I know I’m a little late to the party on this, but in the tail end of my recent bout of COVID, I started watching Severance. I’ve just finished the last episode. Boy, if I needed something to be grateful about for getting COVID (apart from some decent antibodies), it’s the chance to enjoy some top class Sci-Fi like this.
I don’t want to give any spoilers away as I think it’s probably best you go in knowing as little as possible, so I will just save my praise for the production.
The story-telling is some of the best I’ve encountered in years. It’s very rare to keep me hooked on a show and keep my attention. More than 30 seconds of filler, and you’ve lost me. But there was none. Very impressive.
The directing (mostly from Ben Stiller) is taught and thoughtful (with perhaps a bit too much of a nod to Wes Anderson at times, but then Wes owns the symmetrical shot, so anyone who happens to like it - like me and, clearly, Ben - is somewhat doomed). The acting is also first class from all concerned, as is the set design.
The thing I liked most of all was that it has a nice, simple premise, but doesn’t shy away from really delving into the effects and ramifications of what’s going on. I daresay it’ll give me food for thought for weeks to come.
The whole thing was vaguely reminiscent of the best bits of Lost, but done properly.
If you haven’t seen it yet, make haste to a nearby Apple TV+.