Severance Season 2 Revisits a Chilling Scene from Jordan Peele’s 98% RT Horror Film, Adding Extra Creepiness

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

Unsettling Parallels: Severance Season 2 Episode 3 and Jordan Peele’s Cinematic Horror

The recent episode of Severance, which is the third segment of its second season, intriguingly taps into one of the most chilling moments from Jordan Peele’s acclaimed horror film. With a remarkable 98% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, Peele’s work has set a high standard for cinematic storytelling. While Severance is an original creation on Apple TV+, it draws notable influence from an array of revered films and series, including The Truman Show, Being John Malkovich, and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. Furthermore, the visual elements of the series resonate with themes explored in the interactive game The Stanley Parable.

Thematically, Severance evokes memories of George Orwell’s dystopian classic, Nineteen Eighty-Four. However, it is in Season 2, Episode 3, that we observe a striking similarity to one of Peele’s hallmark films, which enhances the eerie atmosphere of the episode. This comparison deepens the viewer’s understanding of the intricate dynamics between two primary characters and their entrenchment within the corporate entity known as Lumon.

A Scene in Severance That Echoes Get Out’s Most Haunting Moment

The Interaction Between Milchick and Natalie Mirrors Chris and Georgina

Sydney Cole Alexander as Natalie and Betty Gabriel as Georgina in Get Out

In this notable episode, Natalie surprises Milchick with a gift from Lumon, unwrapping what are referred to as “re-canonicalized paintings”of Kier that curiously depict him in a different racial context. Natalie emphasizes that these paintings aim to foster a deeper connection to Lumon’s past and expresses joy regarding her own receipt of a similar gift. Nevertheless, as he processes the absurdity of the situation, Milchick’s silent stare at Natalie conveys disbelief, while she maintains an awkward smile.

This strained expression from Natalie can be seen as a compelling echo of Georgina’s demeanor in Get Out, particularly during a moment when Chris articulates his discomfort in a predominantly white environment. Both characters exude a sense of restraint, yearning to express their true feelings but hampered by their respective predicaments. The oppressive atmospheres they navigate inhibit them from voicing their concerns about the underlying racism that saturates their environments.

The Illumination of a Troubling Reality for Milchick and Natalie

Awareness of Lumon’s Flaws Yet Unable to Resign

Intriguingly, the scene from Severance is arguably more disconcerting than moments in Get Out, as Georgina lacks bodily autonomy, while Natalie appears to possess control during the interaction with Milchick. Despite this perception of autonomy, Natalie grapples with the fear of losing her job and confronting severe repercussions if she dares to criticize Lumon or destabilize their fabricated gifts. The episode poignantly emphasizes the way that corporate pressures ensnare both Milchick and Natalie.

Ultimately, the narrative pushes viewers to recognize how Lumon systematically dehumanizes its employees, rendering them as mere elements within its expansive machinery. Unlike the Macrodata Refinement staff, who exhibit rebellion towards Lumon, Natalie and Milchick remain steadfastly loyal, striving to maintain order within the demanding confines of the severed floor. Despite their enduring commitment, the allusions to Peele’s work suggest the potential for these characters to awaken from their compliance, revealing a readiness to confront the insidious forces at play in their lives.

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