'Beef' on Netflix: Early reviews praise dramedy show's 'layered storytelling' and performances
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Netflix's upcoming original series 'Beef' appears to be an emotional rollercoaster. The series will revolve around two strangers who enter a petty fight in a parking lot and then go to extreme lengths to get back at each other.
Created by Lee Sung Jin, 'Beef's official logline reads, "A road rage incident between two strangers- a failing contractor and an unfulfilled entrepreneur- sparks a feud that brings out their darkest impulses." Steven Yeun plays Danny Cho, the contractor, while Ali Wong appears as the entrepreneur. The series also stars Joseph Lee as George Nakai, Young Mazino as Paul Cho, David Choe as Isaac Cho, Remy Holt as June Nakai, Patti Yasutake as Fumi Nakai, and Justin H Min as Edwin.
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Early reviews of the upcoming comedy are in and it seems critics are in awe. The show is currently holding a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Let us take a look at what the critics have to say about the series.
'Layered storytelling'
Praising the performances, Roxana Hadadi of Vulture noted, "Yeun and Wong’s vibrating, hostile chemistry makes for engaging feel-bad TV that critiques the very notion of inner peace." Kristen Baldwin of Entertainment Weekly reflected on the themes of the show, writing, "What begins as a manic vengeance adventure veers sharply into an intense, philosophical, and at times meandering exploration of generational trauma, the Asian immigrant experience, and the fathomless mystery of our inner selves." Meanwhile, Ferdosa Abdi of Screenrant was all praise for the show's storytelling, writing, "The show has a compelling visual narrative as well. The environments Amy and Danny inhabit are as detailed as their characterization. There is no mistaking how different their lives are and how drastic their economic statuses are, as it is so apparent in how they dress, the cars they drive, the people they associate with and, of course, their homes. Beef is exceptional, but the layered storytelling is what captures one's attention."
'Spectacular performances'
Kristen Maldonado wrote in Pop Culture Planet, "Ali Wong and Steven Yeun deliver fantastic layered performances as people struggling with a rage that threatens to ruin their lives. I’ve never seen a show like this… it’s complex, funny, tragic, unpredictable, toxic, but keeps you hooked the entire time." Angie Han from the Hollywood Reporter also praised the performances of the leads by saying, "Both are on the verge of breaking by the time of their encounter, as Yeun and Wong establish in a pair of spectacular performances. Yeun’s Danny carries himself like a clenched fist — perpetually in anticipation of a coming blow, and ready to strike back at any time. Wong, in perhaps her most dramatic role to date, has rarely been better than she is here — her enormous eyes and pursed lips showing us every seam and crack in Amy’s placid masks." Meanwhile, Ross McIndoe in Slant Magazine, "The series embodies the “this is fine” meme, exploring the desperate impulse to shrug your shoulders as the world burns around you."
'Beef' will be available to stream exclusively on Netflix from April 6, 2023.