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Uncovering the Shocking Incest Twist on The White Lotus: Experts Weigh In on TV’s Taboo Exploration

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The Ratliff brothers have always given off an odd vibe. They frequently discuss each other’s intimate relationships. They engage in self-pleasure without any privacy barriers, even when they share rooms. They often observe one another while asleep. As the fans of White Lotus began to feel uncomfortable, the brothers seemed to push the limits of what is considered acceptable during the early episodes of Season 3. Now, Lochlan and Saxon have gone too far.

In Episode 5, there was a surprising moment between Saxon (Patrick Schwarzenegger) and Lochlan (Sam Nivola), where they shared a kiss while under the influence of drugs and alcohol, instigated by Chloe (Charlotte Le Bon). However, in Episode 6, both brothers are dealing with the aftermath of their drunkenness. As Saxon recovers from his hangover, he is first shocked to recall that he was masturbating next to his brother while Lochlan was having sex with Chloe. But as the day progresses, Saxon’s shock turns to horror when he realizes it was not his own hand, but Lochlan’s, that was touching him.

At the pool, Chloe and Chelsea (Aimee Lou Wood) seem to hint to Saxon about a series of events that happened between the brothers. When Saxon says the brothers were “forced” to kiss, Chloe jokes, “I didn’t make him touch you.” Saxon can’t remember that part of the night because he passed out. Chloe then smiles and says, “Well, I didn’t, so…” Viewers might think Chloe is confusing Saxon with his memory, but later in the episode, Lochlan admits to a similar encounter with his brother while meditating with Piper at a Buddhist retreat. This implies that the incestuous act may have actually occurred.

The actions between the two brothers significantly shift their bond throughout the series. Saxon, who has been tormenting Lochlan by belittling him, pressuring him to exploit women, and even forcing protein shakes on him, portrays Lochlan as weak. Their parents reinforce this image, sending Lochlan for posture training where he’s told to hide behind his “feminine” side. Saxon aims to mold Lochlan into an alpha male like himself, contrasting with the more compassionate, less aggressive man Piper wishes Lochlan to be. Earlier on the yacht, before their kiss, Lochlan warns Saxon, “One day, I’m going to outmaneuver you.” Later, under pressure, Saxon succumbs to drugs and begs his friends not to take advantage of him. However, it is Lochlan who initiates the kiss with Saxon, manipulating their power dynamic by using sex to dominate his brother and turning the situation around, making Saxon a victim instead.

As a devoted movie enthusiast, I’ve always been intrigued by Mike White, the mastermind behind “White Lotus.” In various interviews, he’s openly expressed his desire to tackle controversial themes. Recently, in an insightful profile for The New Yorker, White shared his personal journey following his father, a well-known pastor, who courageously came out as gay.

After this revelation, my father struggled greatly with the need to appear virtuous. He felt compelled to argue, “Gays are just like you, we’re good boys,” to counteract any prejudices. However, I find myself distancing myself from that perspective, choosing not to make such an argument for my career or life. I am not a ‘good boy,’ in the conventional sense he meant it.

For each installment of “The White Lotus,” creator Mike White has been known for crafting complex queer characters with a twist. In the first season, the hotel manager, who happens to be gay, sexually harasses an employee and leaves unpleasant surprises in a snobbish guest’s luggage. Notably, in Season 2, a band of gay men scheme against beloved character Tanya (Jennifer Coolidge), leading to the memorable line, “These gays, they’re trying to kill me!” White hinted at another provocative gay storyline for Season 3 of “The White Lotus,” referring to it as “dangerously Satanic.” Without a doubt, he was alluding to the intense dynamic between Saxon and Lochlan.

In most TV series, incest is seldom depicted. Shows like “Game of Thrones” and “Rome”, while they do contain instances of incest, are set in fantastical or historical contexts where such acts seem distant or less impactful. Even contemporary shows that hint at incest, such as “Cruel Intentions” and “Six Feet Under”, tend to stop short of explicit depiction. A series that portrays this act in a modern setting could spark much debate. However, it’s important to remember that “The White Lotus”, although a fictional show created for our entertainment, presents topics that merit exploration not just from a character standpoint, but also from a real-world perspective as well.

Following the television show, questions arose regarding the frequency of sibling incest in reality, potential family factors contributing to this act, and therapeutic approaches for dealing with actual cases of incest. To gain insight, TIME corresponded with Tanya Rawal and Sona Kaur, consultants at RAINN who frequently collaborate with external organizations on matters of sexual abuse, sometimes even advising on film and TV productions depicting such abuse. They shared their thoughts on the incest plotline in White Lotus and how real-life families may experience incest.

This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.

TIME: How common is incest between siblings?

Incidents of sexual misconduct, including abusive and incestuous relationships, are often not reported due to factors like fear of retribution, embarrassment, and doubts about the seriousness with which authorities will treat such allegations. Victims of incest may hesitate for reasons such as concern for their family’s reputation, loyalty, dependence, or the need to shield loved ones from potential scrutiny. They might also be deterred by societal taboos or confused about the nature of the abuse itself. As a consequence, it’s challenging to gather accurate statistics on incest, as many incidents go unreported and never reach law enforcement or child protection agencies. Even surveys that promise anonymity struggle to provide reliable data about incestuous abuse.

Leading up to this episode, have there been red flags on the show so far that Saxon and Lochlan’s parents, Timothy and Victoria, should have been looking out for?

