Oddly captivating, The White Lotus is like a car crash you can't stop staring at. It's not outright entertaining, but something about it is intriguing and gripping on a level I can't fully explain. Looking forward to see where they go with this, every characters backstory is fairly deep and fleshed out considering it's told exclusively through dramedy snippets.
Really enjoyed watching this week to week (long live the weekly release format!) . I'm still bitter about the ending, but I guess this was a dark comedy that poked fun of the white privileged scum, so in order to stay true to that they'd be the ones with the last laugh. Best performance here was definitely Murray Bartlett as the manager of the hotel who reverts to his drug addiction due to the unbearable demands of his spoiled patrons. That being said, the finale pissed me off since the character I rooted for gets killed by the worst character from the show. We get an ending reminding us of the privilege the guests have, but this is a bit depressing since this is a comedy where we see these rich monsters get called out for what they are. However, they leave unchanged and unaffected.
Anyways, I'm eager to see another season of this but I'd rather Mike White not be David Simon and try to show us "this is reality" since White's work is satirical where Simon's is actually journalistic. I'm guessing the other White Lotus resort won't have a death at the center of its story, but there will indeed be scandals. If we see characters return, hopefully they receive they cumuppins.
No clue why this has been so low rated. The first episode was great and sounds we have another HBO good series.
If you like drama, thriller and comedy don't miss this one.
Two episodes in and it’s a boring snooze fest.
LE: After finishing watching the show I can conclude it was a boring senseless show. It had a few moments here and there but it was just not my "cup of tea". I have a feeling the actors and director just wanted a vacation and thought yeah, let's just have some stuff that happens without anything actually happening so we have a paid vacation.
I see there are people that liked this, no problem, good for them, everyone has different tastes and likes different things and that's fine, I've enjoyed many movies/tv shows that others rated low, but this one was far from being enjoyable.
Meh, I've got to say more than five words, but "meh" pretty much sums it up. It's set in Hawaii, so it's pretty to look at, and there's enough going on to want to finish it, but it's not beyond just being watchable.
S01:
This probably plays really well if you also like Succession.
These characters are kinda like nails on a chalkboard, but if you can find the satire and commentary beyond that, it’s very enjoyable.
Really good characters, interesting and unpredictable story, very well produced (excellent cinematography and music), it’s fantastic.
8.5/10
S02:
Good new set of characters, love the location of cinematography.
The story doesn’t quite work for me, a lot more melodramatic than season 1 (feels a lot like a soap opera in places), it’s a lot of people fucking each other, cheating on each other, being disloyal, etc.
It squeezes some interesting ideas in there about masculinity, scamming, naivety and power, but whereas season 1 was this beautifully orchestrated car crash showing why contemporary can be such a nightmare, this isn’t anywhere as deep or interesting.
It’s mostly saved by the filmmaking and acting, but a massive step down compared to season 1.
6/10
The writers want everyone to know that everything they do revolves around virtue signaling, and that they are hip with knowing about ketamine, klonopin, and butt licking. Yuck, and we are all less human for having that on film. Revolting and even with shock factor and a stupid BLM joke, just isn't enough to lead me to another episode. Please get me the last season of True Detective, HBO. This is turrible.
What a sh1t show… unwatchable. Cringe level 9000.
I really do not understand how this series is getting such high praises.
I havent smiled more than .... maybe once?
It's more like obnoxious, annoying. Its boring. Not funny.
