We Have ‘Beef’
The new Netflix series “Beef,” produced by A24, has been receiving praise since its release. What makes the series so watchable with its dark humor tone and engaging story?
A24, which has been receiving praise for its recent contributions to the world of cinema, is now presenting its new Netflix series “Beef.” The series stars Steven Yeun, whom you may recognize from The Walking Dead, and Ali Wong, who has garnered a solid fan base through her stand-up performances, in a dark comedy where we witness a revenge story with plenty of ups and downs. The series creates a feeling of being in the same universe as Everything Everywhere All At Once, which was successful at the recent Oscars, with its visual world, and each episode draws viewers into a spiral of “how will they get out of this mess?”
Wong’s character, Amy, is a successful businesswoman who has spent years growing her brand. She leads a perfect life with her perfect husband and daughter in her perfectly designed home in Los Angeles. Although she appears to be perfect on the outside, she is not happy with her life. However, as we later see, the limitations imposed by the family structure she grew up in prevent Amy from sharing her unhappiness even with those closest to her.
Danny is a contractor who also lives in Los Angeles. He lives with his brother Paul, whom he almost hates, and his biggest dream is to bring his family back to America, who lost their motel due to the illegal activities involving his cousin Isaac. As the episodes progress, we become witnesses to Danny’s journey of finding himself and discovering his identity, as he loses his own faith and the trust of those around him.
At first glance, we see Amy’s illusion with her flashy parties, smooth-running business, and loving family gradually disappearing. In fact, one of the few things that truly makes Amy happy is the pleasure she gets from this revenge scenario. As we get to know the characters and witness their secrets, they gradually move away from black and white and meet in a vast gray area. We see this grayness in almost every character; you may be a good businesswoman, but not necessarily a good mother. You may be a good father, but not a good husband. You may be a good friend, but not a good confidant.
The story, which begins with a road rage incident in a parking lot between two intolerant individuals, turns into a series of revenge. Amy and Danny, who leave the audience astonished with every move they make for revenge, are actually losing a part of themselves with each action and are unaware that they are shooting themselves in the foot. One of the best parts of the series is the traumas and shattered perceptions we encounter as we delve into each character’s story. The duo, who take revenge on each other (and indirectly on themselves) for the pain they have suffered in the past, quickly find themselves in an irreversible chaos. While chasing every opportunity to confront each other, they are afraid to face themselves and the destruction they have caused.
In the series, where the characters and events proceed in a very clever flow, the realities of life are provided with drama when appropriate and comedy when appropriate. Perhaps this is one of the things that makes the series most watchable. Give a chance to ‘Beef’, which is full of realistic moments from life, which is absurd that will make you think and laugh without being able to control yourself.
