Severance is a mind-blowing, Ben Stiller-ized drama that challenges the idea of “work/life balance” and pushes it to its limit. I promise that you have never explored a topic like Stiller has this one. The pros, the cons, the twists, the turns, and the unimagined horrors. However, for as powerful as it is, this is an impossibly engaging story that, sadly, leaves you lusting for more.
Mark and his colleagues work at Lumon Industries, a mega-corporation that has created a procedure that allows its employees to separate their mind into two: outside of work and inside. True work/life balance. No more thinking about work out of the office! But what happens when an external force causes you to question “yourself”, “your” work, and “your” safety? Would you poke the hornets nest or simply trust upper management and leave things as they are?
The most impressive aspect of this series is how incredibly well thought-out it is. Stiller really fleshes out this world and its general premise. There is nothing more delightful than regularly coming to a mind bending realization that raises the stakes and offers a perspective you were not ready to explore. The depth of this well is its strongest element. Mind you, every aspect is done to excellence.
The production design is simple & clean, perfectly encapsulating the world. The cinematography is steady & balanced giving the feeling that things are too tidy and that something is off. And thus begins the uneasiness that is all too prevalent in the show so get used to it. The editing works in harmony with the cinematography to keep us right where the filmmakers intended– glued to the screen!
I also have to give it up to the cast who fully committed to this and delivered stunning performances. In particular Adam Scott, Zach Cherry, Britt Lower, John Turturro, Tramell Tillman, Christopher Walken & Dichen Lachman. So, basically the entire cast.
AppleTV+ keeps delivering top notch programming that’s elevating the streaming game like never before. If you haven’t spent time exploring their content you absolutely need to and Severance can serve as a great entry point.
The seemingly infinite winding white corridors… what secrets lie beyond the designated path? Is it safe? Is the answer even worth the risk? Jump into Ben Stiller’s mind to explore this concept as well as the dangers of dissociating, not just from others, but from yourself. However, mind my warning! The cliffhanger is fierce but we’ll get through it together. And, yes… ”A hug is available upon request”.
