Jessica Lee Gagné, the talented cinematographer behind Severance, was all set to move on from the show. At 37, she had decided not to return for season 2, even after executive producer Ben Stiller—who she previously worked with on Escape at Dannemora—offered her a chance to direct an episode. She initially said no, eager for something new.
But then, everything changed.
While on a flight, Gagné read through the episode synopses for season 2. One in particular stopped her in her tracks—Episode 7.
This episode, “Chikhai Bardo,” is a game-changer in the Severance storyline. It finally reveals the truth about Dichen Lachman’s character, Gemma. Until now, viewers believed she died in a car crash, which led her husband, Mark (Adam Scott), to undergo the severance procedure. But as we learned in season 1, Gemma is actually alive—inside Lumon as Ms. Casey, the eerie wellness counselor with no memory of her past.
Episode 7 shatters everything we thought we knew. It unveils that Gemma has been trapped all along, subjected to cruel, inhumane experiments. At the same time, the episode delivers an emotional gut punch—through a series of heartbreaking flashbacks, we finally get to see Mark and Gemma’s love story unfold.
Gagné couldn’t walk away from this moment. She knew this episode was special. And right there, she changed her mind on that plane—she had to direct it.
With Season 2 of Severance premiering today on Apple TV+, fans are already calling “Chikhai Bardo” a television masterpiece. And thanks to Gagné’s vision, it might just be one of the most unforgettable episodes in the show’s history.
Jessica Lee Gagné Biography
Jessica Lee Gagné is a Canadian cinematographer known for her work in films like Despite the Night and Daddy, as well as hit TV shows such as Escape at Dannemora and Severance.
Early Life & Education
Jessica Lee Gagné was born in Quebec City, Canada. Her love for cinema started early, thanks to her father, who owned a video store. She grew up surrounded by VHS tapes, watching movies before and after school. Her mother also introduced her to European films, which further fueled her passion for cinema.
At a young age, she developed an interest in photography, using 35mm film cameras passed down from family members. She spent her high school years as the school’s photographer, constantly practicing and improving her skills.
To pursue her passion, Gagné studied cinema at François-Xavier-Garneau College in Quebec City. She then went on to earn a BFA in Film Production from the Mel Hoppenheim School of Cinema at Concordia University in Montreal (2009-2011). During this time, she was inspired by filmmakers like Gordon Willis and Canadian cinematographer Sara Mishara, which solidified her interest in cinematography.
Career & Achievements
Jessica Lee Gagné started her career by working on independent films. She gained recognition when she worked on her friend Chloé Robichaud’s film Sarah Prefers to Run (2013), which was selected for the Cannes Film Festival.
After working on several films and short projects, she transitioned into television, where she had a major career breakthrough with the Ben Stiller-directed series Escape at Dannemora (2018). Her collaboration with Stiller continued with Apple TV+’s Severance (2022), where she received praise for creating a distinct and visually stunning style.
In addition to cinematography, Gagné co-created Anthologie 2020, a short documentary film about the COVID-19 pandemic in Quebec, which was shown at the 2021 Festival du nouveau cinéma.
Breaking Barriers in the Film Industry
As a female cinematographer in a male-dominated industry, Gagné has openly spoken about the challenges she has faced, especially outside of Montreal. She strongly believes in representation and how important it is for young women to see female professionals behind the camera.
She continues to challenge stereotypes about women in the film industry and has earned great respect for her work in cinematography. Through her efforts, she hopes to inspire more women to pursue careers in filmmaking.