Series Review: BEEF
beef [ beef ]
noun, plural beeves [beevz] for 2; beefs for 4.
- the flesh of a cow, steer, or bull raised and killed for its meat.
- an adult cow, steer, or bull raised for its meat.
- Informal.
- brawn; muscular strength.
- strength; power.
- weight, as of a person.
- human flesh.
4. Slang.
- a complaint.
- an argument or dispute.
I watched the Netflix series last week, which stars Steven Yeun and Ali Wong as two people caught in a minor traffic incident that quickly escalated to a road rage, which then led to a series of unfortunate events. While I forgot a lot of the things that transpired in the series (forgetful me!), I can still remember how our poor characters had to endure one misfortune after another because they were driven by fury, vengeance, and impatience. They were always seething with anger, spewing venom at each other any chance they got, and making rash decisions without considering the consequences. I wasn’t thinking of writing a review but I was prompted after a friend asked about the meaning of the ending, and I replied with my take on it. And another friend urged me to do so as well lol.
[WARNING: This content contains spoilers]
My friend specifically asked about the hug at the end. Amy, Ali’s character, lay down next to Danny (Steven Yeun) on the hospital bed, embracing him as day turned to night, and then night turned into day, and so on. Finally, it seemed Danny put his arm around her as well. For me, this signifies that despite their differences and seeming hatred for each other, they were actually more alike than they realized… In that, we all have the need to be acknowledged, appreciated, and validated. Perhaps they eventually grasped that deep down, the anger that they projected to each other is not exactly because of the other party but more on their own issues, concerns, problems, dilemmas, etc. They found a scapegoat on the other person, directing their frustrations on him/her. What started as a small thing, exploded, and became a catalyst for a series of bad events.
There was even a scene before they were brought to the hospital, where they accidentally ingested poisonous berries (Danny to Amy: “I thought you said you were a plant expert! Amy: “I just Google, and pretend I am.”), causing hallucinations. At a certain point Danny started talking as Amy and vice versa. This could convey how they were more alike than they first thought.
They were also very similar in that they would do everything and go to great lengths to get what they want. Lies, deception, cheating, betrayal. They went from strangers to enemies to kindred spirits. Their goals might look different, but they both wanted to be loved and accepted.
I don’t have much time to go over the whole show for now; I’m already very sleepy, it’s past midnight where I am. But seriously, this dark comedy goes deeper; I barely scratched the surface. Family generational trauma, mental health, immigrants’ issues, and faith are just some of the themes tackled. The soundtrack was also my kind of jam, mostly from the ’90s and some from the early ’00s (being a teen in the ’90s. I also just found out I am the same age as Ali Wong.). Of course, I was also delighted to hear beloved church songs. I didn’t know Steven Yeun could sing so well.
Well, that’s it for now. Maybe I’ll go back to this next time. But chances are, I’d be too lazy. Or watching another movie or series…
Reference:
Definition of beef. (n.d.). In www.dictionary.com. https://www.dictionary.com/browse/beef
Originally published at http://gingaquino.wordpress.com on May 3, 2023.
