Mike White’s acclaimed series The White Lotus is back on February 17th, taking viewers to sun-drenched Thailand, where a new set of privileged vacationers arrive with secrets in tow. As always, White masterfully weaves a sharp, satirical tale of wealth, power, and personal reckoning, culminating in the inevitable discovery of a body.
We were fortunate enough to attend a sneak preview of the first episode, and can say with confidence that we’re in for a hell of a ride over the coming weeks.
This latest instalment first transports viewers to a luxurious resort on the island of Koh Samui, where a new ensemble cast navigates the complexities of modern life amidst the drama unfolding around them.
This season introduces Parker Posey as Victoria Ratliff, a self-medicated Southern American vacationing with her high flying businessman husband Timothy (Jason Isaacs) and their three children. Among them, Patrick Schwarzenegger delivers a standout performance as Saxon, a painful, privileged heir with a sharp tongue, while his sister Piper (Sarah Catherine Hook) seeks spiritual enlightenment through Eastern philosophy, and his brother Lochlan (Sam Nivola) — the sweet-natured youngest sibling who seems out of place in the boisterous family — navigates his own set of personal challenges.
Adding to the intrigue is Walton Goggins as Rick, a brooding man on a mysterious mission, accompanied by his young girlfriend Chelsea (Sex Education’s Aimee Lou Wood). Meanwhile, a trio of longtime friends (Michelle Monaghan, Carrie Coon, and Leslie Bibb) navigate their own tensions, posing the question: do all deep-rooted bonds survive the test of time?
New Zealand’s very own Morgana O’Reilly also features within the complex cast, starring as Pam — a bubbly and knowing member of staff at the luxury resort tasked with caring for the Ratliffs. The season also marks the return of Natasha Rothwell as Belinda, the empathetic spa manager from the first season who seems on a mission of her own, and wellness guru Mook (Lalisa Manoban of Blackpink fame) making her acting debut.
Visually stunning and impeccably scripted, The White Lotus continues its biting critique of privilege, this time interrogating the Western appropriation of Eastern spirituality. With its prickly, satirical storytelling and immersive setting, this season is set to captivate viewers the world-round, presenting yet another inspired comment on morality.
Release Date: 17th of February
