The waves crashing on the beach in front of the White Lotus Hotel in Hawaii are magnificent.
The waves of neurosis, rights, racial privilege, and confusion that pour into hotel guests are embarrassing, hilarious, revealing, and often just plain sad. It is a classic contrast of corrupt civilization and natural paradise.
Written and directed by Mike White (“School of Rock”, “Enlightened”), “The White Lotus” is a laid-back beach read of a show set on a snake pit; it buzzes amiably, embracing our modern weaknesses, and then suddenly something bites you. A shock of misery, a burst of resignation, a plunge into despair. But the pain doesn’t overwhelm the pleasure, it just adds depth.
The show takes place over a week at the resort and follows a small shipment of exceptionally well-cast newcomers. There’s the powerful businesswoman Nicole (Connie Britton) and her husband Mark (Steve Zahn), their sarcastic college-aged daughter Olivia (Sydney Sweeney) and her equally sarcastic friend Paula (Brittany O’Grady), and her teenage phone addicted son Quinn (Fred Hechinger).
Also arriving is Rachel (Alexandra Daddario), on her honeymoon with the rich and handsome moron Shane (Jake Lacy). And the neurotic whirlwind Tanya (Jennifer Coolidge, just booming) who seeks to throw her late mother’s ashes into the sea.
Fastidious Hotel Manager Armond (Murray Bartlett) and Spa Manager Belinda (Natasha Rothwell) wait to serve them. For a week, these characters will, voluntarily and involuntarily, ignite and lay bare their faded souls.
While wielding a serious satirical bite. The harsh irony of the wealthy whites served and entertained by the island’s natives hangs over everything here, as does the fact that most people at the resort often seem oblivious to the natural beauty that surrounds them.
Is it still Heaven if you don’t notice it is Heaven? “The White Lotus” slips essential questions between the laughs. It’s definitely one of the best TV deals of the year.
“The white lotus”
NOTE: A-
9 p.m. Sunday
HBO
