The White Lotus – Season 3 Review

Release Date: April 2025
Director: Mike White
Starring: Walton Goggins, Aimee Lou Wood, Patrick Schwarzenegger, Jason Isaacs, Natasha Rothwell, Lalisa Manobal, and more.

The White Lotus Returns, This Time with Thai Flavor

As a huge fan of The White Lotus franchise, I was eagerly awaiting the arrival of Season 3. The first two seasons set the bar incredibly high, blending dark comedy, intricate characters, and sharp social commentary against the backdrop of luxurious resorts. The concept itself—a rotating cast of characters at different White Lotus resorts around the world—has proven to be a stroke of genius for Mike White, allowing each season to feel fresh while maintaining the suspenseful tone that makes it so compelling. Season 3 brings us to Thailand, a location that is as lush and vibrant as it is mysterious and dark, providing the perfect backdrop for the complex web of relationships that unfurl within the resort’s walls.

The White Lotus franchise has continued to captivate audiences with its ability to explore the dark side of human nature while still offering plenty of laughs and twists. For this season, expectations were sky-high. It’s always a tricky thing to follow up on the success of two highly praised seasons, but as a fan of the franchise, I was ready to see where Mike White would take us next. And while some of the storytelling choices were a little frustrating, this season still delivered on a number of fronts. Let’s dive into what worked, what didn’t, and why The White Lotus Season 3 remains an engaging, thought-provoking, and ultimately satisfying entry into the franchise.

The Ratliffs: Rich, Dysfunctional, and Full of Secrets

The story this season centers around the wealthy and dysfunctional Ratliff family. Timothy (played by Jason Isaacs) is a once-successful businessman on the brink of financial ruin. His wife, Victoria (Parker Posey), is a sophisticated and driven woman who is determined to maintain the illusion of a perfect life. Their children, Saxon (Patrick Schwarzenegger), Piper (Sarah Catherine Hook), and Lochlan (Sam Nivola), all appear to be living under the oppressive weight of their family’s legacy, each dealing with their own personal struggles.

The drama begins when Timothy concocts a desperate plan to poison the family’s drinks with toxic fruit seeds in a bid to secure their future. The plot to kill his own family is a dark and twisted revelation about the kind of desperation his character feels, but at the last moment, he hesitates. Unfortunately, his son Lochlan inadvertently drinks the tainted beverage and falls into a life-threatening situation. This sets off a chain of events that shatters the family, revealing cracks in their already fragile relationships. The season explores themes of greed, family loyalty, and the dark secrets that people try to bury, only for them to surface when least expected.

As always, the White Lotus Resort is a key character in itself, acting as a reflection of the characters' emotional turmoil and the paradise that hides their inner demons. The setting of Thailand, with its breathtaking landscapes and deeply-rooted cultural identity, adds an extra layer of tension to the drama. But, as the seasons of The White Lotus have proven time and time again, nothing is as it seems—paradise is the perfect place for secrets, and this season, those secrets are darker than ever.

In addition to the Ratliffs, the season also follows the journey of Rick Hatchett (Walton Goggins), a former military operative who is haunted by his past trauma. Rick’s relationship with his free-spirited girlfriend, Chelsea (Aimee Lou Wood), adds another layer of complexity to the plot. While Rick’s emotional baggage prevents him from truly connecting with Chelsea, she throws herself at him, hoping to help him heal. However, their relationship only serves to highlight just how broken Rick truly is. Chelsea, on the other hand, is a character who’s beginning to carve out her own identity, and Aimee Lou Wood delivers a performance that is both natural and emotionally complex, making her one of the breakout stars of the season.

Meanwhile, Natasha Rothwell returns as Belinda, the spa manager from Season 1. This time, Belinda has a chance at financial freedom, but the season doesn’t shy away from highlighting the ways that her success is still tied to the exploitation of others. It’s a complicated, bittersweet story that adds some necessary depth to the show’s social commentary on power, class, and the complexities of the workplace.

Lalisa Manobal, or Lisa from BLACKPINK, makes her acting debut as Mook, a health mentor at the resort who adds a cultural flavor to the storyline through her performances. Although Mook doesn’t have a major role, her character's presence brings a welcome sense of authenticity and balance to the otherwise tense and dramatic atmosphere. Her performances are beautiful and add a much-needed layer of emotional depth to the series, but it’s clear that her role didn’t necessarily change the course of the season. Her character could have been written out, and the season wouldn’t have been significantly altered, though she still provides an interesting dynamic.

