In this week's episode of The White Lotus, titled "Denials," viewers are taken on a rollercoaster of emotions and revelations. The storyline follows Saxon Ratliff, played by Patrick Schwarzenegger, who wakes up in a state of confusion and regret after a wild night of partying. If you've ever found yourself battling the dreaded hangover and wondering what you did the night before, Saxon's experience is painfully relatable. However, his situation is amplified by a shocking incident with his brother, Lochlan, portrayed by Sam Nivola.
Last week’s episode, "Full-Moon Party," set the stage for a scandalous night that Saxon and Lochlan would soon wish to forget. As they awaken aboard Greg's yacht, accompanied by Chloe (Charlotte Le Bon) and Chelsea (Aimee Lou Wood), their memories of the previous night are blurred by the effects of alcohol and substances. Initially, the brothers' kiss appears to be the pinnacle of their outrageous behavior, but "Denials" reveals that the reality was far more shocking.
Through brutal honesty from Chloe and Chelsea, Saxon's denial is shattered, leading to the harrowing revelation that their night included not just a kiss, but escalated to a deeply unsettling encounter. While Lochlan engaged in sexual activity with Chloe, he also brought Saxon into a three-way situation, leaving Saxon horrified and disgusted as the truth dawns on him in the light of day.
Schwarzenegger, who was initially excited to join the cast of The White Lotus, admits he was unaware of the extent of his character's storyline when he auditioned. “I was ecstatic,” he shares with Entertainment Weekly, reflecting on the surreal experience of landing the role without knowing the complete script. As he read through episodes five and six, he found himself astonished by the shocking twists, especially the controversial themes that the series boldly tackles.
Addressing the sensitive nature of the plot, which delves into the taboo of incest, Schwarzenegger expressed his trust in creator Mike White. He noted White's exceptional track record in crafting engaging narratives that spark conversation. “It’s going to be great... it’ll be very White Lotus,” he says, showcasing his confidence in the project.
Jason Isaacs, who plays Saxon's father, commended Schwarzenegger's performance, especially in scenes where Saxon transitions from an arrogant character to a vulnerable individual, grappling with the fallout of his actions. Isaacs pointed out the brilliance in how the narrative unfolds, with Saxon’s power dynamics shifting dramatically throughout the episode.
Schwarzenegger echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the emotional journey Saxon undergoes as he grapples with the reality of the previous night. “What the f--- happened?!”, he reflects on his character's internal struggle, highlighting the complexity of his role as he confronts the consequences of his actions.
Regarding the intimate scenes in "Denials," Schwarzenegger praised the environment established by the The White Lotus team. With the presence of an intimacy coordinator and a closed set, the actors felt secure while portraying such sensitive material. “Mike is there holding down the fort... making sure that everyone is extremely comfortable,” he explained, underscoring the professionalism involved in filming these challenging scenes.
The electrifying and often controversial episodes of The White Lotus continue to captivate audiences. Tune in every Sunday at 9 p.m. ET/PT on HBO or stream it on Max to witness the unfolding drama and complex character arcs that have made this series a cultural phenomenon.
