Patricia Arquette: The Comedy MVP of Severance Series

Overview

Patricia Arquette delivers an exceptional performance in Severance, skillfully blending humor and discomfort.
Her character, Harmony Cobel, adds a captivating layer of intrigue, oscillating between moments of laughter and tension.
Arquette’s portrayal of Cobel showcases her remarkable versatility, making her an outstanding presence in the series.

Apple TV+’s Severance stands out as an innovative fusion of genres, intertwining dystopian science fiction, horror, and workplace satire. While the narrative can elicit feelings of unease and dread, it cleverly juxtaposes these elements with comedic moments that reveal the absurdities of life within Lumon Industries.

The series features a talented ensemble cast, including the improvisational skills of Zach Cherry and Britt Lower, alongside seasoned actors like John Turturro and Adam Scott. However, it is Patricia Arquette who most masterfully embodies the show’s distinctive tone. As the enigmatic and manipulative Harmony Cobel, Arquette captivates viewers by delivering moments that are both deeply unsettling and hilariously absurd, often simultaneously.

Arquette’s Multifaceted Role

With nearly forty years in the entertainment industry, Patricia Arquette has experienced a career revival in recent years, particularly as opportunities for female actors have become more limited. Her accolades include winning an Academy Award in 2014 for Best Supporting Actress in Richard Linklater’s Boyhood and a Primetime Emmy Award in 2019 for her performance in the Hulu miniseries The Act, portraying the mother of the controversial figure Gypsy Rose Blanchard.

Throughout her career, Arquette has consistently chosen roles that allow her to immerse herself in diverse characters, from fictional personas like Harmony Cobel to real-life individuals such as Joyce Mitchell in Escape at Dannemora. In Severance, Cobel’s character requires a fine balance of mystery and authority; she navigates dual identities, presenting a composed face to her colleagues while maintaining an enigmatic facade when interacting with the outside world. This duality is a significant source of humor in Arquette’s performance.

Cobel also adopts the persona of Mrs. Selvig, Mark’s eccentric neighbor and Devon’s lactation consultant. This role grants Arquette ample opportunity to showcase her talents in a multifaceted character. Mrs. Selvig strives to appear benign and quirky, her friendly demeanor revealing layers of complexity in her interactions.

Arquette’s portrayal is both chilling and comical, as she expertly navigates between tension and humor. The humor in her lines is often amplified by her peculiar delivery rather than the punchlines themselves. In season one, during a poignant funeral scene, Cobel speaks insensitively to the daughter of a deceased employee, revealing a glimpse of her cold demeanor.

Arquette as the Devoted Lumon Overseer

Patricia Arquette as Harmony Cobel in Severance season one — Apple

Arquette’s comedic talents extend beyond her eccentricity in the real world; her portrayal of Cobel as the overseer of severed employees showcases a starkly different comedic nuance. Within Lumon’s walls, Cobel exudes a formidable presence, often icy yet occasionally bursting with frustration. Arquette deftly portrays this version of Cobel with a subtle intensity that reflects her growing irritation with her staff.

Much of the humor in Severance lies in its strange irony, where character behaviors defy audience expectations, and Arquette’s performance is a perfect match for this absurdity. Her campy moments and delightful theatricality contribute to the show’s surreal atmosphere. Cobel’s unexpected outbursts and simmering hostility create a sense of discomfort that often results in reluctant laughter from viewers.

In the season two premiere, Cobel does not appear, leading to speculation about her role in the evolving plot, especially following her dismissal at the conclusion of season one. While her intentions remain unclear, it’s evident that her loyalty to Lumon persists, as her character’s name continues to be featured in the cast. Viewers can expect Arquette to re-emerge, promising to once again evoke both laughter and unease.

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