First season
Ben Stiller is behind this satire that embraces science fiction and points to the alienation of work in our daily lives. Who is addicted to his profession, how do you face real life?
As if it were a chapter of ‘Black Mirror’, well developed until it became a series, ‘Separation’ is revealed as one of the discoveries of a series season that has started with more than one fiasco. If as a viewer you get tired of endless soap operas, tricky thrillers and photocopied comedies, there is still hope. Not all suspense should be designed with a square and bevel, Harlan Coben style, with breathtaking cliffhangers coming out of the sleeve. The new proposal for Apple TV +, a platform as elitist as it is interesting, advocates the intelligence of the public and chooses not to leave anyone indifferent, inviting reflection. The protagonist of the exposed story, played by Adam Scott (‘Big Little Lies’), has been subjected, like the rest of his office colleagues, to a curious experiment. Through surgery, his memories of his work environment are separated from his personal existence, but this chimera is not so bad when the mystery bursts onto the scene and some foundations of the mental state crack. What truth is hidden behind what they are living? Drama, comedy and tension.
‘Separación’, original to rage, clearly denounces the possibility that work dominates our lives, unfortunately a rising trend. That diabolical idea that the company is a family that welcomes you to give the best possible performance is more chilling than any horror story. And, above all, more real. Job or life? Work to live or live to work, the eternal dichotomy that this dystopia, small in its packaging but big in its concept, tries to dissect with a few touches of humor to alleviate such a dense approach. The metaphor is served, with three installments of the series available on demand. The dehumanization that some companies enact to exploit their subordinates is left to Ben Stiller behind the camera. The popular comedian once again shows signs of his good work, playing with the tone in an aseptic office environment that allows for a cold, falsely welcoming aesthetic, reminiscent of the also recommendable ‘Homecoming’. A stylized world, where the lack of empathy is disturbing. A disturbing scenario where people may be robots, although they insist on appearing otherwise.
hell office
It is inevitable to remember an already mythical series like ‘The Office’, or movies like ‘Jobs Work’, Mike Judge’s black comedy, although we are facing the opening of other avenues with a similar backbone. ‘Separation’ is deliciously disturbing in its first chapters and it is not clear where it is going to make its way. Predictable zero, which is to be appreciated among so many manual series ruling the ranking of the most viewed of the week. Attention to the successful main cast, with some famous names: John Turturro, Patricia Arquette, Britt Lower, Zach Cherry, Jen Tullock, Dichen Lachman, Tramell Tillman, Michael Chernus and the ineffable Christopher Walken. Created by Dan Erickson, it puts its finger on many current issues, with a critical eye and imagination. On the planet Ikea perhaps nothing is what it seems and the apparent happiness and personal fulfillment are a mere mirage. Visually attractive, with a calm rhythm, the series uses chromaticism to underline some ideas that emphasize its peculiar character. Serious warning: many questions are asked of the viewer. Some uncomfortable.
‘Separation’ is available on Apple TV +.