Imagine it’s a lovely Sunday afternoon and while you’re enjoying your long lost freedom, your boss texts you. Of course there is an emergency and boom you’re stuck with work. Don’t you feel like throwing your laptop away? Well, while we’re talking of toxic work cultures, let’s dive headfirst into the twisted world of corporate chaos with Severance, the latest mind-bending series from Apple TV+. Created by the dynamic duo of Dan Erickson and Ben Stiller, this show is a wild blend of mystery, thrills, and office politics.
The show serves a very twisted plot, with an eerie office at the centre of the mess.
Picture this: a company where memories are erased to keep employees in check. What if you work in a company where you forget everything about your work the moment you step out of your office? The catch is – you also forget everything about your personal life the moment you enter the office. Scary right? Add to this a wild plot infused with non-linear story telling, taking you back and forth through a timeline and revealing secrets and… goats??? out of nowhere.
The casting directors of the show have done a *chef’s kiss* job as Severance is a dream team of talented actors backed up with commendable writing. Adam Scott shines as Mark, the guy determined to uncover the ankahi baatein of the company. Patricia Arquette brings an air of ‘dhak dhak’ as the enigmatic executive Ms. Cobel, while Britt Lower as Helly, packs a powerful punch with her pivotal role of a fresher. However, Tramell Tillman as the floor supervisor, Seth Milchick, really stands out with his dynamic tones throughout the show. One moment he is your favourite uncle who gets you candies and the next moment you don’t even have the courage to look at him.
But, Severance isn’t just about wild plot twists and off-beat office shenanigans. It’s a show that throws in deep questions amidst the chaos. The underlying commentary makes you ponder whether Rancho was right in saying ‘Success ke peeche mat bhaago’, the limits of personal freedom, and whether your stapler has secretly been plotting against you all along. By blurring the lines between memory, reality, and sanity, the show runners have done a great job in bringing something as boring and pale as the “9-5 Chai Samose wala Corporate Culture” to life.
Not Just Another Thriller
A rollercoaster of a ride, one of the high points of the show is that despite being a drama thriller at its heart, it effeciently combines multiple genres, thereby catering to a larger audience with a storyline that almost compels people to watch it on autopilot mode. It’s like The Office on steroids, with a dark twist that keeps you hooked from the first episode to the nail-biting finale. The music of the show, right from the minute-long intro to the background score, plays a major role in captivating the audience and setting the tone of the show.
Okay I don’t want to sound like your English teacher who cuts half a mark from each of your essays for no reason at all, but the show does have some teeny tiny setbacks. Owing to it’s twisted plot and a non-linear way of story telling, some viewers might feel like “Arre mujhe chakkar aane lage hai”, finding it challenging to grasp each and every aspect of the show. The pacing of the show could be questioned too by some, with some episodes being slower than others. However, Severance still remains a must watch for everyone that makes you ponder for days after you’re done watching it.
All in all, Severance is a captivating and thought-provoking series that will leave you craving for more. Its unorthodox plot, engaging storytelling and compelling themes make it a must-watch. Eagerly waiting for the second season!
