What is Severance the TV Show About?
Severance, a gripping psychological thriller that premiered on Apple TV+ in 2022, has quickly captured the attention of viewers worldwide. The show, created by Dan Erickson and Ian Goldberg, delves into the dark and twisted world of a company that offers its employees a unique solution to their problems: severing their consciousness from their bodies. But what is Severance the TV show about, and what makes it so compelling?
The premise of Severance revolves around a fictional company called Lumon, which specializes in cutting-edge technology and operates in a world where the rich and powerful control almost every aspect of society. The show follows the lives of its employees, who are divided into two groups: those who work in the company’s headquarters and those who perform tasks outside the office. The employees are unaware that their consciousnesses are transferred to different bodies each day, allowing them to live dual lives.
The Core Themes of Severance
At its heart, Severance explores several profound themes, including identity, memory, and the nature of reality. The characters grapple with the question of whether their real selves are the ones working in the office or the ones living their daily lives outside it. As they uncover the secrets behind Lumon’s operations, they must confront the idea that their memories and experiences may not be entirely their own.
Another central theme is the power dynamics at play within the company and society at large. Lumon’s executives use their technology to manipulate and control their employees, while the employees, in turn, feel trapped in a system that leaves them vulnerable and exploited. This exploration of power and control adds an additional layer of intrigue to the show, as viewers are forced to question the morality of Lumon’s practices.
The Characters and Their Plights
Severance introduces a diverse cast of characters, each with their own unique story and motivations. The protagonist, Mark (played by Christopher Walken), is a senior executive at Lumon who is haunted by his past and the secrets he’s kept from his colleagues. His wife, Beverly (played by Lena Headey), is a former employee who has become a critic of the company, and their relationship adds a personal dimension to the narrative.
Other notable characters include Erin (played by Zach Cherry), a worker who is transferred to Mark’s body and becomes his eyes and ears outside the office; and Dina (played by Aisling Bea), a former Lumon employee who is trying to uncover the truth about the company’s operations. These characters’ journeys intertwine as they struggle to maintain their identities and find a way to expose the dark secrets of Lumon.
The Unique Visual Style and Sound Design
Severance is known for its distinctive visual style and sound design, which contribute to its eerie and gripping atmosphere. The show employs a unique editing technique that jumps between the characters’ lives in the office and their experiences outside it, creating a sense of disorientation and unease. The sound design, which often includes dissonant and unsettling music, further enhances the show’s psychological impact.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Severance the TV show is about a world where technology blurs the lines between reality and illusion, and where the quest for identity and freedom is at the forefront. With its compelling premise, thought-provoking themes, and strong performances, the show has established itself as a must-watch for fans of psychological thrillers and science fiction. As the story unfolds, viewers are left questioning the true nature of their own existence and the lengths they would go to for a sense of belonging.
