Apple TV+’s breakout hit, Severance, has captivated audiences with its labyrinthine workplace drama, thought-provoking themes, and stunning visuals. The series follows a group of employees who undergo a surgical procedure to divide their memories between their work and personal lives. Severance has garnered critical acclaim for its originality, complex characters, and masterful execution.
Severance was created by Dan Erickson, a former writer for Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt. Erickson drew inspiration from his own experiences working in an office environment, as well as classic science fiction and horror films. The show’s distinctive visual style is heavily influenced by the surrealist works of filmmaker David Lynch, particularly Eraserhead and Twin Peaks.
The production design, led by Jeremy Hindle, meticulously crafted the show’s unsettling and claustrophobic atmosphere. The Lumon Industries headquarters features long, winding hallways, stark white interiors, and a pervasive sense of surveillance. The show’s costumes, designed by Amy Parris, further emphasize the characters’ alienation and isolation.
Severance‘s debt to Lynch is undeniable. The series adopts Lynch’s signature techniques of dreamlike imagery, jarring juxtapositions, and unsettling sound design to create a disorienting and unforgettable viewing experience.
Like Lynch’s films, Severance delves into the subconscious, exploring themes of identity, free will, and the nature of reality. The show’s surreal dream sequences, like those in Eraserhead, offer glimpses into the characters’ inner turmoil and the psychological disturbances caused by the severance procedure.
The highly anticipated Season 2 of Severance premiered in March 2023, continuing the show’s exploration of its complex themes and enigmatic characters.
This season delves deeper into the inner workings of Lumon Industries and the true nature of the severance procedure. The characters face new challenges and confront their pasts, as they unravel the secrets hidden within the labyrinthine corporation.
Severance has garnered widespread critical acclaim, with many praising its originality, thought-provoking narrative, and exceptional performances. However, some critics have questioned the show’s pacing and the occasional lack of clarity.
Despite these minor criticisms, Severance remains a triumph of modern television, showcasing the power of the medium to captivate and provoke thought. The show’s exploration of workplace alienation, the nature of identity, and the dangers of corporate control resonates strongly with audiences in an era of increasing technological surveillance and social isolation.
Severance‘s unique blend of science fiction, horror, and workplace drama has created a compelling and unforgettable viewing experience. The show’s Lynchian influences, coupled with its exploration of timely themes, have made it a critical and commercial success.
As Severance continues to unravel its mysteries in Season 2, it invites viewers to reflect on the complexities of modern work culture, the importance of personal identity, and the hidden dangers that lurk within the depths of human nature.
