Episode seven, season two of “Severance” is a journey through the mind of someone lost in grief, and their rebirth through death.
Titled “Chikhai Bardo”, this episode follows the beginning of Gemma’s (Dichen Lachman) relationship with Mark (Adam Scott), her experience with a miscarriage, and her work at Lumon Industries.
A small subplot of the story continues from the last episode, with Mark in a coma.
This episode is most notable for its mostly experimental qualities. Scenes happen nonlinearly, making it difficult to pinpoint what happens chronologically.
It features an experimental montage sequence of Mark and his wife Gemma. The beginning of their relationship is explored through interesting transitions. Aspect ratios and grainy film footage showcase the intensity of their relationship.
With a show that is so filled with cold bright lights and mundane corporate hallways, the juxtaposition of these characters’ relationship is heartwarming.
Unfortunately, their relationship starts to crumble after Gemma suffers a miscarriage, causing her to sever herself at Lumon and go through a series of experiments that cause her pain.
The impact on the characters is showcased with exquisite cinematography and editing.
Every cut in this episode feels intentional. The experimental approach it took to reveal the breakdown of Mark and Gemma’s relationship makes it a standout.
Overall, the episode’s intention is to evoke the repetitive nature of loss, which it accomplishes.
Jessica Lee Gangné steps into the directing role for the first time in this episode after working as the cinematographer throughout the series.
Gangné is a Canadian filmmaker who has worked with experimental cinema much of her career.
She first started working with Ben Stiller on the limited series he directed “Escape at Dannemora”,
Since the episode follows the harrowing subjects of life, grief, and death, her experience with experimental cinema allows for a depiction that leads viewers to think out of the box.
“Severance” is an Apple TV+ original. The first season of the show premiered back in 2022. The second season premiered Jan. 17.
“Severance” follows a team of employees who work at Lumon Industries. As part of their work, which is top secret, employees on the severed floor need to undergo a medical procedure that separates their memories while at work from their real lives, and vice versa. “Severed” characters are different from their real counterparts, despite being portrayed by the same actors, which only adds to their performance.
Since the first episode, “Severance” raises more questions than answers with each episode. With the arrival of the second season, Severance’s world has expanded.
Adam Scott plays the main character, with supporting roles provided by Britt Lower, Zach Cherry, Patricia Arquette and John Turturro.
Created by Dan Erickson, the show was executive produced by actor and director Ben Stiller, with Stiller directing many of the episodes from the show.
New episodes are released Fridays at 11 p.m. until March 21. This season has ten episodes.