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From the beginning, an air of mystery sets in and dictates the tone of the entire TV series. Why else would a former boss abruptly disappear from the workplace at the start of the series? It’s after all a science fiction psychological thriller with a dose of dark comedy.

This highly nuanced TV series is guaranteed to sever your brain. The scriptwriting is sharp, witty, sarcastic, and offers a slightly different window into the world of human resources in a cult-like fashion.

Work-life balance, what we think of the term – well, once you watch this episodic series, the term will definitely have a different meaning.

The employees of a biotechnology company undergo a bizarre severance procedure on the severance floor of the organisation thanks to a microchip inserted into their brain - and once they enter the company, they are thrown into an entirely separate work-only zone, with memories including anything like personal details appearing vague and blurry to these members of staff. General knowledge is all these employees retain. These workers are aptly labelled Innie and Outie and should you decide to leave/resign from the company, both these separate selves must agree.

Probably the only thing normal are the few scenes at the pantry of the fictional company where discussions amongst colleagues happen. Close enough to real-life?

Due to the nature of work, there are therapy sessions for employees who experience difficulties or grievances. This is where the wellness counsellor on the Severed Floor steps in to remind these Innies of their Outies.

Similarities can be drawn between Severance, Being John Malkovich and The Truman Show. While Being John Malkovich offers you a surrealist and absurdist plot, The Truman Show similarly explores themes of surveillance and identity.

The black goo, among other visual representations, signifies one’s trauma that the person cannot handle. Strange way of representing trauma, but at the same time, so accurate. Don’t you think?

Music is also a key element in this TV series where a certain punk rock band appears. Theodore Shapiro is the mastermind behind the music, which helps set the mood and tone of the TV series. From sources, Shapiro learnt of the TV show from a Halloween party, which would influence how the music sounds between tensed and mind-bending situations/scenarios on the show.

The situation intensifies when there are protestors fighting against the biotechnology company, and with secrets in the company uncovered, the protagonist finds his two distinct selves colliding.

I couldn’t bring myself to watch the series beyond episode 5 or 6 – the elements of self-harm and disfigurement became a bit too much to handle.

Dan Erickson is both the creator and sits as one of the executive producers of the show. Ben Stiller, the actor-comedian and filmmaker, is also one of the executive producers. Adam Scott plays the main character and is also one of the executive producers. Menawhile, Patricia Arquette is one of the producers and also plays the role of the manager of the severed floor of the biotechnology company. As an Outie, Arquette plays the role of the protagonist’s next-door neighbour.

I don’t even know whether I can stomach season 2 of this dark comedy, brilliant yet strange TV series. Apple TV+ subscribers can stream the first two episode of the new season from 17 January 2025. A combination of factors like worker strikes and wanting everything to flow as perfectly as possible caused a delay in the release of season 2. Nonetheless, having a grasp of season one, I can only imagine a more biting, emotional and powerful season 2.

I won’t even be surprised if Severance is renewed for a third.