Composer Discusses Music and Character Themes in Netflix’s Beef Season 2

In episode 2 of Netflix’s "Beef," the character Josh Martin, played by Oscar Isaac, is shown playing a Moog synthesizer with limited skill. The composer responsible for the show’s music intentionally wrote this piece to sound crude and rudimentary to reflect the character’s amateur ability. Isaac prepared for the scene by studying synthesizer music and learned to play the piece for filming.

Josh Martin is depicted as the general manager of an upscale country club, while his wife Lindsay, portrayed by Carey Mulligan, appears discontented. A younger couple, Ashley and Austin, become involved in a conflict with Josh and Lindsay, introducing themes of class and generational differences.

The composer explained that the music for the country club scenes includes textured sounds created using synthesizers and recordings of sprinkler systems from a golf course, which serve as rhythmic elements.

The score evolves throughout the season to increase tension and anxiety, reflecting the characters’ relationships and situations. The younger couple’s theme was described as naive optimism, matching their perspective on their plans and relationship.

One piece of music, titled "Dummies," accompanies a scene where they discuss blackmailing the older couple, highlighting their limited understanding of economic and social structures.

The final episodes take place in Korea, where the music shifts to a heavier, rhythmic style to represent the character Chairwoman Park and her influence over others. The composer noted the importance of this character’s power within the story and tailored the music accordingly.

The composer watched the episodes multiple times to develop the score and wrote a significant amount of music to support the series’ narrative and emotional tone.