‘Beef’ Carey Mulligan and Oscar Isaac on What Drew Them to Their Characters
SPOILER ALERT: The following article contains plot details from Season 2 of "Beef," now streaming on Netflix.
Netflix’s "Beef" has returned for a second season, and the anthology series continues to captivate viewers with its intense storyline centered around two couples, Josh (Oscar Isaac) and Lindsay (Carey Mulligan), and Austin (Charles Melton) and Ashley (Cailee Spaeny). One of the most riveting moments in the series occurs in Episode 5, where Lindsay’s beloved dog, Burberry, goes missing after Ashley inadvertently leaves the back door open. After a frantic search, Lindsay stumbles upon a coyote attacking Burberry and, without hesitation, she takes matters into her own hands and kills the coyote to protect her pet.
"That scene was what compelled me to take on the role," Mulligan reveals.
Creator Lee Sung Jin had a clear vision for Episode 5, even before fully developing the season. Mulligan recalls, "He told me he had the entire episode mapped out, centered around the dog’s disappearance and the climactic coyote scene."
The second season of "Beef" unfolds at an upscale Montecito country club, where Josh serves as the general manager and Lindsay works as an interior decorator. Meanwhile, younger couple Ashley and Austin are employed at the club, highlighting the disparity in wealth and status between the two pairs.
The tension escalates when Austin and Ashley capture footage of a heated argument between Josh and Lindsay, giving them leverage to blackmail the older couple. As secrets unravel and power dynamics shift, the storyline delves into themes of deception and desperation. The pivotal coyote scene marks a turning point for Lindsay and her marriage.
Reflecting on her character, Mulligan explains, "Lindsay’s identity is deeply intertwined with her marriage, and the loss of her dog forces her to confront the reality of her situation. Killing the coyote symbolizes her fierce love for Burberry and the absence of genuine connection in her life."
In the subsequent episode, Lindsay undergoes a transformation, shedding her concerns about societal expectations and embracing a newfound sense of liberation. As she navigates the aftermath of the coyote incident, Lindsay begins to prioritize her own survival and self-discovery.
Before filming, Isaac collaborated with Lee to delve into Josh’s character and motivations. The exploration of Josh’s persona, a man grappling with financial struggles and a desire to cling onto his youth, provided an intriguing narrative arc for the actor.
Josh’s attempts to maintain a youthful image are reflected in his eccentric hairstyle, a mini-mullet suggested by his stylist. Isaac remarks, "The hairstyle embodies Josh’s desperation to hold onto his fading youth and projected persona."
As Josh resorts to embezzlement to sustain his lifestyle and cling to a semblance of affluence, the character’s moral compass is tested. Isaac delves into Josh’s sense of entitlement and desperation, shedding light on the character’s complex motivations.
In a world defined by wealth and privilege, Josh’s actions speak to a larger narrative of greed and entitlement prevalent among the affluent elite. Isaac portrays Josh’s internal struggle with nuance, highlighting the character’s flawed yet compelling nature.
Overall, the second season of "Beef" delves into themes of identity, power dynamics, and moral ambiguity, offering a gripping portrayal of human nature and relationships in the face of adversity. With standout performances from Mulligan and Isaac, the series continues to push boundaries and captivate audiences with its raw and compelling storytelling.
