Disagreements and misunderstandings are a part of everyday life, and most of us learn to deal with them and move on. It’s only when ideas about who is right and wrong, combined with ignorance, overwhelm the mind that they turn into psychological torment—making revenge or satisfaction feel necessary. By disregarding logic and acting irrationally, these situations can escalate, leading to imprisonment or even death. Most people would refer to these interactions as altercations, quarrels, or run-ins, but to anyone with a social media account, this is called “Beef”—and it’s back for Season 2.
In 2023, “Beef,” created by Lee Sung Jin, debuted on Netflix, starring Ali Wong (“Birds of Prey,” “Phineas and Ferb the Movie”) and Steven Yeun (“The Walking Dead,” “Invincible”). The show takes audiences into the lives of two petty individuals as everything begins spiraling out of control following a road rage incident. Whether they were unhappy, unfulfilled, or simply had time that day, the series was widely praised by critics and went on to receive 44 awards, including Primetime Emmy wins for both lead actors.
‘Beef’ Moves on to a New Couple
Now, moving past the events in Los Angeles, the series picks up in a new city, with a new couple—and a whole new beef.
Oscar Isaac (“Moon Knight,” “Frankenstein”) and Carey Mulligan (“Promising Young Woman,” “Maestro”) star as Josh and Lindsay, a general manager and a designer at the Montecito Country Club in Santa Barbara. After an alcohol-fueled argument one night, they find themselves at the mercy of a younger couple—portrayed by Cailee Spaeny (“Knives Out: Wake Up Dead Man,” “Alien: Romulus”) as Ashley, and Charles Melton (“Bad Boys for Life,” “Warfare”) as Austin. After documenting the incident and being surrounded by an elite society whose lifestyle is filled with luxury most can only aspire to, the younger couple traps them in a spiraling cycle of mind games and blackmail.
As the story progresses, both parties quickly realize that they are merely small parts of a much larger machine when they become aware of the country club’s new owner, Chairwoman Park—portrayed by Academy Award winner Youn Yuh-jung (“Minari,” “Pachinko”)—and her plot to cover up the skeletons in her own closet.
Attention to Detail Propels the Season
What I truly love about this season is the attention to detail whenever the couples are at odds. The nonstop dialogue about responsibilities and sacrifices made within the relationship allows you to practically feel the frustration. From rehashing past grievances to reaching for low-hanging fruit in an attempt to outwit one another for an “aha” moment, it makes for an entertaining yet uncomfortable watch. It also doesn’t help that many of the characters are either clinically insane or criminally dense. It’s safe to say the real “beef” exists more at home within both couples than at work.
What really makes this season work is that the stakes are higher, and while the characters are outrageous, they still feel somewhat relatable. Though many of the country club’s elite are out of touch with reality, they occasionally offer meaningful advice—advice that often falls on deaf ears. The heavier elements introduced throughout the season add layers of complexity, as we watch seemingly innocent individuals unravel, mirroring the very behaviors they claim to despise. They sink to depths that cross every line drawn in the sand, turning the series into a study of blame and avoidance of accountability.
Some Moments Feel Underdeveloped
Whether you’re a casual employee or the CEO of a Fortune 500 company, no one wants to face the consequences of their actions—and this idea drives the story toward its conclusion. Partnerships, relationships—everything becomes questionable and easily compromised. Alliances are strategically formed amid paranoia and deception for the sake of self-preservation, as the illusion of control fades and reality sets in. But it’s far from an easy transition. The pettiness remains consistent, the comedy fuels it, and the ruthlessness makes it all the more compelling to watch.
All in all, “Beef” Season 2 is an engrossing experience that’s hard to look away from (I genuinely binged it in one sitting). The performances are excellent across the board, complemented by stunning camera work. But does this new story live up to the first season? While it shares similar ingredients and effectively taps into that same uneasy tension, there are moments that feel underdeveloped. Some characters are introduced only to be forgotten, or their exits feel rushed. Certain decisions happen so quickly that they feel less like natural choices and more like conveniences to push the plot forward.
Still, even with those nitpicks, this is a fully engaging series that kept me glued to the screen late into the night, awaiting its conclusion—making it a worthy addition to the “Beef” story.
