The Star Reflects on Dual Roles, Identity, and What It Means to Be Human
After two seasons of mystery, emotional upheaval, and philosophical dilemmas, Severance fans were treated to a powerful season two finale that left more questions than answers.
At the center of that emotional storm was Britt Lower, delivering a riveting performance as both Helly R. and Helena Eagan.
In a recent interview, we finally heard directly from Britt Lower on playing Helly R and Helena, revealing her thoughts on duality, humanity, and what might lie ahead for her characters.
Lower’s portrayal of Helly R., the rebellious Innie who becomes a voice for the rights of severed workers, has been widely praised.
At the same time, her subtle and chilling performance as Helena, the Outtie and heir to the mysterious Lumon Industries, added layers of complexity to the narrative.
These aren’t just two characters—they’re two consciousnesses in one body. And as Lower explains, that concept is what made the role both rewarding and uniquely challenging.
Creating Two Distinct Lives in One Body
In the interview, Britt Lower on playing Helly R and Helena described the mental and physical techniques she used to distinguish the two personas. While they share the same physiology, their lived experiences couldn’t be more different.
“Helly moves with drive and defiance,” she explained, “whereas Helena waits for the world to come to her. Their psychology is shaped by their circumstances, but they share the same subconscious. That’s what makes it fascinating.”
Lower elaborated that filming out of sequence meant she had to keep both character arcs top of mind at all times. “We knew the arc in advance, which helped, but it was like a mental jigsaw puzzle,” she said. Fans were quick to pick up on the subtle physical cues—posture, eye contact, speech rhythms—that she used to bring depth and contrast to both roles.
Confirming It Was Really Helly R. in the Finale
One of the most hotly debated moments in the Severance season two finale involved Helly R. standing on the tri-desk, rallying her fellow Innies. Some fans speculated that the speech may have actually been delivered by Helena posing as Helly. However, Lower put those theories to rest.
“There’s no trickery,” she stated emphatically. “That was Helly. If you track the entire episode, you’ll see her setting up the moment—trapping Milchick, helping Dylan, standing on the desk and shouting out about the life Innies deserve.”
Hearing Britt Lower on playing Helly R and Helena in this scene underlines just how impactful the character’s transformation has been. From a woman desperate to escape Lumon’s grasp to someone willing to fight for the rights of others trapped inside, Helly has become one of the most dynamic characters on TV.
The Emotional Impact of Severance on Lower’s Career
When asked how the series changed her life, Lower shared a moving analogy: “In live theater, you bow to the audience. You thank them for coming. In TV, we don’t get that. Press tours and fan reactions—that’s our bow. That’s our thank you.”
It’s clear that the role has been transformative, not just professionally, but philosophically. Lower reflects on how Severance explores fundamental questions about identity and consciousness. “Art, at its best, asks: What makes us human? Who are we, really? That’s what this show does.”
What’s Next for Helly and Helena? Even Britt Doesn’t Know
With season three of Severance already in development, fans are desperate for clues. But as of now, not even Lower knows what’s coming.
“I’m just as hungry as the fans,” she admitted. “I daydream about it, but I have no idea. It’s in Ben [Stiller] and Dan [Erickson]’s hands.”
Still, after hearing Britt Lower on playing Helly R and Helena, it’s clear that whatever comes next, she’s ready to dive back into the duality. “They’re part of me now,” she said.
