Dustin Gandof
In the Netflix comedy series ‘Beef,’ a minor traffic incident leads to one of the most bitter feuds in recent memory. The show is centered around Danny (played by Steven Yeun) and Amy (played by Ali Wong), who collide in a road rage incident that sets off a chain reaction of events that challenge our preconceptions about relationships, masculinity, and American culture in general.
The story of ‘Beef’ starts with a typical morning commute that goes awry when Danny, a stressed-out businessman, and Amy, a stay-at-home mom, collide in a minor traffic incident. The encounter quickly turns ugly when Danny, who is running late for an important meeting, starts hurling insults and making obscene gestures at Amy. She, in turn, responds with equal venom, and the two drivers end up in a chaotic, high-speed chase that leaves both of their vehicles totaled.
The remainder of the series is devoted to exploring the roots of Danny and Amy’s anger, and the complex web of social and political factors that underlie their dispute. Through a series of flashbacks and interviews with family and friends, we come to learn that Danny and Amy are both deeply unhappy with their lives, and that their interaction on the road was merely the straw that broke the camel’s back.
For Danny, the incident is a wakeup call that forces him to confront the toxic masculinity that has been driving him for years. He realizes that his obsession with success has come at the cost of his relationships, and that he needs to start living his life on his own terms if he’s going to find happiness. Amy’s journey is equally transformative, as she learns to stand up for herself and her beliefs in a world that often dismisses and devalues women.
Overall, ‘Beef’ is a hilarious, poignant, and thought-provoking exploration of the complexities of modern life, and the ways in which we’re all struggling to find our place in a society that often seems to be falling apart at the seams. It’s a show that will make you laugh, cry, and think deeply about the issues that matter most in our world today.
