The plot is about two people who cross paths in a road rage incident. Both individuals are under stress anyway, and this event seems to be the breaking point in their lives. They decide they hate one another and dedicate a portion of their lives to making each other miserable. They don't realize how similar they really are.
The show explores a lot of territory as we see more of these characters' lives.
We have a hard-working wife who feels completely disconnected from her husband. Their family's financial security depends on her success, and she has put a ton of pressure on herself. There is interesting business, friendship, and mother-in-law dynamics she is dealing with also.
We have a sibling relationship that is so interesting and heart-breaking. A character who is willing to work hard and earn everything he has, but who can't avoid the temptation to take shortcuts even though he knows they will be his undoing.
Both of the main characters are extremely interesting. Their stories are cautionary tales and a reflection of how relationships can become defective over time. Things continually degrade and we are unable to identify or fix the root causes.
At its best, BEEF is exploring those relationship dynamics. While I loved the cousin character, the chaos he brings to the plot did not work for me. I thought some of the spectacle that comes toward the end distracted from what the show was actually about.
Overall I would highly recommend BEEF, but it won't be for everybody. The acting is phenomenal & the stories are for the most part interesting. The show manages to be funny and completely depressing most of the way through. I'd like to watch the series again at some point. The feelings it inspires and makes you sit in seem worth revisiting.
Filed Under: Dark Comedy, Drama, Netflix