It is rare for me to recommend television series because many shows do not intrigue me; in other words, I am a cinephile. When I recommend a series, it should mean significantly to the reader's interest. In the case of The White Lotus, it is not merely a superb miniseries, but it is a major comeback for its creator Mike White. White's last two efforts--Beatriz at Dinner and Brad's Status--were thematically shallow. Since it includes six episodes, White can develop each plot thread completely for the audience to grasp the complexity of his characters. The White Lotus concerns a wealthy group of guests at a Hawaiian hotel--The White Lotus--who enact or endure troubles during their trip for the hotel's employees. White begins his narrative with a clip from its ending to acknowledge a murder--like Big Little Lies. The initial question for the viewers is who the victim and killer are, but the mystery is the human behavior White examines. As a satire of classism, White humorously acknowledges the generational and ideological hypocrisies of the elite--specifically a family. White's writing has the kind of sociopolitical intelligence Luis Buñuel would respect. White derives his humor from a state of awkwardness, but he is never smug towards his characters. Whether they are amiable or obnoxious, there is a strange beauty to how White's satire causes audiences to care about these characters. Each performer--young and old--delivers the performance of their career. Jennifer Coolidge's performance, in particular, is hilariously manic and deeply moving in equal measure as a woman dealing with her traumatic past. As the series evolves, audiences witness the characters at their best and worst, and they are always believable due to the ensemble and White's astute writing. With The White Lotus, White successfully writes jokes with an undercurrent of tragedy, and the result is an oddly affecting achievement.
Side note:
I am unsure how to feel about this transforming into an anthology series.
My girlfriend loved this and I still can't wrap my head around why
This was the craziest boring mess I've ever watched. Jesus! How many of this I watched because I love Alex Daddario? Cringe fest. My face for 6 hours was this :grimacing::see_no_evil:
Completely rubbish from the beginning to the end, don’t understand why I here so much good reviews.
Both seasons are great in their own way. Second season delves much more into the sexual profligacy and perversion of rich people, than the first. The first season shows the pettiness and selfish nature of the wealthy class, while they put on the facade of charitable individuals. One could say these characters are the caricatures of what poor people think what the rich really are. But I think there's a lot of truth in everything shown.
I binged the second season right after the first one, because I was curious and had nothing better to do anyway… Damn, is this one good! Better than the first one, no doubt.
The concept is just as interesting as the first season, it doesn’t get old (yet). But I think the location and the cast are way better. You can just feel it slowly spinning out of control each episode. It’s really well done and gave me a gut wrenching feeling at times.
Sure, you see some of the ‘twists’ coming from a mile away, but even with that, I was still on the edge of my seat, wondering what was going to happen next.
What a ride!
Season 1 - 6 minutes of good story tricked me into watching 6 hours of a stupid soap opera. It's a soap.. plain and simple.
The White Lotus is the rare TV series wherein everyone and everything is unlikeable.
Trying to make it through the 1st episode, but it is just one boring scene after another. Don't know how anybody could watch this.
The first five episodes, taken individually, were quite watchable. They painted the picture of a group of rich people at a hotel and the employees who had to fawn over them. The main characters were all distinct and interesting, the acting was very good, and the production value was really high. As a whole, though, when taking the finale into account, the show doesn't work either as drama or satire. As drama, it's hard to root for any of the characters, and the ones that I was rooting for botched my sympathy in the final episode. Additionally, there was very little change or growth in the characters. They all left the finale the same way they entered the premier. As satire, it was only occasionally funny, and I have a dark sense of humor. The satire wasn't sharp enough to make up for the lack of drama. That being said, if you want a show where bad people don't know they're bad and pretend to be good, and learn nothing about themselves, watch this.
A good show, but maybe not as focused on its satire as much as I would've wanted. It does kind of rub me the wrong way that its non-white character are the more clumsily written (see Lani, one of the first characters that we are introduced, that only serves as set up; Kai, the hotel's employee, whose background is explained in one scene, shoehorned in at the beginning of an episode, and Paula, who most people learn to hate despite the clear intention of the writer, as one can learn in the 'behind the episode' segments). Maybe that can be explained with Mike White not trying to speak for characters, he may think, he couldn't possibly do justice, or as a statement, a really lazy one, on the objectification (as a means to an end) of POC by white people.
I guess it can be read that Mike White couldn't really get away with it in anyway, but I do think it was a good job after all. I just think the overall tone comes more of a slice-of-life white people series, than a satire. And then, I kind of understand how people can ultimately see Paula and even Belinda in a rather bad tone.
