I had not heard of the HBO show THE WHITE LOTUS until everyone started writing about the gay rimming scene. Perhaps that was the gimmick needed to pull this excellent show into the general conversation, but it deserves all of the attention.
THE WHITE LOTUS, created by Mike White, follows the classic formula as old as Agatha Christie: bring a group of eccentric characters together in an exotic location, and see who survives. Literally, as we learn in the opening moments of the series a body is being loaded into a plane for a return to the US before the series flashes back and the fun begins.
The cast is excellent, and the material lets than all shine. Steve Jahn and Connie Britton are a ‘war of the roses’ long married couple with three strange teens in tow. Murray Bartlett is hilarious as the resort’s gay general manager who falls way off the wagon which ultimately rolls over him. Jennifer Coolidge is getting lots of praise for her performance as a woman of a certain age still lugging around her mother’s ashes. That core ensemble Is supported by many others who do indelible work.
THE WHITE LOTUS tiptoes around some issues with wealth inequality and white privilege, but none of those discussion stand in the way of a well told tale that you will enjoy.
Perhaps the most distinctive element of the production is the thrilling score by Cristobal Tapia de Veer which combines traditional island music with percussive undertones and harmonies which add texture and tension to terrific storytelling.