Severance: A Lovecraftian Nightmare?

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Summary

  • “Severance” hints at cosmic horror beyond corporate dystopia with eerie elements reflecting Lovecraftian themes.
  • Employees exhibit cult-like behavior towards Kier Eagan, fueling theories of otherworldly influence.
  • The unsettling atmosphere of the series, including constant night outside the office, suggests a supernatural force at play.

The Apple TV+ show, titled “Severance,” is intentionally disconcerting, frequently leaving viewers puzzled about its plot. The series appears to strive to keep the characters, and consequently the audience, constantly on edge. The employees in Lumon’s vicinity are intended to feel uneasy, and while many theories circulate regarding the show’s events, it seems that the unsettling atmosphere may transcend corporate dystopia, hinting at implications beyond the use of implantable chips.

Could it be possible that Severance is not just an ordinary company with hints of corruption, but rather, the series delves into the realm of cosmic horror? The peculiar manner in which employees communicate and their unwavering loyalty to Kier Eagan suggest a deeper mystery. What if Lumon Industries isn’t simply manipulating minds via technology, but instead functioning as, or even being, an eldritch entity? Certain aspects within the Severance series align eerily with the works of H.P. Lovecraft. The enigmatic nature of “The Board,” Ms. Cobel’s fear when addressing it, and the consistent feeling of disconnection from reality all resonate with classic themes of Lovecraftian horror. Might it be that the severance chips aren’t merely tools, but fragments of a greater cosmic entity exerting influence on Lumon’s employees?

Lovecraft Comes To Severance

Lovecraft’s horror stems from the concept of entities beyond human understanding – beings so immense and incomprehensible that even knowing their existence can drive one mad. Severance mirrors this sense of the mysterious by presenting enigmatic power systems, disquieting rituals, and characters who seem to be under the sway of something greater than themselves. The narrative also introduces peculiar elements such as Ms. Huang, a child who somehow holds the position of assistant manager. It leaves you wondering if she’s just a child (as nonsensical as that may seem), but what if there’s a darker truth lurking beneath her innocence?

Severance
Created By Dan Erickson
Showrunner Dan Erickson
Cast
  • Adam Scott
  • Zach Cherry
  • Britt Lower
  • Tramell Tillman
  • Jen Tullock
  • Dichen Lachman
  • Michael Chernus
  • John Turturro
  • Christopher Walken
  • Patricia Arquette
  • Sarah Bock

Examine the peculiar manner in which Lumon’s employees communicate among themselves. Their speech is frequently rigid, repetitive, or overly reverent towards Kier Eagan. This might seem reminiscent of brainwashing, but it bears similarities to how characters in Lovecraftian tales describe their interactions with unfathomable entities. The suggestion that Kier Eagan is omnipresent and all-knowing aligns with cult-like behavior, yet he seems to have attained a divine status, hinting at the possibility of him being an actual deity. The hushed conversations employees engage in, the ominous influence of “The Board,” and the way they refer to it interchangeably as “they” or “it” all suggest something that transcends human comprehension—much like the entities found in Lovecraft’s stories, which exist beyond conventional understanding.

The hushed conversations among staff members, the mysterious aura of “The Board,” and their frequent references to it using pronouns like “they” or “it” all hint at something transcending ordinary comprehension – much like the entities in Lovecraft’s tales which defy common perception.

In the series “Severance”, the backdrop is consistently set as night outside the office, a circumstance that seems off but is tolerated. Both seasons are set during winter, which might explain the perpetual darkness. However, it could also suggest something more complex at work here. The unending night echoes the cosmic horror vision of H.P. Lovecraft, where time and space behave abnormally, and those affected by eldritch powers struggle to discern reality from fantasy. If the divided workers are ensnared in a reality governed by forces beyond their comprehension, then their predicament may not only be dystopian—it could be supernatural.

The Eagans As Elder Gods

In my humble opinion as a film enthusiast, Kier Eagan holds an almost divine status within the confines of Lumon. His philosophies are not just respected but revered, echoing the fervor typically reserved for spiritual figures rather than mere corporate pioneers. The devotion towards him is reminiscent of the fanatical adoration found in Lovecraftian tales – followers who whisper of cosmic entities with a blend of fear and admiration.

In Lovecraft’s mythology, ancient beings known as Elder Gods exert control over human minds, manipulating them to their whim. If the story Severance adheres to this pattern, then Kier Eagan might not just be an innovative leader; he, or his lineage, could serve as vessels for a higher, extraterrestrial power. If the severance chips are not merely technology but fragments of something otherworldly, then the employees aren’t simply dividing their mental state from their external lives—they’re being manipulated by an older, more potent force that originates far beyond our world.

Ms. Cobel’s actions align with this theory as well. She appears to be both dedicated to Lumon and apprehensive towards its management. In Season 2, Episode 3, her reluctance to address The Board suggests that it is not just a board of directors but something much more sinister. Could it be possible that The Board isn’t a group of human leaders but rather an embodiment of an Ancient Entity, wielding its power to manipulate the company and its workers?

What looks like technology could be something else entirely if hidden right.

Fundamentally, the show Severance feeds off uncertainty. It never delves into the specifics of Lumon’s power or the roots of the severance technology, thus fueling a chilling speculation that the company might not just be a corporate terror but a playground for a cosmic dread. If this is true, the employees aren’t merely confined by contracts and chips; they are pieces moved in a game far older and more ominous, serving something they scarcely understand.

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2025-02-03 22:36