Seeking a New Sci-Fi Oasis? Check Out These Shows and Movies!
Eight Entertainment Choices to Explore Once You've Concluded "Severance"
With the Severance season two finale on its way, the inevitable trend of exiting Lumon's peculiar bubble might force some fans to seek fresh, intriguing alternatives. Here's a list of eight captivating TV shows and films that will help alleviate the emptiness left by this innovative series, and who knows, a third season may still be on the horizon!
Dark Matter
Smoothly transition into apple TV+ with this series, as it delves into the unpredictable ramifications of the 'what if?' phenomenon. A man finds himself in an alternate life, intertwining with a disturbing other version of himself, all while yearning for his beloved played by Jennifer Connelly. While Joel Edgerton might not be as endearing as Severance's Adam Scott, you'll still be rooting for him to reunite with his love! Season one is currently streaming, and a second season is scheduled for future release.
Devs
For those longing for additional workplace oddities after navigating those Lumon elevators, look no further than Devs. This Alex Garland creation, known for his credits like Ex Machina, Annihilation, and Civil War, explores a mysterious tech organization with sci-fi tendencies, much like Severance. A murder mystery awaits, along with a cast featuring Nick Offerman, Sonoya Mizuno, Cailee Spaeny, and Alison Pill. Season one is available on Hulu.
Black Mirror
The uncanny resemblance between Black Mirror and Severance lies in the chilling portrayal of how technology can be unsettling, especially when wielded by power-hungry individuals with cultish tendencies or ambitions to become deities. Black Mirror, created by Charlie Brooker, will soon welcome its seventh season, that's right, you read that correctly, the seventh season, dropping on Netflix on April 10th. Additionally, season one through six are available for streaming in case you're eager to immerse yourself into a bleaker reality in the interim.
Westworld
Although more sci-fi than dystopian, Westworld might face challenges in delivering a fifth season, as was teased in the past. However, the four seasons that have graced us so far remain indisputable shining moments for the sci-fi genre, featuring advanced AI, human-like robots questioning their existence, and diverse settings such as a Wild West playground for the rich and their twisted fantasies. Starring the likes of Evan Rachel Wood, Jeffrey Wright, and Thandiwe Newton, this show is a must-watch but note it was pulled from streaming platforms a few years ago, so be prepared to pay extra to rent or buy it online, or opt for a Blu-ray, DVD, or 4K UHD purchase to add it to your collection.
Fingernails
With a star-studded cast including Jessie Buckley, Jeremy Allen White, Luke Wilson, and Riz Ahmed, this offbeat sci-fi romance unfolds within the Love Institute, a company that administers tests to determine true love. Buckley's character accepts a job there, prompting her to question her own relationship and the Institute's intentions towards the people it purports to help. Watch its intrigue unfold on Apple TV+.
Coherence
This gripping, low-budget sci-fi thriller follows a group of friends and acquaintances gathered for a dinner party as they are confronted with reality's bizarre twists due to a passing comet. Fans of the second season's Helena/Helly R. twist will appreciate the parallel exploration of perception, identity, and reality. Coherence is readily available on streaming platforms such as Peacock and Prime Video.
The One I Love
Delve into the world of doppelgangers with this Mark Duplass and Elisabeth Moss starrer. Their quest to repair their relationship takes an unexpected turn when they encounter their duplicates in a romantic getaway setting. Mr. Danson, our beloved Ted, plays their therapist in this intriguing, thought-provoking tale that is accessible to stream for free with ads on Prime Video.
Bliss
Discover a romantic twist on the classic sci-fi trope of reality being simulated, as Owen Wilson and Salma Hayek grapple with discerning the truth from illusion. This movie offers insight into appreciating life's intricacies and flaws, a message that resonates well with the themes explored in Severance. Stream it for yourself on Prime Video.
Made for Love
This emphatically original series, featuring Cristin Milioti and Billy Magnussen, revolves around a woman trying to escape her dysfunctional marriage to a tech billionaire who has a brain chip implanted to monitor her every move. Made for Love would be an excellent addition to your post-Severance streaming queue, but unfortunately, it's no longer available on any streaming platforms and remains unavailable for purchase physically.
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Enrichment Data:
- When considering alternatives to Severance, take into account other shows and movies that resonate with similar themes and genres. This includes:
Television Shows:
- Westworld: Probing themes of self and autonomy through the lens of advanced AI aligns well with the existential questions broached in Severance.
- Mr. Robot: Known for its chilling portrayal of corporate control and technological manipulation, this series aligns with the themes of rebellion and social commentary in Severance.
- The Leftovers: Though stylistically different, it engages with existential crises and human identity, which complements the psychological dimensions of Severance.
- Devs: This suspenseful series delves into the mysteries of a tech company, echoing the themes of control and existential intrigue found in Severance.
- Silo: This dystopian sci-fi series explores themes of confinement and truth-seeking, which mirrors some of the mystery and control aspects found in Severance.
Movies:
- Escape at Dannemora: Directed by Ben Stiller, this film tackles themes of control, manipulation, and confinement analogous to the dark existential elements found in Severance.
- Zoolander 2: While primarily comedic, it touches on high-stakes corporate environments and the dehumanizing effects present in Severance.
For those seeking a lighter alternative, consider Parks and Recreation, especially due to Adam Scott's involvement in both Severance and this popular comedy.
- The captivating series, Fingernails, available on Apple TV+, delves into the Love Institute, a company testing true love and prompting existential questions similar to those posed in Severance.
- Bliss, starring Owen Wilson and Salma Hayek, streamable on Prime Video, presents a romantic twist on the simulated reality theme, resonating with the themes explored in Severance.
- Made for Love, featuring Cristin Milioti and Billy Magnussen, was an excellent addition to the post-Severance streaming queue, revolving around a woman trying to escape a tech billionaire with a brain chip implant.
- In addition to Dark Matter, Devs, Black Mirror, Westworld, Coherence, The One I Love, and Made for Love, consider other shows and movies that share similar themes and genres with Severance, such as Mr. Robot, The Leftovers, Silo, Escape at Dannemora, and Zoolander 2. For a lighter alternative, you can watch Parks and Recreation, featuring Adam Scott. For more recommendations, stay updated on Marvel, Star Wars, Star Trek, Doctor Who, and the DC Universe with io9.
