Season 3 of The White Lotus is well underway, returning with its signature blend of dark humor and drama, set against the luxurious backdrop of Koh Samui, Thailand. Notably, this season introduces us to the Ratliff family, who bring their own set of tensions and secrets to the forefront, particularly highlighted by Patrick Schwarzenegger's role as the outlandish Saxton Ratliff. While Schwarzenegger garners attention for both his performance and some daring scenes, he is adamant about dismissing claims of nepotism, attributing his success to hard work and dedication.
Schwarzenegger, the son of Hollywood legends Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver, argues, "I know there are people who’ll say I only got this role because of who my dad is. They’re not seeing... I’ve had 10 years of acting classes, worked on my characters for hours on end, or the hundreds of rejected auditions I’ve been on." While the actor acknowledges the steep hill of public perception, he manages to focus on his craft and the boldness required for his character. He notes embracing the comedic yet tasteless aspects of Saxton, who is depicted as misguidedly pampered. "At the end of the day, this character, from start to finish, is ridiculous..." his commitment to the role shines through, even when it ventures deep beyond his comfort zone.
Adding another layer to the season is Parker Posey's portrayal of Victoria Ratliff, who reveals her own compelling issues, primarily stemming from substance abuse. Episode 2 features a tense interaction between her and Leslie Bibb’s character, Kate, when Kate claims to know Victoria from their past. Victoria’s dissonance and her dismissive behavior raises questions—could they be the result of underlying substance issues? Observers note Victoria’s struggles may reflect larger themes of family disconnection and individual struggles with addiction. Throughout the episode, hints of substance misuse are evident as she is spotted taking pills at rather inappropriate moments.
On the opposite spectrum of the show’s dynamics, the relationship between Chelsea, played by Aimee Lou Wood, and Rick, played by Walton Goggins, takes center stage. The actors worked closely with intimacy coordinator Miriam Lucia to craft their sex scenes, highlighting the importance of thoughtful execution. "I love intimacy coordinators, and I think they’re absolutely..." she shared, emphasizing the supportive environment they created. Wood insisted the scenes had to showcase tenderness, saying, "We wanted it to be very tender," showcasing the depth of their characters’ relationship without veering toward gratuitousness.
The season hints at darker family secrets lurking beneath the glamorous surface, particularly through the Ratliffs. Timothy, portrayed by Jason Isaacs, finds himself entangled with morally gray business dealings, potentially leading the family down treacherous paths. Meanwhile, discussions have emerged around flirtation and concerning dynamics between the Ratliff siblings, creating intrigue about what their familial tensions could lead to as the season progresses.
This leads to some humorous takes surrounding the nature of the provocative scenes under the familial lens. Chris Pratt, speaking at the premiere of his movie, commented, "I know where my eyes went—I’m not blood related to him, I was looking at..." referring to Patrick’s scenes, showcasing how even those close can’t escape the audacious spirit of the series. Arnold, Patrick’s father, humorously remarked online, "What can I say—the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree," after witnessing Patrick’s performances, simultaneously expressing both pride and playful acknowledgment of the franchise's bold nature.
Mike White, the creator of The White Lotus, continues to explore themes of wealth, apathy, and moral questioning amid the levity and shocking twists. With numerous theories circulating among audiences, viewers are left pondering how each character’s narrative will tie together as the season progresses. Rumors swirl about potential outcomes for the Ratliff family as they navigate moral quandaries and personal revelations.
With only two episodes aired so far, the anticipation grows for how deeply audiences will explore the jarring contrasts of luxury and dysfunction. The humor and awkwardness are balancers against the sometimes grim portrayals of human nature, leaving viewers wanting more as secrets unfurl and relationships are tested. The combination of scandalous moments, dark twists, and rich character dynamics ensures The White Lotus remains as engrossing and provocative as ever.