When we initially encounter the Ratliff siblings on the White Lotus yacht, they’re seated in order of age from left to right, with Saxon shielding his eyes behind sunglasses, Piper blocking out sound with large headphones, and Lochlan enjoying a soda. This arrangement suggests the three wise monkeys and symbolizes their avoidance. From the get-go, it appears that the show is hinting that the parents are the source of trouble, and the children are responding to the toxic environment created by them.

In such instances, parents have multiple chances to take a firmer stance to curb undesirable behaviors, like when Saxon makes disrespectful remarks about Piper’s personal life, clearly making her uneasy. On the whole, Timothy and Victoria seem to turn a blind eye whenever their kids overstep each other’s boundaries.

As you note, Saxon made inappropriate comments about Piper’s sex life. Saxon also masturbated while watching porn in a room with no door next to Lochlan, and Lochlan watched. Then Victoria told a story about her own brother pinning her down and dangling spit above her mouth. How might the dynamic of the whole family unit influence the situation between Saxon and Lochlan?

Rawal’s suggestion implies that there might be something in Victoria’s narrative suggesting she experienced incest with her sibling, which raises questions about the role of the parents in fostering these problematic relationships among their children. In simpler terms, we wonder what actions or lack thereof by the parents could have led to the apparent toxic dynamics between their offspring.

In a similar vein, it appears that Victoria adopts an attitude suggesting all is well, which leads to jokes or dismissals regarding Saxon’s inappropriate sexual remarks. This behavior discourages meaningful discussions about the unease felt among family members, potentially stifling opportunities for resolution.

What are the long-term implications of a sexual encounter between siblings?

As a moviegoer reflecting on a powerful film that tackles the complexities of familial abuse, I can’t help but empathize with the characters who found themselves grappling with the profound emotional turmoil it inflicts. Just like any form of such trauma, the victims often face stigma, isolation, and self-doubt, questioning their own reality and worth.

The mental health repercussions can be severe, with anxiety and depression being common companions. When the perpetrator is someone trusted—a family member—the betrayal runs deep, causing a traumatic rift that leaves victims feeling confused, betrayed, and disillusioned about their own sense of safety and trust.

In an attempt to cope and make sense of this shattered reality, survivors often grapple with denial, inconsistencies in their memories, or suppression of the events altogether. The mind’s natural defense mechanisms can lead to a confusing journey towards healing, as they navigate the complexities of their past, present, and future.

Are there underlying psychological issues to consider?

As a cinema devotee, I must say it’s reasonable for one to assume there might be some underlying psychological issue when it comes to someone initiating an incestuous relationship, given the societal taboo surrounding it. However, it’s crucial to note that many abusive incestuous relationships are more often a product of societal factors that foster an accepting environment for such behavior.

For instance, this could be due to a lack of understanding about healthy family dynamics or a failure on the part of parents to hold themselves accountable – like ignoring inappropriate sexual comments or other boundary violations within the family. This kind of negligence can create a familial atmosphere that is less vigilant against sexual abuse, making it more likely to occur.

In a tight-knit environment where the underlying sentiment is that family matters are confidential, and there’s a strong emphasis on safeguarding the family reputation, it might result in less engagement with external sources of help or understanding, thereby potentially increasing feelings of isolation.

Both parties are under the influence of alcohol and drugs when this happens. How can that impact the situation?

Rawal’s statement can be rephrased as follows: The consumption of alcohol and drugs may greatly impact the flow of any sexual interaction, altering consent and open dialogue. In certain instances, these substances are manipulatively employed to facilitate exploitation, adding another layer of complexity to matters of personal autonomy. Saxon felt uneasy about using drugs, but he experienced a strong societal push to join in, hinting at potentially coercive elements present.

How does a therapist counsel siblings about where the line is and what happens when the line is crossed?

A concerned parent or expert can concentrate on highlighting the significance of setting personal boundaries within families. Furthermore, it’s crucial to affirm rather than question the decision not to engage in sexual activity (as Saxon often does with both Piper and Lochlan).

Rawal proposes that parents and experts can work together to set up healthy boundaries by explaining what’s acceptable and not, covering topics like personal space and consent, and teaching children how to express themselves when a boundary—be it physical, emotional, or mental—has been overstepped. It is essential to identify warning signs such as unease, guilt, secrecy, and pressure, as they frequently suggest that boundaries have been breached.

Discussing positive signs, or what brings joy and mutual regard, is equally important when setting healthy limits. Acting out hypothetical situations can be a useful method for people to learn how to establish and uphold boundaries in a secure and encouraging space. It’s also beneficial for parents and experts to understand typical stages of sexual growth and investigation. This includes gaining knowledge about appropriate inquisitiveness, relationships, and boundary awareness at various age levels.

Anything else that has struck you about the Ratliff family this season?

Kaur’s observation: Personal boundaries frequently become unclear, often being crossed, particularly within the family circle. Open dialogue is seldom prioritized, and individual independence isn’t typically valued. For instance, Saxon tends to mimic his father Tim in various aspects of life, such as working together at the same company and attending Duke University. Moreover, Saxon appears to be encouraging Lochlan to follow in his footsteps, making him consume protein shakes and persistently trying to convince him to engage in intimate relationships during vacations.

The Ratliffs appear to be a flawless family, boasting beauty, wealth, and aristocratic roots. However, the emergence of an incestuous plot is causing doubts about their perfection. It’ll be intriguing to watch how future episodes delve deeper into this theme, shedding light on the complex relationship between Saxon and Lochlan.

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2025-03-24 06:08

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