SPOILER ALERT: The following story contains plot details from Season 2 of “Beef,” now streaming on Netflix
The anthology series “Beef” on Netflix has returned for a second season, presenting a gripping narrative that centers on two couples: Josh (Oscar Isaac) and Lindsay (Carey Mulligan), and Austin (Charles Melton) and Ashley (Cailee Spaeny). A particularly intense moment unfolds in Episode 5 when Lindsay’s cherished dog, Burberry, goes missing after Ashley inadvertently leaves their back door open. After an exhaustive search, Lindsay finds Burberry being attacked by a coyote and, in a moment of impulsive bravery, she kills the coyote with her bare hands.
“That was basically what made me want to do it,” Mulligan says.
Lee Sung Jin, the creator, had not fully developed all eight episodes of “Beef” when Mulligan first spoke to him over Zoom. However, he was clear about one thing. Mulligan recalls, “He was like, ‘but I know exactly what happens in Episode 5.’ He outlined the entire episode revolving around the loss of the dog and the confrontation with the coyote.”
“Filming it was kind of crazy,” she adds. “But I was very motivated by the idea of that scene.”
This season of “Beef” is set at an upscale Montecito country club. Isaac portrays the club’s general manager, while Lindsay works as an interior decorator there. Ashley and Austin, a Gen Z couple, are employed at the club but earn less than their older counterparts.
The series begins with Austin and Ashley capturing a heated and violent argument between Josh and Lindsay on video, providing them with leverage to blackmail the older couple. The situation quickly spirals into a complex web of deceit, power struggles, and desperation. The escalating conflict between Josh and Lindsay reaches a pivotal moment with the coyote incident, deeply impacting Lindsay and her marriage.
“During that whole time, she had never really figured out anything that she cared about or was particularly good at,” Mulligan comments about Lindsay. “What intrigued me about her was that despite building her life around this marriage, she lacked a strong sense of identity.”
Although killing the coyote might seem extreme, Mulligan explains: “It signifies the end of her marriage, as she realizes that her only source of unconditional love and understanding is her dog. Defending Burberry by killing the coyote is a profound act of love, yet it also highlights her lack of meaningful human connections.”
Following this event, Lindsay undergoes a transformation. “She becomes less concerned about others’ opinions,” Mulligan notes. “In the first half of the show, she is consumed by how she is perceived. After the coyote incident, she adopts a more carefree attitude, determined to carve her own path to survival. It was a liberating development for her character.”
Prior to filming, Isaac collaborated with Lee to explore Josh’s character, focusing on his career and marriage status. “We built the character together, drawing from the circumstances presented in the show, and it was an incredible collaborative experience.”
The collaborative process with Lee was instrumental for both Mulligan and Isaac in developing their characters’ backstories and motivations.
As for Josh, who struggles with financial issues and clings to his youth, Isaac shares: “He exudes a young, cool vibe, pretending everything is fine. Exploring the contrast between his public persona and private life was intriguing.”
Josh’s attempts to maintain a youthful image are evident in his home, which features a mancave filled with memorabilia and a Moog synth from his favorite band, Hot Chip. In Episode 2, he plays the synth, albeit poorly, but later finds himself jamming on stage with the band.
Josh’s desired image is also mirrored in his hairstyle — a mini-mullet suggested by his stylist Tim Nolan. Isaac describes it as “perfect for someone trying to hold onto a youthful image, projecting relaxation and energy, even while feeling overwhelmed.”
In an effort to sustain his lifestyle and image, Josh resorts to stealing money from the club. “He’s more focused on identity and securing enough money,” Isaac explains. “Although he can’t become a club member, this is his way of getting as close as possible.”
Surrounded by wealth, Josh feels entitled and has also been siphoning funds from his late mother’s bank account. Isaac notes, “He’s already blurring ethical lines out of desperation.”
Isaac concludes, “He believes he deserves to get his share, just like the wealthy individuals around him, whatever that entails.”
