Patricia Arquette Reflects On Her Career, from ‘True Romance’ to ‘Severance’
Patricia Arquette has always been a name that commands attention, and as “Severance” returns on January 17, 2025, her star power remains undiminished. The Apple TV+ series, a chilling exploration of work-life balance gone awry, sees Arquette reprising her Emmy-nominated role as Harmony Cobel. Fans have eagerly awaited this moment for nearly three years, and the second season promises to deliver even more of the haunting and thought-provoking narrative that captivated audiences in 2022.
Arquette, known for her honesty and depth, revealed that “Severance” remains one of the most emotionally intense projects she has ever tackled. Speaking about her role, she shared, “I don’t carry characters with me, but ‘Severance’ is different. It lingers in my mind in ways I don’t fully understand.” Filming the first season during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic added an eerie layer to the production. “We were isolated, masked, and distant—it felt dystopian even off-camera,” she said.
But Arquette is no stranger to challenging roles. Reflecting on her iconic performances, she spoke about the transformative experience of working with David Lynch on his 1997 cult classic, Lost Highway. The psychological thriller saw Arquette portraying two complex women: Renee Madison, a suspicious wife, and Alice Wakefield, a femme fatale. The duality of these characters mirrors the divided self explored in Severance, making Arquette’s career a fascinating study in contrasts.
“Working with David was liberating and terrifying,” she confessed. Lynch, known for his enigmatic direction, offered little guidance. “I’d ask, ‘Am I playing two people? Is one a ghost?’ and he’d reply, ‘What do you think, Patrish?’ I had to create my own logic,” Arquette recalled. Her interpretation of the film’s themes resonates deeply: “It’s about viewing women through the lens of a misogynist—a man torn between adoration and objectification.”
The parallels between Lost Highway and Severance are striking. Both projects explore fractured identities and the lies people tell themselves. Arquette sees this as a universal truth. “So many of us are severed in some way—emotionally, morally, or spiritually. It’s a concept that resonates because it’s real.”
The road to such profound roles wasn’t easy for Arquette. Growing up in Chicago in a turbulent household, her childhood was marked by chaos and resilience. By 18, she faced a pivotal choice: pursue acting or midwifery. “I chose acting because I wanted to be brave,” she said. Her determination paid off, even as she endured harsh rejections. “People said I was the worst actor they’d ever seen, but I kept showing up. That drive to fail taught me courage.”
By the 1990s, Arquette had cemented her place in Hollywood with memorable performances in True Romance and Ed Wood. However, it was Lost Highway that pushed her boundaries. The film, initially a box-office disappointment, has since gained critical acclaim. “It’s gratifying to see it appreciated now,” she said, her eyes lighting up with pride.
The project was not without personal challenges. Arquette described the vulnerability required for her role as Alice, including a controversial scene where she had to disrobe at gunpoint. “I’ve always been shy, especially about my body. Making that movie was an act of bravery for me. I confronted fears I’d carried my entire life.”
This sense of bravery continues to define Arquette’s career. As she delves into Season 2 of Severance, she embraces the complexities of her character and the broader themes of the show. “The idea of severing parts of ourselves is haunting but also reflective of the world we live in,” she mused.
The new season, which promises to unravel the consequences of tampering with the severance barrier, has already sparked excitement. Fans, including celebrities like SZA, have expressed their impatience. Arquette, however, remains tight-lipped about the twists ahead. “Whenever people ask me about Harmony Cobel, I want to lie,” she joked.
Despite the secrecy, one thing is certain: Patricia Arquette’s ability to navigate the shadows of her characters, whether in Lynch’s surreal landscapes or Apple TV+’s corporate dystopia, continues to captivate. As Severance Season 2 premieres, audiences are reminded of why she remains one of Hollywood’s most compelling performers.
“Severance” returns January 17, exclusively on Apple TV+.
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