In the age of countless remakes and cancellations, Netflix’s latest show “Beef” is a refreshing breath of originality. The show centers around two Asian-American characters, Amy Lau and Danny Cho, played by Ali Wong and Steven Yeun, respectively. What starts as a minor road rage incident soon spirals into a full-blown revenge fantasy as the two characters begin to wreak havoc on each other’s lives.
As the title suggests, the show is all about hurt people hurting people. Both Amy and Danny are struggling with personal issues, and their revenge games become a way for them to take out their frustrations on each other. Along the way, they involve their friends and family in their schemes, leading to increasingly chaotic and absurd situations.
But “Beef” is more than just a comedy of errors. It also tackles serious issues like racism, classism, and misogyny, all while centering an Asian-American cast and story. The show seamlessly weaves these topics into the characters’ lives, making them feel authentic and important.
One area where “Beef” excels is in its depiction of queer relationships. While the show isn’t a romance, it features several toxic sapphic relationships that add to the chaos and drama. The cast is also incredibly diverse and attractive, making for a visually stunning show.
Despite its outrageous premise, “Beef” manages to be nuanced and thoughtful in its portrayal of flawed and complicated characters. Wong and Yeun give standout performances, and the supporting cast is equally impressive. With its sharp writing, impeccable comedic timing, and excellent storytelling, “Beef” is one of the best shows of the year.