The wealthy elite, often shrouded in secrecy, are finally being exposed for what they truly desire. In HBO’s anthology series The White Lotus, a group of affluent tourists at a luxury resort in Southeast Asia are forced to confront their darkest impulses and insecurities. From sex and substance abuse to spirituality and social status, the show delves into the complex psychology of those who think they can buy happiness.
Through its character studies, The White Lotus reveals how these individuals prioritize their own desires above all else, often at the expense of others. But when faced with uncomfortable truths, do they truly change, or are they doomed to repeat the same patterns of behavior? The show’s new season explores this question as guests grapple with the role of spirituality and organized religion in their lives.
With its sharp wit and unflinching gaze, The White Lotus offers a scathing critique of privilege and entitlement. As one character puts it, being trapped on “a never-ending carousel of lust and suffering” is a fate worse than death. Will these wealthy tourists be able to break free from their cycle of self-destruction, or will they remain forever lost in their own world of excess?
Source: https://www.theatlantic.com/culture/archive/2025/02/the-white-lotus-season-3-premiere-review/681688