Severance, created by Dan Erickson and executively produced and mostly directed by Ben Stiller of comedy fame, is one of these. The concept is interesting alone, positing whether given the option or not, would humans sever their work selves from their personal selves. To put it more simply, what if you had two different sentient people for your work and personal lives? What would it be like to clock in, go up an elevator, and the next moment it's 5:00 pm and it’s time to go home? What about the other version, who lives only to work? In a world that feels ever more nihilistic with each day passing, shows like Severance feel like a breath of fresh air in a way few can hope to achieve. It’s the kind of show that tackles complex themes, showcases incredible performances, and consistently has moments that take your breath away. While I love this show and could talk in-depth about the episodes released, I’m mostly going to be discussing things from a broader perspective to hopefully avoid spoilers. Throughout this, I hope to either convince you to give it a chance or to rewatch and fall in love with this show all over again just like I did recently.

One thing I would like to touch on briefly is the type of concept this is and how much I am personally a big fan of it done right. Movies like The Substance or The Lobster take a symptom of a hyper-capitalistic society and exaggerate certain aspects or themes to create a world not unlike our own, although slightly different. Through the actions of the characters within this world, the best of these shows highlights either the humanity still shows in these bleak situations, or the true psychological horror that this would present. It is not an easy genre to pull off, as a lot of these universes feel cold and unflinching. Audiences often cite them as being hard to connect to, I suppose because of the perceived lack of humanity within the initial introduction. However, within a world where media literacy feels like the exception rather than the rule, these concepts can be obvious about their thematic elements in a way that can help break through some of the subtext and mystery in a good way. In other words, the thematic elements can be more outwardly blunt to make an impression. Specifically, a film like The Substance uses this excellently. The themes are accentuated in scenes so loud and bombastic that you couldn’t possibly ignore them. However, this is where Severance stands out among some of the other of this ilk. Severance takes a knife edge balance between all these different characteristics mentioned. It not only is largely about the humanity of the people in this bizarre and dystopian world, but it’s also about the horrors that come with it. Not only is it rather blunt with certain thematic work, like the eerily polished aesthetic or the emphasis on the corporation that is Lumon, but they use these as red herrings to set up what the show is interested in, and that’s the people and interpersonal bonds formed between those being exploited throughout the show. 

Like classic science fiction movies Blade Runner and Blade Runner 2049, one of the many questions Severance is interested in is what the true measure is of what makes someone human. Are the people who work on the severed floor any less autonomous human beings than those who occupy their lives outside of it? Should they then be allowed the same dignity and rights that would be allowed to their outside counterparts? I could list out thousands of interesting questions this show poses, but I am more looking to illustrate that this is a show intent on asking questions that challenge your perception of your reality. Like all good science fiction does, the world is built through the lens of the themes it portrays so even in a distant universe or galaxy, they face the same human issues that tie us together. Seeing moments that truly humanize these characters, like the opening scene with Mark makes these moments of horror and triumph in the darkest light hit so much harder. They are fighting against a bigger system in an attempt to simply exist as humans, and that resonates. 

Something that separates this show from the rest is the level of detail put into every little thing, including the set design, score music, and even performances. There are so many standout roles in the show, especially with our main 4 characters, but I want to give a special shoutout to Tramell Tillman as Mr Milchick, one of the best television performances ever. The show’s aesthetic would not work as well without Milchick’s uneasy corporate consistency creeping into every scene he’s in. The set design, especially within the walls of Lumon is incredibly effective. The long white hallways, the muted and very specific color choices, and even the paintings adorned throughout the various hallways. The long maze-like quality of the building evokes feelings of the shining, where you truly never know where you are. The music, specifically the main theme for the show, evokes such an uneasy feeling, mostly with the use of minor and dissonant keys to create a song that sounds slightly peaceful but used within the context feels like something is off. You can see this through the utilization of jazz music and general “elevator music” that would typically feel peaceful and contemplative, now feels jarring and unnatural, playing back into the corporate sterile nature of the show. 

Through this, I’ve mostly just discussed some small things I like about the show. In truth, I may attempt a more in-depth piece when the season is over, or the show has concluded. To talk about a show that presents so much uncertainty is infinitely interesting, but also can go on forever and ever. Severance is the kind of show that will inspire theorizing and speculating about everything. However, I implore you to go check this out. Season 2 is currently airing, and as of today Episode 5 has just been released. This is one of the best shows on television period, and I for one look forward to everything.

Written By Blank Thought: linktr.ee/b1ankthought