Where Did They Film Severance: Exploring the Mystical Intersection of Reality and Fiction

The question of where the critically acclaimed series Severance was filmed opens up a fascinating discussion about the interplay between physical locations and the psychological landscapes they represent. While the show’s primary filming locations are rooted in real-world settings, the narrative’s exploration of identity, memory, and corporate dystopia transcends the boundaries of geography. This article delves into the filming locations, their significance, and how they contribute to the show’s thematic depth, while also venturing into the abstract connections between place and storytelling.

The Real-World Filming Locations of Severance

Severance was primarily filmed in and around New York and New Jersey, with the Bell Works building in Holmdel, New Jersey, serving as the central location for Lumon Industries. This sprawling, modernist structure, originally designed as a corporate headquarters for AT&T, perfectly encapsulates the show’s themes of corporate control and dehumanization. Its labyrinthine hallways, sterile interiors, and eerie symmetry create a visual metaphor for the characters’ fragmented identities and the oppressive nature of their work environment.

Other notable filming locations include the streets of New York City, which provide a stark contrast to the claustrophobic interiors of Lumon. These urban exteriors symbolize the “outside world” that the characters are severed from, both physically and emotionally. The juxtaposition of these spaces reinforces the show’s central conflict: the tension between the individual’s inner life and the external forces that seek to control it.

The Symbolism of Space in Severance

Beyond the physical locations, Severance uses its settings to explore deeper philosophical questions. The Bell Works building, for instance, is not just a backdrop but a character in its own right. Its endless corridors and identical offices mirror the characters’ psychological entrapment, while its glass walls and open spaces suggest a false sense of transparency and freedom. This duality reflects the show’s exploration of duality itself—the split between work and personal life, memory and amnesia, control and autonomy.

The show’s use of space also raises questions about the nature of reality. Are the characters truly confined to these physical spaces, or are they trapped in a mental construct of their own making? The ambiguity of the show’s setting—whether it’s a real place or a metaphorical one—echoes the ambiguity of the characters’ identities. This blurring of boundaries between the real and the imagined is a hallmark of Severance’s storytelling.

The Role of Architecture in Storytelling

The architecture of Severance is not merely functional; it is narrative. The Bell Works building’s mid-century modern design, with its clean lines and futuristic aesthetic, evokes a sense of timelessness. This timelessness is key to the show’s exploration of memory and identity. The characters’ memories are fragmented and unreliable, much like the building’s endless, repetitive spaces. The architecture becomes a physical manifestation of their psychological state, a place where past, present, and future collide.

Moreover, the building’s design reflects the show’s critique of corporate culture. Its uniformity and lack of individuality mirror the dehumanizing effects of corporate control. The characters are reduced to cogs in a machine, their identities stripped away in service of the company’s goals. The architecture reinforces this theme, creating a world that is both visually striking and deeply unsettling.

The Intersection of Reality and Fiction

One of the most intriguing aspects of Severance is its ability to blur the line between reality and fiction. The show’s filming locations are real places, yet they are transformed into something otherworldly through the lens of the narrative. This transformation raises questions about the nature of storytelling itself. How do physical spaces shape the stories we tell? And how do those stories, in turn, shape our perception of the spaces we inhabit?

The Bell Works building, for example, is a real place with its own history and significance. Yet in the context of Severance, it becomes something entirely different—a symbol of corporate oppression and psychological fragmentation. This duality is central to the show’s appeal. It invites viewers to question the nature of reality and to consider the ways in which our environments influence our thoughts and actions.

The Psychological Impact of Space

The spaces in Severance are not just physical; they are psychological. The characters’ experiences within these spaces are shaped by their memories, fears, and desires. The show’s use of space as a psychological tool is particularly evident in the “severed” floor of Lumon Industries. This space, where the characters’ work selves are confined, is both a prison and a sanctuary. It is a place of control, yet it also offers a kind of escape from the complexities of their personal lives.

This duality is reflected in the show’s visual style. The stark, minimalist interiors of Lumon contrast sharply with the more chaotic, lived-in spaces of the characters’ personal lives. This contrast underscores the show’s central theme: the tension between the individual and the system, between freedom and control.

The Global Appeal of Severance’s Setting

While Severance is firmly rooted in its American setting, its themes are universal. The show’s exploration of corporate control, identity, and memory resonates with audiences around the world. This universality is reflected in the show’s use of space. The Bell Works building, with its futuristic design and oppressive atmosphere, could exist anywhere. It is a symbol of the global reach of corporate power and the universal struggle for individuality in the face of that power.

At the same time, the show’s American setting adds a layer of specificity to its critique. The United States, as a symbol of capitalism and corporate culture, provides a rich backdrop for the show’s exploration of these themes. The juxtaposition of the American setting with the show’s universal themes creates a powerful commentary on the global impact of corporate culture.

Conclusion: Where Did They Film Severance and Why It Matters

The question of where Severance was filmed is more than just a matter of geography. It is a question about the relationship between space and storytelling, between reality and fiction. The show’s filming locations are not just backdrops; they are integral to its narrative and thematic depth. Through its use of space, Severance invites viewers to question the nature of reality, the impact of corporate culture, and the fragility of identity.

In the end, the answer to “where did they film Severance” is both simple and complex. The show was filmed in real places—New York, New Jersey, and the Bell Works building. But these places are transformed by the narrative into something much more: a psychological landscape, a symbol of corporate control, and a metaphor for the human condition. This transformation is what makes Severance not just a show, but a profound exploration of the spaces we inhabit and the stories we tell.

Related Questions

1. What is the significance of the Bell Works building in Severance?
   The Bell Works building serves as the primary setting for Lumon Industries, symbolizing corporate control and psychological entrapment. Its architecture reflects the show’s themes of duality and fragmentation.

2. How does Severance use space to explore psychological themes?
   The show uses its settings to mirror the characters’ internal states, with spaces like the “severed” floor representing both confinement and escape. The architecture becomes a metaphor for the characters’ fragmented identities.

3. Why does Severance blur the line between reality and fiction?
   By transforming real-world locations into otherworldly settings, the show invites viewers to question the nature of reality and the impact of storytelling on our perception of space.

4. What makes Severance’s themes universal despite its American setting?
   While rooted in an American context, the show’s exploration of corporate culture, identity, and memory resonates globally, reflecting the universal struggle for individuality in the face of systemic control.