So, we need to talk about the Ratliff brothers. If you’ve spent any time on the internet over the last year, you’ve definitely seen the memes, the TikTok theories, and the genuine "what did I just watch?" reactions to Lochlan and Saxon White Lotus scenes. Season 3 of Mike White’s social satire took us to Thailand, but honestly, the scenery was often overshadowed by the deeply uncomfortable, boundary-blurring dynamic between the two youngest men of the Ratliff clan.
It wasn’t just "sibling rivalry." It was something much more visceral and, frankly, disturbing.
Why the Lochlan and Saxon White Lotus Dynamic Still Matters
When we first met the family—Timothy (Jason Isaacs), Victoria (Parker Posey), and their three kids—the roles seemed set in stone. Saxon, played with terrifyingly believable frat-boy energy by Patrick Schwarzenegger, was the alpha. He’s the older brother who works for the family business, drinks too many protein shakes, and views the world through a lens of "Money, Freedom, Respect, and P****." Then there’s Lochlan.
Sam Nivola plays Lochlan Ratliff as a shy, almost translucent high school senior. He’s the "beta" to Saxon’s alpha. Or at least, that’s what we thought for the first few episodes.
The reason this pairing stuck with people wasn't just the toxic masculinity. It was the way Mike White slowly cranked up the heat on their co-dependency until it boiled over into something that looked a lot like psychological warfare—or worse. From the very first episode, Saxon’s fixation on his younger brother was... weird. He didn’t just want to mentor Lochlan; he wanted to own his attention. Whether it was Saxon getting irritated when Lochlan tried to help their sister Piper (Sarah Catherine Hook) with a project, or that infamous bathroom scene where Saxon left the door ajar while self-pleasuring, the subtext was screaming.
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That Yacht Scene: The Moment Everything Shifted
For most of the season, Saxon was the one pushing the boundaries. He was the one asking Lochlan what kind of porn he liked and mocking his interest in "suppressive" Buddhism. But episode 5 changed the power dynamic forever.
During a drug-fueled all-nighter on a luxury yacht with Chloe (Charlotte Le Bon), the "timid" Lochlan finally snapped. Or maybe he just woke up. After a day of drinking, he looked at Saxon and whispered, "One day, I’m gonna take you down." It sounded like a joke at the time, but the "spin-the-bottle" game proved otherwise.
When dared to kiss, they didn't just do a quick peck. Lochlan grabbed Saxon’s face and forced a prolonged, non-consensual kiss that left Saxon—the supposed alpha—dazed and visibly shaken. It was a predatory shift that most viewers didn't see coming. By the time the "Denials" episode aired, revealing hazy recollections of a threesome where Lochlan seemed to be the one in control, the internet had essentially melted down.
Breaking Down the Actors Behind the Madness
It’s worth noting that the chemistry (if you can call it that) worked because both actors are phenomenal. Sam Nivola, who you might recognize from The Perfect Couple or White Noise, is actually Hollywood royalty—he's the son of Emily Mortimer and Alessandro Nivola. He brought a "nepo baby" nuance to Lochlan that made the character's eventual descent into his brother's world feel earned rather than forced.
Schwarzenegger, meanwhile, leaned into the "Southern Charm" inspiration Mike White reportedly gave him. He captured that specific brand of wealthy, entitled male aggression that masks a deep-seated insecurity.
What We Learned from the Ratliff Mess
The Lochlan and Saxon White Lotus arc wasn't just there for shock value. It served as a brutal look at how toxic family systems reproduce themselves. While their sister Piper tried to find a "thoughtful" path through spirituality, Lochlan was caught between her light and Saxon’s darkness.
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By the end of the season, it was clear that Lochlan hadn't escaped his brother's influence. He had simply learned how to use it better than Saxon did.
Actionable Insights for Your Next Rewatch:
- Watch the eyes, not the dialogue: In the early pool scenes, Lochlan rarely speaks, but his gaze on Saxon reveals the "longing and discomfort" that Sam Nivola mentioned in interviews.
- Track the "Mirroring": Notice how Lochlan’s posture and clothing slowly start to mimic Saxon’s as the episodes progress, signaling his loss of individual identity.
- Contrast with Piper: Piper is the only one who sees the "weirdness" for what it is. Her reactions are the moral compass of the family, even if no one is listening to her.
The Ratliff storyline reminds us that in the world of The White Lotus, the most dangerous predators aren't the ones in the jungle; they're the ones sharing your hotel suite.