Exploring the Dystopia of ‘Severance’: Is Work Really Fun?

NEW YORK, NY — The new Apple TV+ series ‘Severance‘ taps into a growing sentiment of workplace disconnection, raising the question: is the modern work experience as enjoyable as we make it out to be? Premiering on February 18, 2025, the show combines a dystopian narrative with dark humor and surrealism.

Created by screenwriter Dan Erickson, who drew upon his own experiences in monotonous office environments, ‘Severance’ introduces viewers to the concept of voluntarily splitting one’s psyche into two halves: the “innie,” who endures the drudgery of work, and the “outie,” who enjoys life outside the office. The chilling backdrop of the show is a cold, nameless northern state, where employees labor at a mysterious corporation named Lumon, hinting at real-life parallels with Big Pharma practices.

In ‘Severance,’ office workers delve into obscure tasks, observing random numbers for patterns that evoke unease. When they succeed, they are met with cloying rewards from their supervisor, Mr. Milchick (Tramell Tillman), who presents tokens like branded erasers and custom caricatures. The characters, including Mark (Adam Scott), Dylan (Zach Cherry), Irving (John Turturro), and Helly (Britt Lower), navigate this strange office culture, unaware of their identities outside this peculiar life.

Season one culminates in a climactic twist, especially concerning Helly, that leaves viewers on edge. Yet, their bizarre routine resonates with audiences, touching on universal themes of work-related ennui and the human desire for connection. As James Delingpole, executive editor of Breitbart London, notes, Severance manages to evoke interest in a subject matter that initially seems dull.

Director Ben Stiller effectively merges humor and apprehension, reminiscent of classic films such as ‘The Stepford Wives.’ He creates a stylistic tone that is both unsettling and engaging. The quality of acting enhances the experience; the cast, which includes veterans like Christopher Walken and Patricia Arquette, brings life to their eccentric roles.

As ‘Severance’ returns for its second season, the stakes escalate, pitting the indignant employees against their calculating corporate leaders. While it retains a comedic edge, the series does not offer immediate conclusions, leaving audiences eagerly anticipating the next developments. The show’s impact has already led to discussions about a third season, underscoring its success in tapping into the zeitgeist of discontent in the workforce.