The White Lotus Season 3 Review: Reliably Incisive, Chaotic, And Entertaining

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It’s clear that Mike White, as creator, writer, and director, has successfully crafted and refined an engaging, thought-provoking, and consistently entertaining formula for TV known as “The White Lotus.” Watching wealthy, self-assured, and demanding individuals enjoy luxury vacations at exotic resorts worldwide provides a unique blend of satisfaction and amusement. White’s ability to depict the intricacies of these characters’ personalities and psychology is remarkable, creating seasons of this HBO anthology series that never fail to entertain.

Our third adventure takes place in Thailand, specifically Bangkok and the islands of Phuket and Koh Samui. This stunning and awe-inspiring paradise is a favorite among the wealthy who come to unwind, celebrate, and debate about phone-free common areas. While Season 3 might be the most subdued and least eccentric of the series thus far, White has once again gathered an exceptional ensemble of diverse yet captivating actors. Their chemistry in this setting is nothing short of extraordinary. It may not be as surreal as past casts (Season 2’s group was almost flawless), but let’s give credit where it’s due: the man has a talent for selecting top-notch “ingredients” to create an irresistible feast of entertainment.

This trip features the wealthy Ratliff family: father Timothy (Jason Isaacs), mother Victoria (Parker Posey), and their children Saxon (Patrick Schwarzenegger), Lochlan (Sam Nivoal), and Piper (Sarah Catherine Hook). Also joining are the eccentric pair Rick (Walton Goggins) and Chelsea (Aimee Lou Wood); and the self-absorbed, long-time BFFs Jaclyn (Michelle Monaghan), Kate (Leslie Bibb), and Laurie (Carrie Coon). Not to forget, our solitary character, Belinda (Natasha Rothwell) from Hawaii, who’s here to enhance her massage skills at the resort. These people clash even before setting foot on the hotel grounds, promising an entertaining stay for us.

In typical fashion, White strives to deliver an enriching cultural encounter for its visitors. To accomplish this, guests are greeted by local personalities such as Sritala (Patravadi Mejudhon), the charming hotel owner, Gaitok (Tayme Thapthimthong), a friendly security guard, and Mook (Lalisa Manoban), a captivating employee and dancer. These and other talented individuals from Thailand contribute to making this season as genuine and enriching as possible.

Season 3 is slower and more low-key

In terms of structure and themes, Season 3 of “The White Lotus” seems to have the closest resemblance to Season 1, starting off with a shocking event that disrupts a meditation session dramatically, much like a machete slice. However, unlike in previous seasons where the mystery and intrigue surrounding a death were more central, this time it feels more like an expected part of the story rather than a crucial plot point.

Instead of focusing on traditional mystery plots, Mike White isn’t particularly drawn to conventional whodunits. Instead, he prefers to create a biting satire that explores class, privilege, and decadence, with a dash of unpredictability. While the initial themes remain central to the series, Season 3 also introduces new topics such as spirituality, Buddhism, karma, and their intersections. After all, we find ourselves in Thailand now, where symbols like macaques and monitor lizards, rich with spiritual significance, are abundant.

Absolutely, just like previous seasons, there’s an abundance of hidden truths and deceit. The creator and director, White, methodically unravels these secrets. Although potential issues such as the Ratliff patriarch’s money laundering, Rick’s mysterious intentions to meet the hotel owner, or the unspoken attraction between the Ratliff brothers are hinted at early on, they simmer beneath the surface for longer than typical. With more episodes than any other season so far, White isn’t hurrying to disclose everything immediately, which means the tension and nervous energy characteristic of this series takes time to accumulate and reach its peak. This isn’t necessarily a negative aspect, but it’s evident that the season could have been tighter.

A more straight-forward yet satisfying experience

Fortunately, the writer-director skillfully keeps audiences captivated without constantly overwhelming us with scandals and conflicts. At times, watching “The White Lotus” feels like a (virtual) escape, immersing ourselves in stunning rituals, intricate dialogue, and an atmosphere that perfectly encapsulates the island’s essence. However, don’t be fooled – we’re here for the drama, the juicy secrets, and the underhanded insults that are part of the characters’ lives. Yet again, Mike White serves up psychological tension masterfully, using sharp dialogue, sexual and drug-related themes, and the hidden motives of the wealthy and potentially dangerous characters who may not always be as they appear.

As a dedicated fan, I must admit that Season 3, albeit more predictable than its predecessors based on the initial six episodes I’ve seen, hasn’t failed to deliver that addictive blend we all fell in love with earlier. The enchanting music by regular composer Cristobal Tapie de Veer continues to be as hypnotic, trippy, and captivating as we’ve come to anticipate – a crucial element of the show’s atmosphere. The performances from the talented ensemble cast are nothing short of exceptional, setting a high bar that has become standard here.

Walton Goggins delivers an outstanding portrayal of the volatile and vengeful Rick, whose childhood wounds appear to gnaw at him relentlessly. On the opposite end of the spectrum, Patrick Schwarzenegger embodies the classic finance bro character – a callous, arrogant, and horny individual consumed by his own ego and desire for power over others.

There’s also an unexpected guest star whose heartfelt monologue about overcoming addiction amidst a profound existential crisis is sure to spark lively discussions online.

In essence, White has devised a winning recipe for his anthology series which consistently feels new thanks to its diverse settings, rotating cast, and relatable themes. Season 3 follows this trend (albeit with slightly fewer ambitious storylines than the previous seasons), suggesting that the show could continue for numerous seasons if its creator maintains the necessary ideas and enthusiasm to sustain it.

“The White Lotus” Season 3 premieres on February 16 on HBO.

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2025-02-13 03:00