Exploring Corporate Control and Identity in 'Severance'

2025-03-02

The Apple TV+ series Severance, created by Ben Stiller and written by Dan Erickson, has garnered significant attention for its unique exploration of corporate culture and the psychological effects of workplace control. The show is set in the fictional town of Kier, where the enigmatic corporation Lumon Industries dominates the local economy. Lumon employs a controversial “severance” procedure that splits employees’ consciousness, creating separate “innie” and “outie” personas—one that only remembers work life and another that only remembers personal life. This premise allows the show to delve into themes of identity, autonomy, and the dehumanizing effects of corporate power.

The series has been praised for its satirical yet realistic portrayal of corporate culture, highlighting the absurdity of workplace norms through scenes like awkward icebreaker games and bizarre “Music Dance Experiences” meant to boost morale. These moments underscore the show’s critique of late-stage capitalism and the ways in which corporations manipulate and control their employees. The character of Mr. Milchick, a supervisor on the severed floor, further exemplifies this dynamic, as he navigates the bizarre and often humiliating demands of Lumon’s upper management, including a cringe-worthy instance of racial appropriation.

Beyond its critique of corporate life, Severance also draws inspiration from cult dynamics, as revealed by showrunner Dan Erickson and cast members like Patricia Arquette. The show explores how power structures, whether corporate or cult-like, divide and conquer individuals and groups to maintain control. This theme is further expanded in the second season, which introduces new departments and deeper layers of mystery, maintaining the unsettling tone that has made the series a standout in the sci-fi thriller genre.

Adam Scott, who plays the dual-role protagonist Mark, highlights the challenge of portraying a character whose two personas increasingly diverge in their goals and desires. The show’s slow-burn narrative allows for a rich exploration of these themes, drawing comparisons to classic sci-fi films like The Truman Show and Blade Runner. With its mix of corporate satire, psychological tension, and sci-fi influences, Severance continues to captivate audiences and spark discussions about the nature of work, identity, and control in modern society.

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