The tiling had been laid for another crisp season of White Lotus — this time in Thailand's sun-kissed paradise locations. But though the cocktails are chilly and the camera sneaks elegantly around silhouettes and squabbles, it all feels a little too neat. Like watching a storm from a distance that never really breaks loose.
One star
Two stars
Three stars
Fours stars
Five stars
Disclaimer: Apropos Magazine received access or a review copy. As always, we share our own impressions — unfiltered.
Six stars
After two seasons of tart satirical tinge, luxurious settings and social play delivered by excellent actors, expectations were towering for White Lotus's third season -- this time set in the swaying paradise, Thailand. But where before the series felt like a swim in deep water with sharks below the surface, this round feels more like lying and drifting in an inflatable flamingo in the pool. Nice -- but unfortunately too stagnant.
There is no doubt that White Lotus can still deliver ambiance. The camera revolves sensually around temple smoke, sweaty cocktails and pastel-coloured sunsets, while the exotic soundtrack of Cristobal Tapia De Veer sneaks under the skin once again. But just as little helps when the characters' internal dramas either feel predictable, run in ring or are simply too uninteresting.
The people gallery — otherwise the series' great strength in previous seasons — struggles to gain a spark in the dynamic. Frictions arise, but most conflicts bubble without boiling over. Relationships are pulled on long strings with no actual redemption, and it all ends up feeling a bit like waiting for an explosion that never comes.
It's not that there aren't good performances -- special praise must be given to Sam Rockwell, who delivers the series' best monologue, and Victoria Ratfliff, played superbly caricatured by Parker Posey. At the other end, we meet characters like Gaitok, whose story is long-drawn and indifferent.
In short: Season 3 of White Lotus is beautiful, biting and actually fine entertainment — but most of all feels like an expensive vacation with no real direction. Mike White can still write, but this time it feels like he's forgotten where he wanted to go.
The question I'm left with after the 3rd season, where it has gradually gone downhill, quality-wise, is whether it can carry a 4th season (which Mike White has already lifted the veil on).
The final episode hits about an hour and a half, and I watched it more out of duty than out of desire, to end the season that had far too little “wow”. I was most looking forward to the score, but as rumors will tell, disagreements have arisen between White and De Tapia, so it's unlikely we'll be spoilt for another delicious audio tape in Season 4.
Watch it for the atmosphere, the great camera shots and some honorable acting performances—but don't expect the same depth and story that previous seasons delivered.
