The Strongest Man

Beef may look like an ordinary construction worker in his early 30s. But Beef can effortlessly run through cinderblock walls. Because Beef is THE STRONGEST MAN. Well, that’s the story he intends to tell his grandchildren someday. In the meantime, he’ll settle for aimlessly riding around Miami on his gold BMX bike with Conan, Beef’s Korean American best friend since the third grade. And to make some extra cash, Beef helps his neighbor Mrs. Rosen move bizarre modern artwork around her apartment. When Mrs. Rosen’s cute niece Illi takes Beef to a New Age meditation class, he discovers his spirit animal is a chicken – an all-too-appropriate symbol for this anxiety-ridden germaphobe. Then, in an effort to capture his inner chicken, Beef ends up killing one in the process. Is the subsequent theft of Beef’s prized bike some form of karmic retribution? In this quirky comedy, writer-director Kenny Riches takes us on one man’s peculiar journey to find his bike and himself. (In English and Spanish with subtitles) – E.B.