Work-life balance is important, right? Unfortunately, it is difficult to completely shut out one aspects while engaging with the other; well, what if I told you there is an easier way to achieve this balance?
Severance is one of the most original and thought provoking television series of the past decade. Created by Dan Erickson and directed by Ben Stiller and Aoife McArdle, the show delivers a blend of psychological thriller, comedy, and existential drama that captivates viewers from its first moments to its insane finale.
The theme of this show is as original as it is disturbing. The employees at Lumon Industries are forced to go through a procedure called severance, which divides their memories between their work lives and their personal lives. This creates two versions of themselves, one that only exists at work (the innie) and one that only exists outside of it (the outie). It’s a concept that explores questions of identity, autonomy, and the obsession with corporate loyalty.
Adam Scott delivers in my opinion the best performance in his career as Mark S., a grieving man whose “innie” slowly begins to unravel the dark secrets of Lumon. The supporting cast is equally amazing: Britt Lower brings emotional depth as Helly R., John Turturro and Christopher Walken deliver some of their best work, Zach Cherry gives both a comical and emotional performance as Dylan G., and Patricia Arquette is unforgettable as the chilling Harmony Cobel. I believe the standout performance in this series comes from Tramell Tillman playing Seth Milchick. Each line he delivers is performed with intention and he is easily able to switch from his “upbeat-company-man” persona into the spine-chilling morally grey executioner of Lumon justice
Severance excels in its world building. The sterile, maze like office is both absurd and oppressive, showcasing its disturbing themes. The cinematography and score contribute heavily to the eerie tone, turning mundane hallways and conference rooms into spaces of quiet dread and mystery.
But what truly separates Severance from other shows I’ve seen is its eerie tone. It asks questions about consciousness, free will, and what it means to live a full life. The pacing of this show is pretty slow, but rewarding. The finale is both thrilling and devastating.
Severance at its core is deeply human. It is a must-watch for anyone who craves intellectually rich and emotionally impactful storytelling. It’s a modern classic in the making.