The season ultimately builds up to a shocking and violent confrontation, followed by multiple deaths that leave the surviving characters forever changed. Yet, I have to admit, the finale left me with a sense of dissatisfaction—not because the ending wasn’t gripping, but because there were so many unresolved threads, particularly with the Ratliffs.

Standout Performances That Make Paradise Even More Complicated

The White Lotus is known for its incredible ensemble casts, and Season 3 is no exception. Jason Isaacs was an absolute standout as Timothy Ratliff, portraying a man so consumed by desperation and pride that he’s willing to go to extreme lengths to preserve his family’s fortune. Isaacs captured the complexity of his character with subtlety, making it easy to sympathize with his tragic flaws. His performance is one of the most memorable of the season.

Patrick Schwarzenegger also impressed in his role as Saxon, the troubled son of the Ratliffs. His character is torn between following in his father’s footsteps or forging his own path, and Schwarzenegger navigates this internal conflict with skill. It’s a layered performance that adds a new level of depth to his character, transforming him from a stereotypical privileged young man into someone we can genuinely empathize with.

Aimee Lou Wood, as Chelsea, delivered a standout performance that truly elevated the season. Before watching The White Lotus, I had never heard of Wood, but after this role, I’m definitely a fan. Chelsea is a woman who’s deeply invested in helping Rick heal, but her journey toward personal growth and self-discovery is just as important. Wood's natural charisma and ability to portray both vulnerability and strength makes her a truly compelling presence on screen. Her smile, her look, and even her teeth became an endearing part of her character, making her one of the most lovable characters in the season.

Lalisa Manobal’s Mook is another notable performance, albeit one that didn’t completely alter the course of the season. Lisa, the pop star, made her acting debut here, and though she didn’t have a huge role, she brought something fresh to the table. Speaking in her native tongue and incorporating cultural elements through her singing and dancing performances, Mook was a character who added flavor, but in terms of plot, her presence was more of a complement than a central element. Still, for a debut role, she was well-written and well-integrated into the season.

Finally, Walton Goggins as Rick was fantastic, though his storyline felt more tragic than transformative. Rick’s emotional baggage was laid bare, and Goggins played this broken character with the vulnerability and complexity we’ve come to expect from him. His relationship with Chelsea felt real, but it was clear that his past haunted him in ways he couldn’t escape.

Paradise Through the Lens: A Cinematic Masterpiece

The stunning Thai resorts, including the Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui, Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas, and Anantara Lawana Koh Samui Resort, provided the perfect setting for this season of The White Lotus. The lush tropical backdrop was more than just a beautiful location—it became a character in itself, mirroring the characters' emotional isolation and the secrecy that lurked beneath the paradise exterior.

As usual, the cinematography was gorgeous, with every scene beautifully shot and meticulously framed. The wide-angle shots of the resorts and natural surroundings are visually breathtaking, while the intimate close-ups capture the raw emotions of the characters. The lighting and color choices intensify the dark themes of excess, greed, and personal turmoil that have become synonymous with the series.

Behind the Scenes Drama and Public Buzz

Like the previous seasons, The White Lotus Season 3 garnered a positive reception, but not without its share of controversy. Critics and audiences praised the cinematography, performances, and the depth of the social commentary. However, some found the pacing slower compared to earlier seasons, particularly when it came to the build-up to the finale. I personally didn’t mind the pacing, as it allowed for deeper character exploration, but I understand why others felt it was dragging.

One of the more publicized controversies revolved around the casting of Lalisa Manobal. Some fans questioned whether her role was authentic enough given her limited screen time and whether her character’s cultural elements were appropriately handled. While I think the character was well-integrated into the season, it’s understandable why some might have reservations about cultural appropriation.

There were also rumors of tensions on set between Walton Goggins and Aimee Lou Wood. While it didn’t detract from the performances, these behind-the-scenes dramas only added to the intrigue surrounding the production.

Final Thoughts: A Season of Secrets, Lies, and Unanswered Questions

In spite of a few unresolved questions—particularly regarding the fate of the Ratliff family—The White Lotus Season 3 remains an incredibly strong entry into the series. Mike White continues to craft a captivating world full of complex characters, moral dilemmas, and dark secrets. The show is a masterclass in dark comedy, with plenty of emotional depth, all set against the backdrop of paradise.

Would I recommend it? Absolutely. If you’ve loved the first two seasons, you’ll find plenty to enjoy here. It’s not perfect, but it’s a gripping watch that leaves you with much to think about. I rate it a solid 9 out of 10—not quite a perfect score, but a show that keeps you hooked from start to finish.

Final Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (9/10)

As for Season 4, I can’t wait to see where the show goes next. My guess? Maybe Europe