Dichen Lachman has taken on the dual roles of Gemma and Ms. Casey in Apple TV's hit series "Severance," captivating audiences with the complexities of her characters. As the show concluded its second season, dramatic revelations left fans questioning Gemma's fate and the future narrative arcs that awaited her.
"Severance" plunges viewers into a peculiar corporate world where employees undergo a surgical procedure separating their work lives from their personal identities. Exploring themes of identity, grief, and love, the series introduces Gemma as Mark Scout's (Adam Scott) long-lost wife, trapped and tortured within the confines of Lumon Industries. With the finale recently airing, Lachman is now aware of the frenzied speculation that surrounds every twist and turn in the storyline.
In an interview with Business Insider, Lachman revealed her reluctance to engage with fan theories. "I've been scared to 'like' it in case they might think that that's a confirmation that they're correct or something," she said. This delicate balance speaks volumes about the show's tension between audience expectation and narrative surprise.
Season two brought pivotal moments for Gemma, especially in episode seven titled "Chikhai Bardo." Finally uncovering what happened to her amidst Lumon's unsettling testing methods, viewers witnessed Mark refining 25 severed consciousnesses specifically for her. This glimpse offered an unsettling look into Gemma's psyche and the broader implications of the severance technology.
The finale revealed an emotional rescue mission that, while freeing Gemma from Lumon's clutches, left her husband choosing to stay in Lumon with his work girlfriend, Helly R. (Britt Lower). This moment underscored the show's central tension: each character's individual struggles against the constraints placed on them by their corporate environment.
Reflecting on her performance, Lachman shared with Cosmopolitan how she approached portraying these nuanced characters: "I didn't want to let anybody down. In my opinion, we really wanted the audience to care about them." Lachman's empathetic portrayal emphasizes Gemma's many layers, thus inviting viewers to feel more connected to her plight.
Much of the emotional potency of Lachman's performance stemmed from her dedication to accurately reflecting the struggles surrounding miscarriage and fertility, a theme that has historically been overlooked in television. "I was so very nervous. I wanted to make sure the infertility issues were handled the right way," she remarked. This level of sensitivity not only showcased the struggles faced by many women but also humanized the characters caught in Lumon's web.
As the narrative unfolded, viewers learned that the connection between Gemma and her innie, Ms. Casey, runs deeper than mere coincidence. Lachman described her character's journey as both liberating and limiting, emphasizing the unique challenge of portraying two fundamentally different personalities. "Miss Casey and Gemma are fundamentally different, not just emotionally but physically. At the same time, I see Miss Casey as just a part of Gemma. That's unlocked by the chip," she explained.
While fans are left speculating about Gemma's future and her potential reunification with Mark, Lachman is equally curious about the endless possibilities. "I'm sure it's something I haven't even possibly considered," she said about the character's trajectory in the upcoming third season.
In the season finale, marked by tension surrounding Gemma’s emotional test in the "Cold Harbour" room, Lachman felt a powerful connection to her role. Faced with disassemble a crib reflective of her past loss, the emotional weight of that scene was palpable. "It just sort of came out," Lachman recalled of her improvised line apologizing to Mark—a powerful moment mirroring the real experiences of women coping with loss.
Lachman put significant effort into portraying this part of Gemma’s story authentically. Speaking to friends who experienced similar losses, she strived to bring an honest depiction to the screen. "I wanted to make it feel authentic… whatever you guys want to do with this, however you want to approach it," she recalled, referring to the collaborative spirit shared among the writers and directors.
As the intense fandom around "Severance" grows, fans have created various theories speculating about Interactions within Lumon, including the motives of characters like Dr. Mauer. "I see the theories and I'm like, oh, wow, I didn't even think of that. It's incredibly fun to see the level of investment that people are putting into it," Lachman shared, recognizing the excitement generated by the passionate discussions among viewers.
Looking ahead to season three, the anticipation builds as more is revealed about Gemma's complex psyche and newfound freedom. "It will be worth the wait… Hopefully, the wait won’t be too long," said Lachman with hope. As "Severance" dazzles viewers with its intricate web of narratives, fans remain eager for the characters' trials, alongside an exploration of themes that resonate profoundly with real-life experiences.
In the backdrop of the show's success is Lachman, a talented actor who connects deeply with her roles, creating captivating narratives that spark conversations among viewers around identity and personal challenges. Season three promises to deliver more intricate storytelling and emotional depth as these characters navigate the blurred lines between their defined identities and the lives they desire.
