White Lotus Season 3 Stirs Controversy with Incestuous Kiss, Exploring Familial Dysfunction
The third season of HBO’s hit series "The White Lotus" has ignited a firestorm of discussion and debate, primarily fueled by a shocking scene involving the Ratliff family. A kiss between eldest son Saxon, portrayed by Patrick Schwarzenegger, and his younger brother Lochlan, played by Sam Nivola, has sparked conversations about severe familial dysfunction and the exploration of complex themes within the series.
The controversial moment unfolded in the most recent episode, a culmination of simmering tensions and unhealthy dynamics that have been subtly building since the season’s premiere at the opulent Thailand White Lotus resort. Lochlan, on the cusp of adulthood and facing the looming prospect of college, finds himself entangled in an emotional battle between his hedonistic older brother Saxon and his spiritually inclined older sister, Piper, brought to life by Sarah Catherine Hook.
Piper’s announcement of her year-long immersion in Buddhist studies in Thailand serves as a catalyst, visibly upsetting Lochlan. He seeks solace in the company of Saxon, leading them both to the infamous Full Moon Party celebration.
Under the influence of alcohol and drugs, the brothers engage in a kiss, seemingly encouraged by their companions, Chloe, played by Charlotte Le Bon, and Chelsea, portrayed by Aimee Lou Wood, who are also seen in a passionate embrace. This occurs aboard a yacht owned by Chloe’s wealthy and enigmatic boyfriend, Gary, also known as killer Greg from the first season.
The kiss itself is not merely a moment of shock value, but a reflection of deeper issues within the Ratliff family. It highlights Saxon’s manipulative tendencies and the unhealthy dynamic he fosters with his younger siblings. Schwarzenegger himself shed light on his character’s motivations, revealing that Saxon embodies sex, money, power, wealth, and the grooming of his younger brother and sister.
"He’s the one like, ‘Come on, guys, get to understanding life,’" Schwarzenegger explained. "As the show progresses, (Saxon) is on the side of being totally lost. Everything he stood for is now not who he is."
Adding to the intrigue, Schwarzenegger reposted a photo of his and Nivola’s characters on social media with the caption "Call Me By Our Same Last Name," a deliberate allusion to the acclaimed 2017 drama "Call Me By Your Name," further amplifying the incestuous undertones.
Charlotte Le Bon revealed that Schwarzeneggers reaction during the filming of the kiss was genuine. According to Le Bon, Schwarzenegger looked like he was going to throw up. Sam, on the other hand, remained calm, emphasizing that it was just a kiss and urging everyone to move forward. Le Bon also noted that the actors are not real siblings.
Executive producer David Bernad emphasized that the incestuous scene was not solely intended for shock value. He stated that it served a specific purpose in the narrative storytelling and the broader thematic ideas that creator Mike White is trying to convey. Bernad expressed his admiration for the brother story, stating that it culminates in a very satisfying way.
Nivola echoed this sentiment, describing the drunken kiss as a pivotal moment for his character. "There’s before that and after that, and that was a really important thing," Nivola stated.
He acknowledged the taboo nature of the act, but emphasized that the show’s heightened reality stems from relatable emotions. Lochlan’s desperate desire for his brother’s approval is a central theme, driving his actions and shaping his character arc.
Social media reactions to the Saxon-Lochlan interaction have been a mixture of shock and morbid curiosity. Many viewers expressed that they were not entirely surprised, having witnessed the build-up of tension and the unsettling dynamic between the brothers from the beginning of the season.
The kiss has been interpreted as a breaking point, revealing the extent of the family’s dysfunction and forcing Saxon to confront his own identity and values. The aftermath of this event promises to have significant repercussions for all involved, further complicating the relationships and revealing the darker underbelly of wealth, privilege, and the pursuit of pleasure.
"The White Lotus" has established itself as a series that dares to explore uncomfortable and taboo subjects, pushing the boundaries of television storytelling. The incestuous kiss between Saxon and Lochlan is merely one facet of the show’s exploration of complex themes such as familial dysfunction, the search for identity, and the corrupting influence of wealth and power. As the season progresses, viewers can expect even more shocking revelations and emotional turmoil as the Ratliff family unravels amidst the breathtaking backdrop of Thailand’s White Lotus resort. The kiss, however, served as the catalyst for a much larger conversation about family dynamics.
