The Return of The White Lotus: A Familiar Yet Dark Journey
No matter where it unfolds around the globe—whether in the tropical paradise of Hawaii, the romantic landscapes of Italy, or now the vibrant backdrop of Thailand—the opening episode of The White Lotus follows a remarkably similar pattern. A group of affluent vacationers arrives at a luxurious hotel, greeted warmly by the smiling staff ready to fulfill their every whim. Throughout the hour, we delve into the eclectic personalities and hidden secrets of these guests, which will gradually unravel like the contents of their designer suitcases over the course of their “ideal getaway.” And, as is tradition, there’s always a dead body lurking in the background. This time, however, the intrigue lies not only in identifying the unfortunate soul but also in discerning just how many will meet their demise.
Among the potential victims is the Ratliff family. Patriarch Timothy (played by Jason Isaacs) is a wealthy financier, while his wife, Victoria (the brilliantly comedic Parker Posey, who is unfortunately underutilized), seems to have a prescription pill for every occasion. Their three children—Saxton (Patrick Schwarzenegger), Lochlan (Sam Nivola), and Piper (Sarah Catherine Hook)—are also along for the ride. Piper, with her astute observations, describes the resort’s wellness center as a “Disneyland for rich bohemians from Malibu and their Lululemon yoga pants.”
The Ratliffs have journeyed to Thailand at Piper’s behest, who wishes to explore the theology of a local Buddhist monk for her college thesis. However, the incessant phone calls Timothy receives from journalists at the Wall Street Journal suggest that there may be more beneath the surface of their seemingly idyllic vacation. Also present in Thailand are childhood friends Kate (Leslie Bibb), Laurie (Carrie Coon), and Jaclyn (Michelle Monaghan). Their lives have diverged significantly—one is navigating the complexities of single motherhood, another enjoys the comfort of a successful marriage, and the last is a television star in a new romance with a considerably younger partner.
The ensemble also includes Rick (Walton Goggins) and Chelsea (Aimee Lou Wood), whose significant age difference contributes to their relationship struggles. The tension mounts as it becomes apparent that Rick is obsessively preoccupied with the hotel owner’s husband. None of these characters come across as particularly endearing; they are so consumed by their personal dramas and unspoken animosities that they find it challenging to relish their stay in this paradise. The setting, filmed in the stunning Four Seasons in Koh Samui, features lush greenery and breathtaking views, with playful monkeys and towering islands emerging from the luminous turquoise sea.
As always, the heart of The White Lotus lies within the amiable hotel staff, who come across as far more relatable than the guests. Natasha Rothwell reprises her role as Belinda, a spa therapist from season one, who is visiting to learn how to incorporate Thai practices into her work. However, it is the tender love story between wellness consultant Mook (Lisa from the globally renowned K-Pop group Blackpink) and security guard Gaitok (Tayme Thapthimthong) that brings a refreshing layer of sweetness to the series, a quality that has been somewhat lacking in previous installments.
This season is set to explore the depths of human desire and moral ambiguity, delving into themes such as extramarital affairs, substance abuse, and familial strife. The writer’s sharp wit remains intact, particularly evident in his humorous critiques of characters like Saxton, whose obnoxious finance-bro demeanor alienates even his own family members. While The White Lotus may follow a familiar formula—satirizing wealthy tourists oblivious to the impending doom that awaits them—the narrative promises to keep audiences on the edge of their seats. With its blend of dark humor and inevitable tragedy, this third installment is poised to be the most harrowing yet.
The White Lotus airs tonight at 9 PM on Sky Atlantic and is available for streaming on Now.
