The Magic (and Horror) of Severance: Could We Unplug from Reality, and Would We Want To?

"Severance": The Ultimate Dilemma of Work-Life Balance

In today’s fast-paced world, the struggle to balance work and personal life often feels like an unending battle. But what if we could just hit the reset button, separating the two worlds completely? That’s the premise behind Severance, the critically acclaimed show on Apple TV+, where employees undergo a procedure that splits their memories between work and home life.

While it sounds like the ultimate solution to workplace stress and burnout, Severance quickly explores the darker side of this eerie concept. What happens when we disconnect the very parts of ourselves that make us whole? Can we truly be happy if we forget the very things that make us human?

For me, watching Severance was a bit like imagining what it would be like to “sever” my own guilt-ridden thoughts about weight loss. Wouldn't it be nice to hit a button that erases all the shame, the failed diets, and the endless cycle of "I'll start tomorrow"? But, as the show brilliantly shows us, severing parts of ourselves—even the ones that feel burdensome—might come at a high cost.

If you’re looking for a show that’s part mystery, part psychological thriller, and full of thought-provoking commentary on identity and autonomy, Severance is a must-watch. Trust me, you’ll be left wondering whether a little bit of forgetting might actually be more dangerous than we think.