The third season of The White Lotus has certainly generated waves of controversy, particularly due to the shocking incestuous storyline between Lochlan Ratliff (Sam Nivola) and his brother, Saxon (Patrick Schwarzenegger).
In a series known for its bold and provocative storytelling, this plot twist stands out as one of the most jarring to date. Nivola’s character, Lochlan, and Schwarzenegger’s Saxon share an uncomfortable, deeply problematic bond that escalates throughout the season, culminating in a disturbing sequence that has left audiences both captivated and repelled.
Sam Nivola has spoken out about the controversial incest storyline on The White Lotus, which fans have called 'disturbing' following the latest episode.
From the moment viewers first catch a glimpse of Lochlan and Saxon’s strained dynamic, a sense of unease settles in. The growing tension between the brothers becomes clear when Lochlan is seen watching Saxon naked in the bathroom, raising immediate concerns about their complicated relationship. The discomfort continues as Saxon bombards Lochlan with invasive questions about his sex life. As the series progresses, the tension culminates in a drunken kiss at a Full Moon Party, which takes a darker turn in episode six when Lochlan performs a sex act on Saxon after the party.
This storyline has provoked intense reactions online, with many fans describing it as “disturbing” and “unsettling.” On the other hand, there are those who believe that the shocking twist could be more nuanced, with some speculating that the brothers may not be biological siblings after all, or that their relationship is more of a psychological exploration of repressed desires and family dynamics.
Sam Nivola has openly discussed the discomfort and awkwardness of filming the incest scenes with his close friend, Patrick Schwarzenegger. The 21-year-old actor described the experience as "weird" due to their strong friendship, adding that kissing Schwarzenegger felt strange given their bond and the fact that both actors are straight. "It felt sort of f**ked up," Nivola explained, acknowledging the emotional and physical challenges of performing such intimate and controversial scenes.
Despite the unease, Nivola stressed that he trusted the direction of The White Lotus creator Mike White, knowing that the show often features shocking, intense moments that serve a greater narrative purpose. "It’s kind of impossible for it to not be charged when you’re literally naked with all these cameras in front of you," he said, reflecting on the trust between the cast and creator.
Viewers’ reactions to the incest storyline have been varied, with some expressing their discomfort on social media, calling the plotline one of the most disturbing elements they have witnessed in television. One fan tweeted, “The brothers from The White Lotus are disturbing me,” while another declared, “This is some of the most disturbing television I’ve watched, maybe ever.”
However, others have defended the storyline, arguing that it adds a layer of complexity to the show’s exploration of family dynamics, psychological trauma, and power imbalances. Some fans even theorized that the brothers might not be related by blood, suggesting that the shocking reveal could take a different direction entirely.
Both Patrick Schwarzenegger and Sam Nivola have spoken out in defense of the incest plot, emphasizing the psychological depth behind the shocking events. Schwarzenegger noted the complexity of his character's emotions, highlighting the internal conflict that Saxon faces after the intimate encounter. "There’s some sensationalism, but then there’s also the stuff behind the wall of the character and what he’s dealing with in the conflict of what just happened," Schwarzenegger explained. "What is that going to do to who he thinks he is?"
Nivola echoed these sentiments, stressing that the disturbing scenes were not designed simply for shock value, but to serve the overall narrative. "It always serves the story," he remarked, noting that Mike White’s writing often takes bold risks that explore human emotions and complex relationships.
While The White Lotus' incest storyline is undoubtedly shocking, it is part of a broader trend in film and television that has explored taboo and controversial topics, including incest. Here are ten films and shows that similarly delve into the complex and uncomfortable subject of incest:
Marguerite & Julien (2015)
This French drama tells the story of an aristocratic brother and sister who escape society’s constraints to pursue a passionate and forbidden love. Their relationship ultimately leads to tragedy.
Torn Apart (2006)
A disturbing love story about a brother and sister whose bond grows into an intimate and life-altering relationship, resulting in irreversible consequences.
Spring Night, Summer Night (1967)
A half-brother and half-sister have a fling, which becomes complicated when the sister discovers she is pregnant. The film explores the impact of their illicit relationship on their family and their future.
Ordeal by Innocence (2018)
A British mini-series where familial secrets come to light after a philanthropist's murder, including the potentially disturbing relationship between adopted siblings.
Shell (2012)
A 17-year-old girl lives in isolation with her father in the Scottish Highlands. Their intense emotional bond leads to unsettling complications and ambiguities about their relationship.
Fighting Fish (2010)
The return of a sister to her brother’s life causes old emotional scars to resurface, creating an intense and dysfunctional family dynamic that includes hints of incest.
Spanking the Monkey (1994)
This dark comedy follows a medical student who must cancel his summer internship to take care of his bedridden mother, resulting in a deeply uncomfortable relationship between the two.
The Color Wheel (2011)
A road trip taken by a brother and estranged sister reveals both their deep animosity and underlying emotional dependence on one another.
Bror (2019)
This short film explores the tension and emotional complexities when two adopted siblings, who have not seen each other since childhood, reconnect and experience unexpected feelings.
The House of Yes (1997)
This dark comedy centers on a mentally unbalanced young woman who has an obsessive, incestuous attachment to her brother, leading to tragic and violent consequences.
