### Exploring the Influences and Themes of *Severance*: A Deep Dive into Season 2
The Apple TV+ series *Severance* has mesmerized viewers with its distinctive mix of science fiction, workplace satire, and psychological intrigue. In Season 1, audiences were introduced to a realm where staff members of the mysterious Lumon Industries undergo a procedure that “severs” their work and personal memories, resulting in two separate identities: the “innie” (work persona) and the “outie” (home persona). This premise paved the way for an abundance of storytelling opportunities, delving into themes of identity, corporate dominance, and the limits of human freedom.
As Season 2 progresses, the series deepens its exploration of this universe, elaborating on its themes and influences while preserving its signature unsettling tone. Combining cult dynamics, social critique, and science fiction visuals, *Severance* continues to challenge the limits of television storytelling.
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### **From Corporate Satire to Cult Dynamics**
Season 1 of *Severance* received praise for its examination of corporate culture, likening it to satirical pieces such as *Office Space* and *The Office*. However, Season 2 shifts towards a darker narrative, investigating the similarities between corporations and cults. Lumon Industries, with its veneration for the founder Kier Eagan and its manipulation of the workforce, begins to take on characteristics of a cult-like entity. This transformation was a deliberate choice, as showrunner Dan Erickson and the ensemble cast discussed in interviews.
Erickson noted that the writing team immersed themselves in cult-themed documentaries like *The Vow* and *Wild Wild Country* to guide the storyline. He highlighted the “strange gray area” between cults and corporations, especially those with magnetic leaders. Patricia Arquette, who portrays the mysterious Harmony Cobel, also drew from cult hierarchies, religious organizations, and military academies to inform her character’s portrayal.
This examination of cult dynamics infuses *Severance* with a new dimension, positioning it not solely as a critique of corporate existence but also as a broader commentary on social control mechanisms. The series scrutinizes how those in authority manipulate and divide individuals and groups to uphold power—a theme that resonates both within the fictional Lumon universe and in real-life situations.
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### **Worldbuilding and Social Mechanisms of Control**
A particularly fascinating element of *Severance* is its utilization of the sci-fi premise to probe wider societal concerns. Season 2 broadens the Lumon universe, introducing new departments and characters while enriching the organization’s mythology. The series illustrates how Lumon isolates its workforce, both physically and mentally, to retain control. For instance, various departments are kept apart and fed contradictory narratives, fostering an atmosphere of mistrust and division.
Erickson articulated that this strategy of division closely mirrors tactics employed in reality by those in control to hinder unity among the populace. By keeping individuals and coalitions in conflict, leaders can obscure their own deeds and sustain dominance. This motif is particularly resonant in *Severance*, where the literal severing of memories serves as a metaphor for societal fragmentation.
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### **The Duality of Identity**
At its essence, *Severance* presents a narrative centered on identity. The severance process yields two distinct manifestations of an individual, each possessing its own aspirations, goals, and challenges. This duality is vividly portrayed through the performances of the cast, especially Adam Scott, who embodies the central character Mark. Scott highlighted the difficulty of representing two facets of the same individual, observing how their interests and personalities diverge over time.
This notion of divided identity permits *Severance* to engage with dramatic irony in an innovative manner. The audience has insight into both the “innie” and “outie” perspectives, generating tension as the two identities unwittingly operate at cross purposes. This narrative technique is uncommon in television and enriches the show’s examination of autonomy and self-identity.
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### **Aesthetic and Cinematic Influences**
*Severance* is as much a sensory experience as a narrative one. Its stark, minimalist design evokes discomfort, featuring endless white corridors and retro-futuristic office environments. This aesthetic draws inspiration from a range of sources, including iconic science fiction movies like *The Truman Show*, *The Matrix*, and *Brazil*. Erickson and director Ben Stiller also mentioned *Dark City* and *Being John Malkovich* as influences, merging surrealism with grounded storytelling.
Interestingly, the show’s visual style has been likened to video games such as *Control* and *The Stanley Parable*, which similarly tackle themes of bureaucracy and existential anxiety. Although these comparisons were unintentional, they underscore the show’s capacity to resonate across different artistic platforms.
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### **Season 2: A Slow Burn with Big Payoffs**
Season 2 of *Severance* builds upon the groundwork laid by its predecessor, addressing some lingering questions while posing new ones. The
