. Then after reading the mostly positive reviews from both critics and audiences I was sold. It currently has a 99% on Rotten Tomatoes. This series not only met my expectations but surpassed them in every way. I don't necessarily think this is strictly a comedy, it's equal parts comedy and drama. The one thing it is though is addicting. I couldn't stop watching. The episodes are only around 30 minutes apiece so it's an easy show to binge. If you're looking for a new show try this one. You won't be disappointed.

Saw this on the top of Netflix and ended up watching it all in one sitting.

I am obsessed with this show. I don't think I've ever watched anything like it. Steven Yuen was amazing, especially as I'm a walking dead fan.

The twists and turns and the constant train crashes that happen are insane. But also it looks at a more deeper level of the rawness of humans and really delves into some scary truths about happiness and never knowing yourself. One of my favourite shows this year, loved everything and don't really have anything negative to say.

Honestly watch it and I promise. You won't be disappointed!