The second season of Severance, Apple TV+’s acclaimed sci-fi hit, has taken bold strides that enhance its eerie atmosphere while maintaining its unique identity. The series retains a compelling opening motif—a sequence of four ominous chords that not only encapsulates the show’s essence but has also been humorously appropriated by its fanbase, resulting in a flurry of social media memes. This juxtaposition of darkness and humor is reflective of the intricacies that define Severance.
While the show often dives into serious themes, it is not devoid of moments that elicit laughter. This irony has not escaped composer Theodore Shapiro, who has worked with director Ben Stiller on various comedic projects prior to his venture into the darker realms of Severance. Shapiro remarked on how their creative journey has come full circle, noting how the theme’s chords—a product of Stiller’s suggestion from Shapiro’s previous works—are finding new life in unexpected contexts like bossa nova remixes and playful skits celebrating the cast’s appeal.
In an exclusive interview with Inverse, Shapiro explained that, while he usually mines comedy for inspiration, merging it with the dramatic undertones of Severance was a different challenge. The show’s narrative demands a sonic landscape that intensifies its emotional weight, an endeavor he embraces.
Shapiro’s background in composing for comedies has shaped his perspective on scoring across genres. The composer recognizes that balancing humor with drama requires meticulous attention to narrative depth. “My approach to comedy has always been to treat the storytelling like it was a drama,” he stated. This serious approach to comedy scoring has earned him respect among peers who have similarly transitioned to major film projects, including composers like Ludwig Göransson.
Shapiro’s journey with Severance began when he was approached by Stiller in late 2019. The two shared their musical ideas in a pre-pandemic meeting in New York, where they brainstormed a unique sound palette that would differentiate the sterile environment of Lumon from the organic world outside of it. Experimenting with electronic tones—rooted in the four chords that would become iconic—Shapiro devised a captivating score that enhances the viewer’s immersion.
The contrast between the two realms has also manifested in the audience’s reception of the show’s new sounds, particularly in Season 2, which delves deeper into darker themes. Collaborating closely with sound designer Chris Lane, Shapiro produced a variety of piercing new sounds to punctuate the narrative, all while centering on piano as the principal instrument, expanding the emotional scope of the series.
One illustrative moment of this evolution is the incorporation of a marching band in Season 2’s finale. Shapiro penned both the marching band rendition of “The Kier Hymn” and “The Ballad of Ambrose and Gunnell,” drawing inspiration from films like Drumline. This new experiential layer adds a complex rhythm to the show’s otherwise haunting ambiance, allowing Shapiro’s musicality to take on a new form while adhering to the narrative’s emotional pulse.
As the anticipation builds for Season 3, Shapiro expressed excitement about the direction the storytelling might take. He aims to preserve the show’s core elements while exploring new concepts that evolve the overall score. His commitment to deepening Severance‘s soundscape reflects a larger trend in television, where the fusion of compelling narratives and intricate audio layers transforms how viewers perceive stories.
Overall, Severance stands as a cultural touchpoint that opens conversations around the interplay of sound, narrative arc, and deep emotional resonance in storytelling. With Shapiro at the helm of its evolving soundtrack, the show’s audial landscape promises to continue surprising and engaging audiences as it navigates the complexities of human experience and the comedic relief interwoven in its darker themes.
As the series ventures further into this labyrinth of corporate intrigue and self-discovery, viewers can expect music that not only supports the narrative but also heightens emotional stakes in ways that are both profound and, at times, delightfully absurd. The interplay of humor and gravity in Severance showcases the transformative power of sound and its ability to evoke a spectrum of emotions, revealing the enduring partnership between composers, directors, and the stories they tell.
With Severance now streaming on Apple TV+, audiences have a unique opportunity to explore this intricate blend of sound and storytelling while pondering the implications of work-life balance in a world that demands so much more than just effort.
