Severance Explained: The Significance of Milchick and Natalie’s Kier Paintings Scene

Warning! This article contains spoilers for Severance Season 2, Episode 3.

In the latest episode of Severance, viewers are introduced to an unexpected twist when Natalie presents Milchick with a gift from Lumon. To his astonishment, the present is not what he anticipated, sparking an awkward exchange between them. This peculiar moment raises critical questions about Lumon’s decision-making and brings into focus the true sentiments of its employees, particularly those like Natalie and Milchick, who are seen as loyal to the company.

Milchick & Natalie’s Paintings Spotlight Lumon’s Diversity Issues

An Insulting and Tone-Deaf Gift

Upon unwrapping his gift, Milchick is confronted with a series of bizarre paintings and gasps in disbelief, stating, “Oh my…”Natalie elaborates that the intention behind this gift is to foster a connection to Lumon’s heritage, featuring “inclusively re-canonicalized paintings designed to help you envision yourself in Kier, our founder.”However, these artworks are merely modified representations of the founder Kier, portrayed as a Black man, leaving Milchick bewildered by their underlying insensitivity.

The contentious artworks suggest a troubling parallel to blackface, emphasizing that the predominantly white leadership at Lumon is out of touch with authentic inclusivity. Even their attempts at employee appreciation fall flat, as Lumon’s executives appear unable to transcend their entitlement and unyielding admiration for Kier. This episode’s absurd portrayal of the paintings underscores the significant privilege and ignorance inherent in Lumon’s corporate culture, which may very well jeopardize its future prospects.

The Implications of Milchick & Natalie’s Shared Glance

Natalie’s Unexpressed Empathy for Milchick

Natalie smiling with her earpiece in Severance season 1

The moment when Milchick and Natalie exchange a strained glance is reminiscent of chilling scenes from Jordan Peele’s Get Out. The discomfort they share echoes the poignant interactions between Chris and Georgina, where silent understanding masks deeper experiences of unease. Much like Georgina’s constrained smile, Natalie also offers Milchick a pained smile, reflecting her internal conflict.

Despite recognizing the absurdity of the paintings, both characters choose silence, driven by a fear of repercussion from their superiors. In a subsequent moment, Natalie even goes so far as to feign enthusiasm about the gift, all to avoid drawing attention. Their mutual concern about potential consequences illustrates a broader theme in Severance Season 2, Episode 3: the insidious pressures that deter employees from voicing their true feelings in a toxic work environment.

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