Spirituality
White Lotus Style
Saxon Ratliff from HBO Max The White Lotus
The White Lotus - HBO Max’s hit series dives into finding spirituality
In Season 3 of HBO's The White Lotus, Saxon Ratliff, portrayed by Patrick Schwarzenegger, undergoes a profound spiritual transformation that challenges his initial persona as a superficial and hedonistic young businessman. This evolution is intricately woven into the narrative, reflecting themes of self-discovery and redemption. Wikipedia, l'enciclopedia libera+13The White Lotus Wiki+13Engelsberg ideas+13
At the outset, Saxon epitomizes the modern male—constantly seeking the next thrill and displaying a shallow demeanor. In Saxon’s case, the next thrill is anew female conquest that “makes him a man”. He is constantly trying to get his younger brother to “man up” by making him drink awful tasting smoothies. His journey toward spirituality is catalyzed by his interactions with Chelsea, played by Aimee Lou Wood.Chelsea's genuine belief in soulmates and her engagement with spiritual literature. She refuses to “get with him” even though there are many opportunities. She at one point calls him “soulless”
The setting of the Thai wellness resort serves as a pivotal backdrop for Saxon's metamorphosis. Immersed in an environment that emphasizes mindfulness and self-reflection, he attempts to read the few books she has literally thrown at him.
When he arrives at the Thai wellness resort, the family is seeking an interview with a Buddhist for his sister. He arrives with sunglasses, hiding his ‘inner soul” and creating the persona that he is just a shell of a young man identified as wealthy. He doesn’t even think about his own identity, rather he adopts the identity of his father - the easiest thing to do.
A significant moment in Saxon's spiritual journey is his participation in meditation sessions, which become a medium for his self-exploration. These scenes, resonating with audiences, have been widely discussed and shared, highlighting their impact on his character development.
By the season's conclusion, Saxon's transformation is evident. He is now reading the books (even though he is hiding them from his family) He shifts from a pleasure-seeking individual to someone yearning for deeper meaning and connection. This evolution underscores the series' exploration of spirituality amidst the opulence and moral ambiguity of its characters. Saxon leaves the island reading another spiritual book, he has removed the sunglasses. Saxon’s journey serves as a testament to the possibility of personal growth and redemption, even within a world (and family) rife with superficiality and excess