The Cinematic Techniques That Shape the Dystopian Office World of ‘Severance’

The Apple TV+ series ‘Severance’ crafts a dystopian office environment using classic cinematic techniques. The show, which explores the concept of employees having their consciousness split into two identities, reinforces its themes through meticulous cinematography and production design. Drawing inspiration from workplace films like ‘The Apartment’ and ‘Being John Malkovich,’ ‘Severance’ employs repetitive visual patterns, low ceilings, and isolating office spaces to enhance feelings of confinement and powerlessness.

Symbolism plays a key role: clocks signify control, while elevators represent transitions between identities. The office layout, inspired by 1960s corporate architecture, emphasizes separation between work and personal life. The show also subverts workplace tropes—rather than depicting a crowded office, it isolates employees in vast, empty rooms. Supervisors wield power from behind imposing desks, echoing themes seen in films like ‘The Hudsucker Proxy’ and ‘Fargo.’

The series critiques corporate culture through exaggerated ‘perks’ like meaningless rewards and forced celebrations, reminiscent of ‘Office Space’ and ‘The Office.’ By blending classic cinematic techniques with modern workplace anxieties, ‘Severance’ creates a visually compelling and thematically rich portrayal of corporate dystopia.