Severance Season 1 (2022)

I have never been more lucky to own something physically. The first season of Severance is absolutely genius blending eerie liminality with political commentary. Each character feels incredibly real and reacts with the story very naturally. 

Directed by Ben Stiller, a long time favourite comedian for me, it's not surprising that Severance is often funny. However, it doesn't use over the top, absurd comedy Ben Stiller is known for. Instead, it goes for a more quiet, balking kind of funny. Still absurd, but much more strange. 

The two main characters, Mark S. and Helly R., work off of each other in a fantastic way. I love the chemistry they have and the tension that they bring to every scene when they're paired together. Mark S. has big, expressive eyes and an almost naive devotion to the company. He is easily manipulated but with Helly R.'s curiosity and intelligence, he begins to uncover more about the company they're trapped inside of. 

Of course, Helly R. is my favourite character. She has the most mystery surrounding her and she drives the main plot the most within the company. I love a protagonist that is constantly searching for answers and is willing to do anything to be heard. She is wild and extreme which makes every scene so interesting. 

The liminal office most of the story takes place in is a great background. Even regular conversations between the refinement team feel Lynchian with the big, empty hallways looming behind them. 

The way the workers interact with each other feels like one big reference to the Stanford Prison Experiment, which in turn feels like a criticism of modern capitalism. 

Severance is genuine work of art with every frame feeling both beautiful and intentional.