Editor’s note: This column contains minor spoilers for Apple TV’s “Severance.”
Dan Erickson and Ben Stiller’s Apple TV show “Severance” introduces a fictional, surgical procedure of the same name that sounds ideal on paper. Wouldn’t it be lovely to clock into work, skip to the end of your shift, and clock out?
It’s not so lovely when you have zero memory of what happens at your job, or when your work self is almost clueless about your life outside. The idea of a consciousness split between work and personal life is exaggerated in the show, however, there is some truth to the fact that we are different people when we occupy different social spaces.
I must credit @etymologynerd on TikTok for shedding light on the ‘compartmentalization of identities’ that is now discussed more informally in terms of the show. He explained how the words “innie” and “outie” from the show are used generally to describe parts of people’s personalities they feel uncomfortable with overall, not just their behavior in and outside of work.
“Severance” lingo has now replaced clinical language such as Freud’s id, superego, and ego.
These sides of ourselves that we selectively embrace in different contexts can lead to doubts about what exactly defines us.
One question asked multiple times in the show is “who are you?” It’s the first line ever spoken when Helly (Britt Lower) wakes up disoriented on a conference room table inside an empty room.
The question acts as a constant motif, hinting at the show’s core message of discovering personhood.
There is not one thing that defines a person. You could look at memories, experiences, and free will. All of these, or lack thereof, are things the characters wrestle with.
Mark Scout (Adam Scott) grows increasingly frustrated with the mystery surrounding his job as a “macrodata refiner.” His coworker, Irving Bailiff (John Turturro), is robbed of love and a sense of self. These problems all stem from having their consciousness split in two.
In our world, there are instances where we unconsciously act differently. Upon any first impression, we may hide some aspects of ourselves that seem like too much for those who haven’t warmed up to you.
We’re not the same person at home versus inside a lecture hall or at work. We don’t use the same vocabulary around our friends and family. A public Instagram post may feel very different from a “Close Friends” story available to a select group.
Even when we do simple things like code switching, we can become different versions of ourselves. I’ve noticed how I act and even feel different when I’m speaking Spanish, my native language, versus English.
However, there is no need to pick a facet of yourself and decide it’s your main personality. Mark’s journey in the show is more about reconciliation than domination over himself, or at least that’s how I prefer to think of it.
Compartmentalizing our identity is a natural way for us to navigate society, and “Severance” questions how we can make sense of our many sides. However, the show doesn’t argue for “innie” or “outie” supremacy; rather, it suggests we learn to coexist with each version of ourselves.
Just as “innie” Mark has his own motives that differ from his “outie’s”, we present ourselves differently with a variety of motives in mind. We act differently at school or work to make a good impression and succeed. We feel freer around those we love.
The key is to recognize each person as a multitude, a mosaic, a medley of personalities. Think of people as glass prisms that reflect different “colors” of personality.
The prism is not separated or severed; it maintains its wholeness.
By rejecting certain facets of ourselves, we risk difficulty in feeling whole. When we acknowledge and embrace all parts of our identity, this authenticity invites others to do the same and promotes healthier connections.
Joaquin Baerga (he/him) is a sophomore studying journalism.