I can recognize that this is good but at least based on the pilot episode it is so filled with awkwardness and discomfort I can't watch it with enjoyment!
This show always leaves me wanting more...
To pass the time before episode 3 comes out, I'll speculate about some of the characters' arc. Please feel free to reply or debate, if you'd like!
Oh, and let's NOT forget about all those dead bodies floating in the sea from the first episode... Just who might they be??
The music in this show is amazing. The storyline and writing much less so. We gave it 3 episodes and then packed it in. None of the characters are interesting and likable enough to even care if they live, die or whatever awaits them in the show. In fact the majority of them are obnoxious enough that clubbing them like a seal would benefit everyone - especially the viewer.
Overly generous 5/10
Even though I wanted to claw my eyes out, I could not look away.
These fictional characters are the people I meet in my everyday life and sometimes I am them, I guess. That's why it's so uncomfortable to watch. Yes, rich people are getting called out, but it's not specific to rich ones, people are generally horrible and self-absorbed.
Jennifer Coolidge is amazing, steals every scene.
I'm on second episode, so I don't have any opinion yet, but damn, Sydney Sweeney is an outstanding actress.
I rate it "it doesn't matter where you drown, is it Hawaii or a pool in utopian "Handmaid's Tale" " out of ten.
the series itself is great, it's short beautifully and gets more and more intriguing with every episode, however Jennifer Coolidge' character Tanya is unbearable
Intriguing and I watched til the end but perhaps as a non privileged white person, the main characters' personality traits and obnoxiousness really annoyed me. I understand that this was the whole point of the show and I did find it entertaining to a degree, but I disliked the characters so much it affected how much I enjoyed the show. Especially Shane and Olivia urgh.
[HBO] It is so determined to make the characters look like idiots that the story is lost in a grotesque performance rather than an ironic or satirical view on a wealthy group's vacation. Nor does it help to fall into all the topics about the representation of classism. It is a kind of "Succession" (HBO, 2018-) decaffeinated with the sense of humor of "Nacho libre" (Jared Hess, 2006).
I was so disappointed with the first episode, the lack of a comedy bone that stands out right away or an enticing plot. But once you realize it's all about the characters, you let yourself fall in love with them and simply flow with their inner conflicts, The White Lotus becomes an amazingly-filtered delight to watch.
A-list cast, outstanding soundtrack, locations to die for and all that social criticism. Never thought that the evolution of people over a vacation would be such a one hit wonder. So happy I pushed through into the second episode and further and so sad it's so soon over.
This is the most misandrous writing I have ever seen. If constant male bashing while staging virtuous female roles is your thing, enjoy. It can be entertaining but you can definitely see straight to the writing and you can see the hatred behind it. I am not saying we need more Westworld, just tone down the male bashing.
Season 1 (Rating: 8) - Generally entertaining, sometimes insightful. I was ready to give the season a 7, but that last episode elevated the entire show for me. The payoff just tied everything together so effectively it made all the things that came before it that much more impactful and significant.
Season 2 (Rating:6) - A less effective rehash of many of the elements in Season 1. Entertaining, sure, but that's about it.
one of the best dark, 'comedy/dramas' I've seen in a long time, I just couldn't stop watching it.
it has everything I ask for in a dark comedy and more. it's cringe, morbid, hilarious, shocking, cinematically pleasing, and so much more.
Final Verdict: 9.27/10 (Excellent)
Recco from Nick. Interesting characters and sex scandals/plot lines. Good surprise endings
In any other show, if you put a variety of vain, self-obsessive, obnoxious and generally unbearable characters near each other and send them on a vacation to a luxury resort, I wouldn’t have paid any mind to it. I would have passed this off as some 10+ season TLC show upon seeing the trailer let alone watch 2 seasons of this.
note: The above comment might age very poorly because I'm currently watching Succession (2018).
