Oscar Isaac Says His “Beef” Character’s Ending ‘Feels Right’ After Shocking Finale (Exclusive)

Oscar Isaac has opened up about his character’s unexpected journey in the gripping second season of the Netflix series “Beef.” In a candid discussion with PEOPLE, the 47-year-old actor delved into the complex dynamics of his character, Josh Martin, and the intriguing decisions made by the show’s creator, Lee Sung Jin, regarding the season finale.

Ahead of the much-anticipated premiere of season two, Isaac, alongside co-star Carey Mulligan, shared insights into their characters’ development and the dramatic conclusion that left viewers captivated. The plot unfolds from a typical workplace dispute between employees Austin (played by Charles Melton) and Ashley (Cailee Spaney), escalating into a sophisticated blackmail scheme that unwittingly entangles both Isaac’s Josh and Mulligan’s Lindsay, leading them into the shadowy realms of organised crime.

As the season progresses, Ashley and Austin unwittingly become embroiled in a nefarious plot orchestrated by Chairwoman Park (Youn Yuh-jung). In a cascading series of events, Lindsay finds herself seeking revenge on Ashley, resulting in a mishap when she discards Park’s phone, mistaking it for one of Ashley’s belongings. Meanwhile, the tension mounts as Josh discovers Park’s money laundering operation and faces increasing peril.

Isaac described the process of reaching Josh’s convoluted fate as a transformative “journey.” He noted that he and Lee Sung Jin often engaged in deep discussions about potential directions for the characters, exploring various scenarios that the season finale could take. This collaborative effort led to pivotal questions: “If this is how it ends, what does that mean? Does the cycle continue? Are they still holding on?”

Reflecting on the conclusion, Isaac expressed satisfaction with the resolution they eventually settled upon. He explained, “I think where Sonny arrived—and where we arrived—feels right. It is about accepting.” This notion of acceptance resonates deeply within Josh’s character as he learns to let go of past grievances and the unrealised expectations tied to his relationship with Lindsay, ultimately finding a semblance of compassion for her.

Mulligan, 40, echoed Isaac’s sentiments regarding their cinematic collaboration, noting how they worked closely with Lee Sung Jin to meticulously trace the arcs of their characters amidst the chaos. She described the effort to monitor their emotional landscapes—beginning from their lowest points to eventually become a united front against adversity.

Isaac commended the series creator for his ability to delve into the intricate layers of the characters. He characterised the collaboration as a “mystery,” where they collectively sought out enriching nuances to unearth. “Sonny was incredibly open to mining all of our lives and our ideas and really zeroing in on these two characters,” he noted, appreciating the creative depth that Lee brought to the project.

Mulligan also conveyed her enthusiasm for portraying a character as flawed and authentic as Lindsay. Emphasising the allure of playing someone at such a tumultuous stage, she remarked on the freeing experience it was to embody a woman navigating her lowest moments while attempting to maintain an appearance of control. “I didn’t know what to do with that, which is always a really exciting thing for the characters,” she admitted.

The dynamic duo’s performances, as well as the project’s insightful writing, have garnered attention, leading to high expectations for the series. As season two of “Beef” unfolds on Netflix, viewers are treated to a rich tapestry of character exploration, dark humour, and gripping narrative twists.

With the release of season two now available for streaming, fans can immerse themselves in the tumultuous journey of Josh and Lindsay, marked by betrayal, redemption, and ultimately, the quest for inner peace amidst chaos.