Severance Season 2: Star Discusses Playing Helly and Helena – “A Unique Experience for the Audience”

Britt Lower offers a unique perspective on the complexities and triumphs of bringing to life two versions of the same character, Helly and Helena, in the eagerly awaited second season of Severance. This thought-provoking series, created by Dan Erickson and helmed by directors Ben Stiller and Aoife McArdle, revolves around employees at Lumon Industries who undergo the controversial “severance”procedure, which effectively disconnects their work memories from their personal lives. Since its premiere in 2022, Severance has captivated audiences on Apple TV+, becoming one of its standout offerings, featuring a stellar ensemble cast that includes Adam Scott, Zach Cherry, Christopher Walken, and John Turturro. Fans can eagerly anticipate the premiere of season 2 on January 17.

In a revealing interview with ScreenRant’s Liam Crowley, Lower discussed her intricate approach to portraying both Helly and Helena, two characters that, while identical, are fundamentally different. Helly, known as an “innie,”exists solely within her work environment in the Macrodata Refinement (MDR) division, grappling with the oppressive atmosphere of Lumon. In a critical twist at the close of season 1, it is unveiled that her “outie,”Helena, is actually the offspring of the CEO of Lumon. Lower elaborated on her dual role, highlighting the unique challenges involved in creating distinct personas that resonate alike:

I want this to kind of be a package that the audience gets to open for themselves and have a relationship to each side of the same person. But as John was alluding to, they sound like different music in my head. I really have empathy for both of their situations.

These are the same person, but both are trapped by the same company. Helena is obviously trapped in a really different way. She’s stuck within this family that she didn’t choose. So it really becomes about kind of this inner critic, this inner child ego versus id nature, nurture opposite sides of the coin. I’ll stop my metaphors now (laughs).

Understanding Britt Lower’s Roles in Severance Season 2

Contrasting Narratives

Lower’s portrayal of Helly and Helena serves as the linchpin of the show’s thematic conflict. By embodying both an oppressed employee and a privileged corporate heir, Lower encapsulates the psychological struggle that defines Severance. The innies, including Helly, face the loss of personal agency as they toil exclusively for the benefit of their outies, sheltered from the burdens that come with their roles. Helly’s profound resentment towards Lumon and her desperate acts to extricate herself—such as her dramatic attempt to hang herself in a company elevator—stand in stark contrast to Helena, who is determined to expand the severance initiative as she gears up to inherit her family’s legacy.

Despite the dramatic conclusion of season 1, where Mark and his colleagues escape momentarily into the outside world without facing consequences, their experiences set them on a path towards leading the emerging Severance reform within Lumon. As Lower articulates, Helly and Helena embody “opposite sides of the coin.” The privileges Helena enjoys begin to seep into Helly’s consciousness. While Helena focuses on solidifying her family legacy, Helly remains steadfast in her quest to dismantle the severance program from within.

Our Perspective on Helly & Helena in Severance Season 2

The Core Tension

Helly stares out a window in Severance season 2

The relationship between Helly and Helena promises to be one of the most compelling aspects of Severance season 2. Helly’s relentless endeavor to undermine the severance system beautifully contrasts with Helena’s strategic ambitions to proliferate it, creating a dynamic tension that enriches the show’s exploration of identity, control, and privilege. Lower’s skillful navigation of these conflicting identities ensures that both characters feel unique yet intertwined, making their shared journey an integral component of this psychological thriller. As season 2 approaches, audiences can expect an even deeper dive into this fascinating conflict, heralding new revelations and challenges.

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