Severance is a brilliant, bone chilling, Apple TV+ series that takes the term “work life balance” to a whole new level. The cast is phenomenal.
If you are looking for a unique take on the psychological thriller genre, then look no further than Apple TV+’s new series, Severance. From the mind of Dan Erickson, this star studded cast delivers bone chilling performances that are elevated due to the direction by Ben Stiller. From the start it is clear this show is slow burn, but it is totally worth it — especially once season one crosses the halfway point.
In Severance, Lumon employees of a certain level opt to have their personalities split so that one version of themselves controls their work life, while the other controls their personal life. They are still physically the same person but once they leave work, they don’t remember anything that happened there. And when at work, they cannot remember any details about their lives outside of the office.
Season one does take a little bit of time to get going, but it is certainly intriguing from the very start. This unique concept has not really been done before, and putting it in series form really allows the mystery and plot to unravel at a slow pace. For some, the first couple of episodes could feel like a chore when the bigger moments aren’t going on, but for me, I was fully immersed in this bizarre world.
Knowing what the main character, Mark (Adam Scott)’s innie and outie (the former being the office worker version of oneself, and the latter being the one that remembers their personal life) were up to, without him knowing, is an interesting position to be in. It allows for a whole lot of speculation, especially as the season goes on. It feels like each episode reveals just enough about Mark, Lumon, and the rest of the employees, to keep viewers coming back for the next episode.
The entire cast list is certainly impressive, but it is Adam Scott that is the standout of them all. Yes, they all have their moments to shine, and great characters development throughout the season, but Mark goes through the most changes and complications. If you think about the concept of this show, many of the actors are essentially playing two different characters in Severance, and it can be assumed that they had to film scenes for both in the same day. To be able to switch back and forth like that, and to act like you don’t know what is happening when you clearly do, should be applauded.
Not all of the characters have a complete arc, and this season ends on a massive cliffhanger — probably one of the most intense cliffhangers I have seen in years. This can be extremely frustrating for the audience because it almost feels like just when we are getting close to answers, it cuts off and we have to wait who knows how long for an explanation. Ending on a cliffhanger isn’t uncommon, but this one ends so suddenly, that there just has to be more. While I can respect the creative team doing this in order to set themselves up for a season two, as a viewer I was honestly a touch angry to be left like this.
A couple of other stand out performances come from John Turturro, who plays Irving, and Christopher Walken, who plays Burt. In an effort to remain spoiler free I cannot dive into this too much, but their relationship and on screen chemistry is fantastic. These characters are very easy to root for. One scene in particular, in the final episode, is absolutely heart wrenching and acted so wonderfully by Turturro — give that man an award.
The Helly (Britt Lower) story line is probably the most chilling, and while the full payoff hasn’t happened yet, I can only imagine what is coming in season two. Several moments that involve her are so real and raw, that they are uncomfortable, and almost impossible, to watch. Props to Lower for pulling that off, because filming must have been very difficult on a certain day.
One of my favorite things about this show is that it doesn’t shy away from the satire of office jobs and corporate life. Severance has its comedic moments, but it is truly a thriller at the core. This is one of the few shows that I don’t recommend binging, as taking your time to think about and reflect upon each episode, and the big reveals it gives us, is a better choice. Even if just for a day or two. I can see why Apple TV+ chose a weekly release for this one, because it really warrants it.
Watching all nine episodes back to back could be a bit heavy. Especially since this is a slow burn for the first half of the season, and even certain episodes in the second half. There is a lot to unpack, so spending your time to truly take it all in will allow you to appreciate the story, and where it is going, a lot more.
Overall Thoughts
Severance kicks off with a brilliant season one, despite the slow pacing and frustrating cliffhanger ending. It is very easy to become completely immersed in this world, as well as totally invested in these characters and what the heck is going on at Lumon. Season sets up the mystery, but reveals very little, while also giving viewers just enough to keep them coming back.
The performances are outstanding, with each character having their moment to shine, and the start of an arc that is sure to expand even more in the next season. While a season 2 has not yet been confirmed at the time of writing this review, to deprave Severance fans of it would be inhumane. The final ten minutes of the final episode of Severance season one are extremely intense, and when it cuts to black, it almost physically hurts to know it will be a long time before answers are given.
Giving a whole new meaning to the term ‘work life balance’, season one explores a unique take on the thriller genre. A bit of a slow burn right from the very start, but eventually picks up the pace about halfway through.
Rating: 3.5 out of 5
NEXT: Big Little Lies Season One Is a MUST BINGE
About Severance
From Ben Stiller and creator Dan Erickson, Severance centers around Mark Scout (Adam Scott), a leader of a team of office workers whose memories have been surgically divided between their work and personal lives.
This experiment in ‘work-life balance’ is called into question as Mark finds himself at the center of an unraveling mystery that will force him to confront the true nature of his work… and of himself.
Severance features Adam Scott, who stars alongside Academy-Award winner Patricia Arquette, Emmy-winner John Turturro, Britt Lower, Zach Cherry, Dichen Lachman, Jen Tullock, Tramell Tillman, Michael Chernus and Academy Award winner Christopher Walken.
Severance streams on Apple TV+.
Tessa Smith is a Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer-approved Film and TV Critic. On Camera personality and TV / Film Critic with 10+ years of experience in video editing, writing, editing, moderating, and hosting.