Incest: Exploring the Reasons, Legalities, and Punishments
Incest, the act of engaging in a sexual relationship with a close family member, is a deeply taboo subject in most societies around the world. It raises complex moral, psychological, and legal questions due to its potential for harm, both to individuals and society at large. This article explores the reasons behind incestuous relationships, the legal frameworks that govern such acts, and the punishments that are typically meted out to those found guilty of incest.
While incest is generally considered unacceptable, it is important to examine the factors that contribute to such relationships in order to better understand their causes.
In some cases, incestuous relationships may stem from psychological or emotional dysfunction within families. For example, some individuals may be drawn into these relationships due to emotional isolation, trauma, or a distorted perception of familial roles. A child who grows up in an abusive or dysfunctional family environment may lack the necessary boundaries and emotional understanding to differentiate between healthy and unhealthy relationships. As a result, they may become vulnerable to developing or participating in incestuous behaviors.
Another factor contributing to incest is inappropriate attachment or emotional dependency. In extreme cases, a person might develop an unhealthy emotional bond with a family member due to a lack of emotional intimacy or support from peers and the outside world. This can lead to the desire for an intense connection, even in a romantic or sexual form, with a close relative.
In many cases of incest, especially those involving minors, there is a significant power imbalance between the individuals involved. An adult family member, in particular, may exploit their power and authority to coerce or manipulate a younger family member into participating in sexual acts. This dynamic often involves psychological abuse, where the younger person may feel unable to resist or report the behavior due to fear, intimidation, or a lack of understanding of what is acceptable.
From a genetic standpoint, incest can be harmful due to the increased risk of passing on harmful genetic mutations. Inbreeding leads to a higher probability of genetic disorders, as it amplifies recessive genes that might otherwise be masked in more genetically diverse pairings. Evolutionary biology suggests that incest avoidance is a natural instinct, as many species, including humans, are biologically programmed to avoid mating with close relatives to preserve genetic diversity and reduce the risk of hereditary diseases.
Despite the potential genetic consequences, in some isolated or insular communities where familial boundaries are blurred, incestuous relationships may occur, often out of necessity or cultural practices. However, such behavior is often the exception rather than the rule and remains heavily stigmatized.
Incest is widely prohibited across the globe, with laws designed to protect individuals from sexual exploitation and the harmful effects of inbreeding. However, the exact legal definition and punishment for incest vary depending on the country or region.
Most countries define incest as sexual relations between close blood relatives, which often include parents and children, siblings, and in some cases, extended family members such as aunts, uncles, and cousins. The legal codes that govern incest typically seek to protect minors from sexual abuse and ensure that family members do not exploit their position of power within the family unit.
In many jurisdictions, incest is considered a felony with severe consequences. For example, in the United States, laws vary by state, but incest can carry heavy penalties, including lengthy prison sentences, fines, and mandatory counseling for those convicted. In most European countries, incest laws are similarly stringent, with individuals found guilty facing significant legal repercussions. Some countries also include provisions for incest involving adults in situations where coercion, manipulation, or abuse is involved.
One significant aspect of incest laws is the distinction between consensual and non-consensual incest. In cases where both parties are legally able to consent (i.e., both are over the age of consent), the laws surrounding incest become more complicated. In some countries or states, incest is still criminalized even if both parties agree to the relationship, as society generally views such relationships as inherently exploitative, regardless of consent.
For minors, however, the issue is clear-cut: sexual contact with a minor is considered child abuse regardless of consent. In such cases, the law prioritizes the protection of children and young adults from potential exploitation, recognizing that minors may not have the emotional maturity, autonomy, or ability to fully consent to sexual relationships.
The punishments for incest depend largely on the specific legal system and the nature of the crime. However, the consequences can be both criminal and societal, as incest carries a heavy stigma and can have lifelong psychological and social effects on the victims.
In most legal systems, incest is a serious criminal offense and is subject to severe penalties. These penalties may include:
Imprisonment: Convictions for incest often result in prison sentences, which can range from several years to life imprisonment, depending on the severity of the crime, the victim’s age, and whether coercion or abuse was involved.
Fines: In addition to prison time, individuals convicted of incest may be required to pay substantial fines, further adding to the legal consequences.
Mandatory Counseling or Therapy: In some cases, offenders may be required to undergo psychological counseling or therapy as part of their sentence. This is particularly true in cases where the incest involved manipulation, coercion, or emotional abuse.
Sex Offender Registration: In some jurisdictions, individuals convicted of incest may be required to register as sex offenders, which can lead to long-term consequences for employment, housing, and social relations.
While the legal consequences of incest are significant, the psychological and societal effects on victims and perpetrators alike are far-reaching. Victims of incest often suffer from severe emotional trauma, including anxiety, depression, and issues with trust and self-worth. The effects can be lifelong, and many survivors struggle with relationships, intimacy, and mental health challenges.
Perpetrators of incest, particularly those who are adults, often face social ostracism, leading to the collapse of personal relationships, professional setbacks, and a permanent stigma. In some cases, the societal backlash can be just as damaging as the legal penalties, making it difficult for individuals to reintegrate into society after serving their sentences.
