Treta

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.

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.

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.

This was a really good series. I sat down to watch one episode and I wound up on my butt for 5 hours until it was over. I think I would describe it as a dark comedy. I don't like anything but I liked this one. Although almost the entire cast is asian, there is no casting of non-Asians as bad. (I wrongfully assumed this was the direction this series would take.).

Now here's the part that scares me: as Netflix does, when they get a popular series they come back with a season 2, 3, 4, and maybe 5. DON'T DO IT!! There's very few places for a second season to go. If you do you're going to destroy the series.

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.