Beef is a mini-series that narrates a road rage tale with a deadly aftermath. This dark comedy tells a contemporary tale about a simple road rage incident in modern society.
And how that one incident spirals completely out of control. Please note that in this context, the “Beef” word means bickering, dispute, quarrel, squabble, etc. This beef leads to not-so-simple consequences for the two people involved in it. It turns into a deadly aftermath for the people involved in it. One of the interesting aspects of this series is that its key characters are Asian American people.
Synopsis of the Beef (2023) Mini-Series
Revenge is best served raw.
A road rage incident between two strangers — a failing contractor and an unfulfilled entrepreneur — sparks a feud that brings out their darkest impulses.
A spoiler-free brief review of the Beef (2023) Mini-Series
The introduction
Road rage incidents have become all too common around the world, however, this series takes it much further. Many might identify with the road rage story, wherein we have lost tempers on the road, with shocking results. Also, both the Internet and social media add fuel to their raging anger. Soon enough, the animosity between the two protagonists, the two negative characters, turns worse.
The modern world of social media
In a highly connected world and social media, people don’t stop and deeply reflect on their actions. This show makes you laugh uncomfortably while taking a closer look at the modern lifestyle and its related absurdities. This tragicomedy should be watched for people with massive road rage issues and anger-mismanagement problems.
What did we love about it?
What we loved about this series is its excellent writing. All the characters in this show are humans to the core, with their flaws and blessings. Sometimes, you love them for their decency. And at other times, you hate their meanness. Both the leading actors – Steven Yeun (Danny Cho) and Ali Wong (Amy Lau) have done a splendid job in it.
It has a novelty, as it keeps the Asian actors at the front and centre of the show. Also, by avoiding the popular stereotyping of Asians, it has done a very good job.
The conclusion
Well, those who are not afflicted with road rage and anger issues can watch it too. Most likely, they will love the quality of this contemporary black comedy. The absurdity of whole situations is a harsh reality of modern times. Some people are hailing this series as the best show that they have seen in 2023 – in their recent memory. No wonder, this series is one of the Top Ten Series/Shows Of The Year 2023, for the first half of the year.
Ratings of the Beef (2023) Mini-Series
| FM’s rating | 4.05/5 |
| Rotten Tomatoes ratings as of the date | 98% Tomatometer & 89% Audience Score |
| Critics Consensus / Rotten Tomatoes | Ali Wong and Steven Yeun are a diabolically watchable pair of adversaries in this show, a prime-cut comedy that finds pathos in pettiness. |
Poster of the Beef (2023) Mini-Series
Key details about the Beef (2023) Mini-Series
| Genre | Comedy, Drama |
| Creator | Lee Sung Jin |
| Released | April 2023 |
| Age-restrictions | A (18+) |
| Season & Episodes | Season One (1) & Episodes Ten (10) |
| Cast | Steven Yeun (Danny Cho), Ali Wong (Amy Lau), Joseph Lee (George), Young Mazino (Paul), David Choe (Isaac), Patti Yasutake (Fumi), etc. |
| Taglines | One incident, two lives consumed. |
Trailer of the Beef (2023) Mini-Series
Spoilers Alert – a peek into the 10 episodes of Beef ((2023) Mini-Series
The summary of the ten (10) episodes of this mini-series
The Birds Don’t Sing, They Screech in Pain (E1)
A run-in with a hostile motorist sends Danny into a rage and leads to a tense chase across town; Amy’s unexpected guest leaves a lasting impression.
The Rapture of Being Alive (E2)
An enraged Amy finds new purpose as cracks in her seemingly perfect marriage begin to show; Danny seeks a fresh start for his failing family business.
I Am Inhabited by a Cry (E3)
Danny experiences a catharsis in the presence of an old flame; Amy’s relationship with George suffers another setback; a catfishing scheme goes too far.
Just Not All at the Same Time (E4)
With her future hanging in the balance, Amy heads to Las Vegas for work, while a smitten Paul and an exasperated Danny follow wild pursuits of their own.
Such Inward Secret Creatures (E5)
George makes a new friend; Danny proposes a dangerous plan; Amy agrees to a rendezvous; Naomi acts on a hunch.
We Draw a Magic Circle (E6)
Fumi’s pointed comments and Naomi’s meddling put Amy and George on edge; as Isaac hustles to get out of trouble, Danny receives an unexpected offer.
I Am a Cage (E7)
Amy and Danny both experience positive changes in their lives, but lingering secrets and emotional challenges force them to confront hard truths.
The Drama of Original Choice (E8)
Painful memories push Amy to confront her family issues and marital woes; Danny spins an elaborate lie that leads him down a dangerous path.
The Great Fabricator (E9)
Danny moves from fear into panic as new crises arise; willing to do whatever it takes to keep June safe, Amy devises a perilous scheme.
Figures of Light (E10)
The consequences of their actions leave Danny and Amy in a surreal situation that tests their grasp on reality.
The bonus info. about its episodes’ titles
In a blog piece, Netflix explained that ten quotes were used in the ten-episode titles. All of these famous ten quotes inspired each episode of this series. These quotes referenced influential texts and films to help describe the unhinged behaviours of his characters.
Inspirations behind the Episodes Titles
| Episodes’ Title | Inspired by |
|---|---|
| The Birds Don’t Sing, They Screech in Pain (Episode 1) | German film director Werner Herzog’s documentary Burden of Dreams |
| The Rapture of Being Alive (Episode 2) | American writer Joseph Campbell, taken from his 1988 televised interview with Bill Moyers |
| I Am Inhabited by a Cry (Episode 3) | American poet Sylvia Plath, taken from her poem Elm |
| Just Not All at the Same Time (Episode 4) | American feminist writer Betty Friedan, taken from her answer when asked during a conference if women can have it all |
| Such Inward Secret Creatures (Episode 5) | Irish and British novelist Iris Murdoch, taken from her novel The Sea, the Sea |
| We Draw a Magic Circle (Episode 6) | Swedish filmmaker Ingmar Bergman, taken from his film Through a Glass Darkly |
| I Am a Cage (Episode 7) | German writer Franz Kafka, taken from his collection of aphorisms The Zürau Aphorisms |
| The Drama of Original Choice (Episode 8) | French philosopher and feminist writer Simone de Beauvoir, taken from her book The Ethics of Ambiguity |
| The Great Fabricator (Episode 9) | French philosopher and political activist Simone Weil, it is taken from her book Gravity and Grace |
| Figures of Light (Episode 10) | Swiss psychologist and psychiatrist Carl Jung, and it is from his book Alchemical Studies, Volume 13 |
Featured & Other Images: Beef | Netflix.