Mysterious, unsettling, and psychological, Severance has been making its mark on the world of television. Created by Dan Erikson and released in 2022, the show stars Adam Scott, Britt Lower, John Turturro, and Zach Cherry. The long awaited season two of Severance recently dropped and all episodes are available to watch on Apple TV. The three year gap between the two seasons has only increased the intrigue and now the show has taken social media by storm. This thought-provoking series will pull you into complex, twisted narratives that stick with you long after viewing.
The show introduces a thrilling concept of separating work life from personal life through what is called the “Severance Procedure.” Employees at the mysterious biotechnology company, Lumon Industries, voluntarily undergo a conscious-altering operation. When at work, employees have no knowledge of their personal lives or their outside identities (their “outie”), and when they leave, their outie has no recollection of their work life (their “innie”). Within Lumon, tensions rise as the characters’ innies begin to question both their work and their existence outside of the office. The series follows protagonist Mark Scout (Adam Scott) who begins to doubt Lumon and, with the help from his colleagues–Helly (Britt Lower), Irving (John Turrturo), and Dylan (Zach Cherry) – seeks to uncover the disturbing truths behind the company. In season one, a former co-worker of Mark’s is the first to inform him of Lumon’s unethical practices. Mark and the rest of the group delve into complicated and personal issues, allowing them to figure out who they truly are in the outside world and what they are really tackling on the inside.
As someone who isn’t much of a dystopian fanatic, Severance has completely won me over. The show’s intricate cinematography, retro set design, notable acting, and mysterious thematic music pulls you into a trance that is hard to break free from. There’s something uniquely exciting about the series that makes it impossible not to binge-watch. Each episode will elicit question upon question, keeping you hooked from start to finish. There are definitely moments where the viewer is taken on a mind-boggling tangent, especially one involving the wrangling of goats. It seems sometimes that nothing makes sense. The series is so deeply thought out and complex that you might find yourself needing to watch a YouTube video to explain the plot twists. Apparently, I was not the only one who felt compelled to do so, as evidenced by the thousands of views.
Moreover, what truly grabs your attention is the remarkable acting. Adam Scott delivers a chilling performance as Mark Scout, capturing complicated emotions tied to grief and loss. In the first episode of Severance, we learn that Mark has endured a personal tragedy–the main reason behind his decision to undergo the severance procedure. After leaving work and regaining consciousness of the outside world, Mark sits in his car and cries from remembering his “outie’s” tragedy. The transformation Adam Scott demonstrates between Mark’s work life to his personal life is both profound and captivating. His shifts from “innie” to “outie” deserve special recognition, as they powerfully highlight the emotional depth of his character. From season one to season two, the entire cast’s performances only become more mesmerizing. After watching season two’s finale, let’s just say that it makes all the suspense and confusion worthwhile.
From dystopia to romance, Severance shows itself as extremely multifaceted, and the acting and fascinating plot twists are sure to win you over. If you’re looking for a show that keeps you on the edge of your seat, Severance is the one for you.
