Aimee Lou Wood is making headlines once again, this time for her role as Chelsea in the third season of the acclaimed HBO series, The White Lotus. The season has sparked conversations around wealth, privilege, and the extremes of human behavior, all set against the stunning backdrop of Koh Samui, Thailand. Wood, who rose to fame as Aimee Gibbs in the Netflix hit Sex Education, has shared her remarkable and intense experience filming the series.
Filming took place at the luxurious Four Seasons resort, where Wood and her co-stars lived and worked for seven uninterrupted months. “Living in a hotel, where we also film? It was like a social experiment,” Wood remarked, as she discussed the unique circumstances surrounding the shoot. She emphasized this experience will be unparalleled, stating, “I will never have an experience like this again. It was so extreme.” Her sentiment reflects the challenging yet mesmerizing nature of life on location, especially within the confines of such grand accommodations.
Wood did not shy away from describing her feelings during this time. The actress was nearly engulfed by her character and shared, “Everyone becomes their character to some extent, but I didn’t even know who I was.” This blurring of lines between actress and role hints at the psychological toll the experience had on her. It was not just about the glamour of Hollywood; it was about immersing herself deeply within the craft.
To give the audience some insight, The White Lotus showcases the life of grieving privilege versus authentic connection. Wood portrays Chelsea, the young and vibrant girlfriend of Rick, played by Walton Goggins. Their exchanges on screen can be both playful yet filled with underlying tensions, typical of Mike White's writing style. Reflecting on her character relationships, Wood noted, “There’s something about Mike’s writing. Everyone always seems on the edge.”
While the filming may have had its breathtaking moments—as Wood described the landscapes and ocean as “majestic”—the reality was also quite demanding. Unlike others who could take breaks, Wood had little time away from her role due to its demands. Fellow cast member Leo Woodall reached out frequently to check on her well-being, illustrating the communal bonds formed under such unique pressures.
Miia Kovero, the hair and makeup artist for the series, observed Wood’s immersive engagement with her character to the extent of expressing concern. Kovero candidly told the actress, “You need to go home. I don’t know who I’m talking to any more, Aimee or Chelsea.” This encapsulates the challenge many actors face when delving too deeply, echoing sentiments often shared within the acting community.
Wood’s character has become the subject of viewer discussions, especially around intense moments like nudity and intimate scenes which the actress approached with care. “We were like, ‘This is what we think should happen. This is why we think it’s important,’” she expressed, underscoring her commitment to portraying authentic intimacy—a departure from on-screen gratuitousness.
This season marks significant shifts for Wood as she transitions from past roles. Having previously played Aimee, her character from Sex Education, she has enjoyed exploring the psyche of another character, one with different attributes and emotional landscapes. “Every other part I’ve played recently has been a mum,” Wood shared hinting at her roles as matured characters. Most recently, she portrayed Tracey Taylor, struggling with grief and loss due to the toxic waste scandal depicted in Toxic Town—an embracing yet heavy narrative.
Reflecting on her character and experiences, Wood shared, “I am not the same person I was pre-White Lotus.” This transformation speaks to the effect of being immersed wholly within such demanding roles, something Wood recognizes shapes her both professionally and personally. “What do I actually want?” she has been asking herself since, indicating her growth.
Potentially hampered by the emotional weight of these characters, Wood concluded her time working on The White Lotus feeling changed. The intensity of the shoot has led her to reevaluate her capacity for similar roles, signaling she might seek projects with different emotional demands moving forward.
The world is watching as Wood navigates her remarkable career path. From the self-discovery during her time at the Four Seasons to her latest project, viewers are privileged to glimpse not just the talent but the dedication behind the actress's performances. Perhaps, as she ventures to new narratives, Aimee Lou Wood's next steps will balance ambitious characters with her well-being, fostering both emotional connection and grounded experiences.