The White Lotus (HBO)

About The White Lotus (HBO)

The White Lotus is an American television series that premiered on HBO in July 2021. Created, written, and directed by Mike White, the series takes on a satirical approach, analysing societal issues such as class and privilege. The series is set in a tropical Hawaiian resort and follows the vacations of various hotel guests over the span of a week as they relax and rejuvenate in paradise. But with each passing day, a darker complexity emerges in these picture-perfect travelers, the hotel's cheerful employees, and the idyllic locale itself. These anxieties, appetites, and insecurities maneuver the hotel's milieu, leading to unexpected and often humorous consequences.

Making / Production

Both a social satire and a drama, The White Lotus takes the lens to postcard-perfect holidays and turns it into a incisive dissection of societal norms. Mike White's creation, direction, and script shaped the multi-layered undertones, featuring beautiful scenic backdrops conflicting with the not-so-beautiful side of human nature.

Actors

• Mike White - The creator, director, and writer of the series, his vision shapes the narrative of The White Lotus.
• Murray Bartlett - Playing the role of Armond, the hotel manager, Bartlett brings a lot of complexities in his character.
• Connie Britton - As Nicole Mossbacher, a successful CFO, Britton plays a woman who simultaneously enjoys and questions her privilege.
• Jennifer Coolidge - Playing Tanya McQuoid, Coolidge paints the picture of a troubled, lonely woman seeking company.
• Steve Zahn - Portrays Mark Mossbacher, a man dealing with a midlife crisis and the inherent pressures of being a provider.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The White Lotus was shot on location in Hawaii at the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea.
• The flower arrangements seen throughout the series were all real and designed by a local Hawaiian florist.
• Much of the staff seen in the background of shots were actual hotel employees.

Awards

A nomination for Outstanding Guest Performer in a Drama Series at the Primetime Emmy Awards.

Quotes

• "Money allows you not to have to deal with reality." - Tanya McQuoid
• "Every time something good happens, something bad is just around the corner." - Rachel Patton
• "These people, they're immune to everything." - Armond

Music/Soundtrack

• The series' score is composed by Cristobal Tapia de Veer.
• "Paradise Is Very Fragile" by Lana Del Rey is featured prominently in the series.
• "My Sweet Lord" by George Harrison plays in Episode 6 of the series.