This week's TV recommendation is Beef (2023) from Emmy-nominated director Lee Sung Jin. A black comedy/drama/psychological thriller from the acclaimed A24 film studio. Beef wears many hats as it successfully attempts to convey its messages. Actors Steven Yeun (The Walking Dead, Invincible) and Ali Wong (Always Be My Maybe) deliver impeccable performances that are down-to-earth and relatable on both sides of the story.

At its core, the show is a stab at consumerism, lifestyle creep, and the daily rat race that many find themselves in across a broad spectrum of tax brackets. It uses these monotonous pains to draw the audience in, leaving it hard to choose a character to love or hate the most. The show is backed by beautiful story-driven cinematography that leaves details for the viewer to catch on second and third viewings.

The show is also a story about the trials and tribulations that immigrants face when moving to the United States. The apartment that Danny Cho (Steven Yeun) inhabits within the show is a reflection of Lee Sung Jin's first apartment upon moving to Los Angeles. In the end, Beef serves as a captivating story that leaves the viewer reflecting on their state of being and a life made with different decisions.

Beef is available to watch on Netflix.

This is an excerpt from our July 4, 2024 newsletter. Love this recommendation? Discover more by subscribing to our newsletter here!