Television has become a treasure trove of thought-provoking storytelling, and Severance, directed by Ben Stiller and Aoife McArdle, is no exception. This critically acclaimed Apple TV+ series offers a unique blend of psychological drama, mystery, and dystopian satire, making it a must-watch for all audiences. However, for women in particular, Severance presents themes and ideas that resonate on a deeper level. Here’s why women should consider watching this gripping show.
1. A Thought-Provoking Take on Work-Life Balance
The core premise of Severance revolves around a company called Lumon Industries, which offers its employees the ability to "sever" their work selves from their personal selves through a medical procedure. This means their "work self" (Innie) has no knowledge of their personal life, and their "personal self" (Outie) has no awareness of their work life.
For women, who are often expected to juggle professional responsibilities with family, relationships, and personal aspirations, this extreme division of work and life raises important questions. What does it mean to fully separate work from personal identity? How do societal expectations shape the way women navigate professional spaces? Severance offers a compelling lens through which to explore these questions.
2. Strong, Complex Female Characters
The show features powerful female characters who are not merely supporting players but essential drivers of the story. Britt Lower’s Helly R. is a particularly fascinating character. She arrives at Lumon Industries with no memory of her external self and immediately begins to challenge the status quo. Her struggle to assert her autonomy within an oppressive corporate structure is deeply relatable, especially for women navigating male-dominated workplaces.
Additionally, Patricia Arquette’s character, Harmony Cobel, serves as an enigmatic and imposing presence, challenging traditional female villain archetypes. She is cold, manipulative, and fiercely intelligent, offering a fresh take on female authority figures in television.
3. A Sharp Critique of Corporate Culture and Gender Politics
Many women have experienced workplaces that demand unwavering loyalty, emotional labor, and a willingness to suppress individuality. Severance critiques corporate culture in a way that mirrors real-world experiences, particularly for women who are often expected to conform to rigid workplace norms.
The show also subtly comments on gender politics, with Helly R.'s arc symbolizing the resistance against systemic control. Women who have ever felt silenced, overlooked, or forced into submission will find her journey both frustrating and cathartic.
4. Mental Health and Identity Exploration
Women frequently deal with pressures to "be everything to everyone"—the ideal employee, the perfect mother, the supportive partner. Severance takes this struggle to an extreme, forcing characters to question what it means to have a cohesive identity.
By watching Severance, women can engage with these themes and reflect on their own experiences with mental health, self-worth, and the boundaries between personal and professional identity. The show’s eerie and isolating tone mirrors the burnout that many women face in real life, making it a deeply personal viewing experience.
5. A Fresh and Unique Storytelling Experience
Beyond its feminist subtext, Severance is simply an exceptional piece of storytelling. It’s visually stunning, emotionally engaging, and filled with twists that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. The show’s slow-burn mystery and atmospheric tension make it one of the most gripping series in recent years.
For women looking for intelligent, challenging, and conversation-worthy content, Severance offers a fresh perspective on issues that matter. Whether you’re drawn in by its commentary on workplace culture, its complex female leads, or its mind-bending narrative, this is a show worth watching.
So, if you haven’t already, it’s time to dive into the world of Severance—where work-life balance takes on a whole new meaning.