The thing with The White Lotus is for some reason this show has kept my attention for longer than I thought and I don’t really know why.
"The White Lotus" attempts to explore the destructive power of vacations on established relationships, but it ultimately offers just a little more than an awkward comedy with a sprinkle of comfort cynicism. You’re supposed to chuckle at the sight of privileged individuals embarrassing themselves, but the execution feels forced for the most part. Despite the themes at the core being mostly relatable, none of the characters felt real. Not to mention the overbearing ideological dialogue felt like sand in my swimsuit, and about as welcome as a jellyfish sting.
The second season of “The White Lotus” reserve up another helping of the same recipe, but this time with an Italian twist and a new set of characters. While there is an attempt to shift the focus to the locals, the main dish consists of unappetizing love stories and trivial family drama. The only returning character gets the most ridiculous storyline and is the only one to retain that feeling of awkwardness that has characterized the first season for the better and worse.
Overall, it's not the worst thing out there, but it's hardly worth watching.
Honestly didn't think I would enjoy it so much! Probably won't remember it in a few years but they've definitely found a good formula for a fun and entertaining time with a good balance of humor, mystery, quirkiness and drama. I also like how it kind of makes fun of rich people on holiday and makes good use of clichés on rich people. If you're looking for something short and fun, give this one a try, you'll enjoy it!
I enjoyed season one. The balance of sympathetic characters vs douchebag were about right.
I failed to care for pretty much all the characters in season two, especially as the season progresses. It feels like the star of this season is the beautiful set.
First season is ok, second season was so boring and just bad. Really hate that is sucked because I am a huge fan of a lot of the cast for season 2
With few exceptions I did not care about the characters and was not that interested in plots. Still I binged the two seasons. Had started months ago - stalled in 2 episode. Then I restarted and watched everything in no time. Not really sure why…
First season kinda a downer - too realistic with rich selfish insufferable assholes always ending out ok.....and the rest not so much. Which is why I liked ending of season 2 better.
Daphne was a good character and I liked how she made the best of things and decided what to focus on…not just a dumb blond.
The Knives Out of nighttime soaps.
It's a show that isn't outrageous in anything it does, but it's more like a deep dive into how people live and how ridiculous it is LOL - It's as watchable as a murder mystery, recommend for if you need something to binge watch.
The brilliance of this show is that first we are served with the conclusion, and only then over however many episodes we get all these clues about who was the killer. And it's not like subsequent episodes lead us towards a solution, quite the opposite: with every episode the story gets even more complicated and it gets harder and harder to pinpoint at what point and by whom will the murder happen.
i just love the way the dialogue is written so much. it actually sounds like how real people speak.
S2: Great cast again but they really never generated any interest in their situation. By the 4th episode your left wondering if anything was going to ever happen.
The White Lotus is definitely not for everyone's taste. It's such a specific type of series, beautifully shot, very slow-paced that keeps its mystery throughout and you never know where it's gonna end. I'm really enjoying season 2, even more so than season 1. The characters are way more interesting and complex, and the storyline is more captivating. I also love how this season has brought up so many good themes for discussion, from toxic masculinity, infidelity, and relationship dynamics, it has been so intriguing to watch the development of events. There's only one episode left, can't wait to see how this plays out. Also, the soundtrack is just brilliant.
I feel like slapping every character, they get to my nerves. Still this show is really addicting.
Good series overall, different, not too heavy going and thankfully not yet ANOTHER Marvel / MCU / super-hero series!! First season was better than season 2 IMO, there just seemed to be more of interest going on with more interesting characters and more comical moments. Great location, scenery with a great cast and good acting in both seasons though. Season 2 is a bit of a slower crawl with the highs of S1 seemingly replaced with full frontal nudity shots and gay sex scenes, frankly I'd rather have the greater interest of season 1 than the writer's "we're so hip" vibe of season 2. In fact, I'd go so far as to say I'm not entirely sure who season 2 is trying to indulge, the writers or the audience? Sticking to the latter might be a better recipe if there will be a season 3, the response to season 2 may well write that possibility off though.
