Severance is a science fiction psychological thriller TV series about employees at a biotechnology company called Lumon Industries who have undergone a medical procedure known as "severance." This procedure surgically divides their memories so that their work selves ("innies") have no knowledge of their personal lives, and their personal selves ("outies") have no memories of their work. This creates two distinct personalities within each employee, effectively separating their work and personal identities
. The show follows a team of these severed workers, led by Mark, as they begin to uncover the truth about their jobs, the company, and themselves. Their work involves monotonous and mysterious tasks in a department called Macrodata Refinement, and they gradually become aware of the darker implications of the severance procedure and the company's true nature
. Severance explores themes of identity, memory, the ethics of work-life separation, and the loss of humanity in corporate culture. It has been interpreted as a commentary on modern American work culture, the surreal nature of office life, and even as an allegory for cult-like corporate control
. The series has received critical acclaim for its storytelling, direction, and performances, and it blends mystery, thriller, and philosophical elements to create a unique narrative
. In summary, Severance is about the psychological and ethical consequences of a procedure that splits employees' work and personal memories, leading to a profound exploration of identity and corporate control.
