In the event you thought watching the phenomenon often called “Severance” was irritating sufficient, think about the strain of getting to placed on the efficiency of your life as a part of its solid. It has been virtually precisely 5 months since we had been left dangling on the cliffhanger of all cliffhangers after the Apple TV+ sequence’ season 2 finale, however that does not imply we’re executed obsessing over the mystery-box story. From viewers getting embroiled in transport wars over Mark S./Helly R. versus Mark Scout/Gemma, to pondering all types of fan theories which have been preserving us up at night time, to the sheer leisure issue of watching star Tramell Tillman conduct that magnificent orchestra sequence over and over because the GOAT Mr. Milchick (no, not these goats), there isn’t any finish to points of “Severance” which are preserving us preoccupied till the third season lastly arrives.
The newest merchandise on the agenda that is at present sweeping the web comes within the type of an audition tape for one of many greatest stars of the present: Brit Decrease as Helly R./Helena Eagan. The method of sending in self-tapes to snag extremely aggressive elements on the Subsequent Large Factor™ is usually a grueling one for actors — to not point out an intensely weak one. It is simple to look downright foolish and even utterly misinterpret the tone of a script, significantly for an idea as outlandish and fantastical as “Severance.” Fortunately for us all, Decrease threw warning to the wind and dedicated to her efficiency … lengthy earlier than she even gained the position. Apple formally launched the video on its YouTube channel, giving us all an inside take a look at the clip that ultimately gave us the most effective efficiency of the sequence’ whole ensemble. What’s extra, no much less a reputation than present director and producer Ben Stiller chimed in on social media and topped this audition reel as certainly one of “the most effective I’ve seen.”
This and @MrEricLange self tape for Escape at Dannemora are the most effective I’ve seen. It is so superb if you see somebody nail a personality like that at dwelling. The exhausting work that goes in to it for actors every day, with no assure they are going to even get a name again…. https://t.co/YzjFeQV17H
— Ben Stiller (@BenStiller) August 19, 2025
“This and [Eric Lange’s] self tape for ‘Escape at Dannemora’ are the most effective I’ve seen. It is so superb if you see somebody nail a personality like that at dwelling. The exhausting work that goes in to it for actors every day, with no assure they are going to even get a name again.”
Take a look at the total video under!
Brit Decrease goes the additional mile in her audition tape for Helly R. in Severance
Give it up for Britt Decrease, of us. We have seen some audition tapes that show when an actor clearly is not the proper particular person for the job, and we have seen others that present an enchanting window into what may’ve been (like this one that includes a sure “Boys” actor). Hardly ever, nevertheless, will we see one the place a performer goes the additional mile to indicate the world (properly, a casting director and different inventive heads) why they had been merely born to have the half.
The largest and most instant takeaway from this “Severance” tape needs to be Decrease’s willingness to place her entire physique and thoughts into the scene — regardless of having to channel such intense feelings within the least ultimate circumstances possible. The sequence in query can be a well-recognized one to followers: It is the very first scene from the season 1 premiere, when Helly R. wakes up on a desk in a mysterious convention room with completely no reminiscence of who she is or how she bought there. We’ll exit on a limb and say she totally nails the frustration and concern the character could be experiencing, even going as far as to kick what seems to be like her personal toilet door and go away behind noticeable scuff marks. The second main realization will probably be the truth that, even this early within the manufacturing, the scene Decrease was given virtually completely matches the ultimate scene that ended up in entrance of cameras. Creator Dan Erickson has spoken concerning the long-simmering inspirations behind the premise of “Severance,” however who knew that the sequence’ precise scripts seem to have been (principally) set in stone as early as they had been?
That is simply one other reminder of how a lot dedication and craft was concerned in bringing probably the greatest streaming reveals in recent times to life. We nonetheless have a little bit of wait earlier than season 3 of “Severance” lastly arrives, however uncovering little gems like these will assist make it considerably extra tolerable. Within the meantime, you possibly can watch (or re-watch) each seasons of the sequence on Apple TV+ proper now.