Absolutely loved it! It's great for a binge watch, and kept me up far too late. I don't think it would be as good if waiting a week for each episode, hence other bad reviews. I am exciting for season 2 to finish so I can binge watch that too. I found it to be entertaining, amusing, shocking, surprising, educational, relevant and rather addictive,and thought provoking. Everything I love in a drama! Bring me loads more seasons... PLEASE!!
The show is probably fine but the film grain(?) is way too much. I've never seen it as noticeable as it was in this show.
Honestly didn't think this would be in Mike White's wheelhouse, but pleasantly surprised. Not quite the punchy social satire it sets out to be, but damn close. And that soundtrack.
This is a very interesting show. Someone else here mentioned ".. it's like a trainwreck ... you can't look away". I find that quite apt.
The show is essentially a much more mature version of Fantasy Island (the old tv show - not the movie) or Love Boat. It is also a sad commentary on the lives of the rich.
All-in-all it's worth a watch. I assume future seasons (if there are any) will be similar stories with new guest stars.
How I rate:
1-3 :heart: = seriously! don't waste your time
4-6 :heart: = you may or may not enjoy this
7-8 :heart: = I expect you will like this too
9-10 :heart: = movies and TV shows I really love!
A really enjoyable, and in some ways quite traditional, social satire about race and class. This is very much a satire in the ironic and social type sense rather than a laugh out loud funny satire, even if it does have its moments. Because of the closed hotel set it really has a theatrical feel to it, and feels like draws from some of the drawing room social satires written in the early 20th century. But that traditional feel is infused with with a larger cast, and some of the ambivalences and ambiguities of contemporary television that HBO has done so much to develop in the last twenty years. Because of this you don't get the simple moral anarrative pay off that you might have gotten from those plays, but you do get a very interesting exploration about the nature of exploitation, both the environment and of people, without the show explicitly explaining who is exploiting whom. The cast are excellent, but special mention to Jennifer Coolidge who steals every scene she is in.
I really enjoyed this six-part miniseries about a few guests and staff at a luxury resort in Hawaii. The tone is unique, specific, and carried throughout. Something about scenes and characters is always a bit . . . off or unexpected. I look forward to another season of the anthology series featuring a new resort locale and set of characters. I would recommend and would rewatch down the line when I've forgotten the main plot.
Pretty weird at first but the ending is pretty interesting. I cannot remember the last time I saw someone shitting on TV.
I enjoyed the insufferable characters pain and humiliation. I only liked Rachel, at a push.
This is such a surprise and I could watch these freak characters all day. I truly believe that there are people out there who are EXACTLY like them. It’s so real that it’s scary!
This show is so well produced. I love the music, the acting and the plots the characters are involved with. I'm also taken with the camera shots; how the extreme closeups on the actors' faces are perfectly done! The music gets so quirky when things get really ramped up between actors going through such weird situations. The whole show is hilarious and so entertaining; there's nothing else like it on streaming right now!
I take it back, in that it helps me understand how bad people are. This is not just rich resort goers, we are all like this. I'm realizing that there are no good characters. Yes, even the innocent bride should have known these characteristics of her husband before marrying him. Analingus may be a spoiler but my recommendation is to take it as a warning and skip the last minute of this last episode. You are welcome.
Very entertaining, a wide range of personalities with deep story lines. The score and sound editing is nerve-racking, in an good way.
Shout by Miss FoXXXy33BlockedParent2023-01-27T14:08:37Z
I really enjoyed the 1st season. Was waiting so long for S2.. And it was pushing 5/10. Almost like a different writer was on it. Still Mike White. Sorry Mike, this is a series that should have stopped at the first season. Didn't do it for me at all. Kinda boring & predictable.
Still love Mike Whites work. Everything can't be perfect.