Beef: Rage Turns Comedy into Drama. The new Netflix mini drama series “Beef” starring Ali Wong and Steven Yeun is a gripping exploration of the consequences of making the wrong choices in life. Set against the backdrop of a road rage incident that spirals out of control, the series examines how allowing anger and rage to take over can lead to disastrous consequences.
Wong plays Michelle, a successful businesswoman and mother, who finds herself in a heated confrontation with Yeun’s character, Michael, a struggling artist who is dealing with personal and financial issues. What starts as a simple traffic altercation quickly escalates into a full-blown feud, with both characters making choices that ultimately lead to tragedy.
One of the themes that “Beef” explores is the danger of allowing anger to take over rational thinking and behaviour. Michelle, who initially appears to have it all together, quickly loses control when she feels that her safety is threatened. Her rage blinds her to the consequences of her actions, leading her down a path of destruction that ultimately puts her family in danger.
Similarly, Michael’s own personal issues and struggles with rage and resentment cause him to make choices that ultimately lead to disastrous consequences. Despite his talent as an artist, his anger and frustration prevent him from achieving the success he desires, leading him down a self-destructive path that puts himself and those around him in danger.
One of the strengths of “Beef” is the way it humanizes both characters, showing how their flaws and weaknesses ultimately lead them down the wrong path. Despite their mistakes, both Michelle and Michael are sympathetic characters, with relatable struggles and desires. The series is a powerful reminder of the importance of empathy and understanding, even in the face of anger and rage.
Michael and Michelle cannot help themselves. They let their own inner turmoil, their personal struggles with rage, fuse into doubt, misdirected action and irrational thinking. You will recognize as the viewer that their decisions are going to hurt everyone, but you cannot turn away, as the collision of circumstances leads them to their own “ends.”
The writing in “Beef” is sharp and engaging, with well-drawn characters and a taut plot that keeps the audience engaged throughout. The performances by Wong and Yeun are both excellent, with both actors fully inhabiting their roles and delivering nuanced, emotional performances.
Overall, “Beef” is a powerful exploration of the consequences of making the wrong choices in life. It’s a gripping drama that offers a stark reminder of the dangers of allowing anger and rage to take over rational thinking and behaviour. If you’re a fan of intense dramas that delve into complex themes and characters, “Beef” is definitely worth checking out.