Okay folks if you are watching the latest season of HBO's "The White Lotus" then you know things are getting seriously twisted. And we have to talk about that kiss. You know the one. Between brothers. Yeah we're going there. Sam Nivola is the actor at the center of this seriously jaw-dropping scene and it is making everyone do a double-take.
The Kiss Heard 'Round the Internet: Sam Nivola and Patrick Schwarzenegger's 'White Lotus' Moment
In Season 3 of "The White Lotus" Sam Nivola plays Lochlan Ratliff and Patrick Schwarzenegger is his bro Saxon. These siblings have always had a bit of an odd vibe but things went completely off the rails at the Full Moon party. Fueled by who knows what these two shared a kiss. Not just a peck either. A full-on kiss. And it was caught on camera for the world to see. People are shocked confused and definitely talking about it!
"F---ed Up" Even Off-Screen: Sam Nivola on the Awkwardness of Filming That Scene
Turns out filming this super intimate scene was just as strange as watching it. Sam Nivola himself told Variety that kissing Patrick Schwarzenegger was "very weird". Why? Because these two are actually good friends in real life. By the time they filmed the scene they were practically brothers already hanging out with the rest of the cast all the time.
Nivola said it "felt sort of f---ed up" kissing someone who felt like family. He even joked that it would have been easier kissing a stranger! Both actors are straight so that added another layer of weirdness to the whole thing. Apparently Patrick Schwarzenegger also found the scene pretty tough to film. Charlotte Le Bon who was also in the scene said Patrick looked like he was going to throw up! Sam on the other hand was more like "Let's just get it done!".
More Than Just Shock Value? The Real Reason Behind the Incestuous Twist in 'The White Lotus'
Okay so it's shocking no doubt but is there more to this incest storyline than just trying to get viewers to gasp? Executive producer David Bernad says yes. He hinted that this twist isn't just for shock value. There is a "specific reason in terms of the narrative storytelling and the larger thematic idea" that creator Mike White is going for. We are promised that as the season unfolds the purpose of this storyline will become clearer and that it will have a "satisfying" conclusion. We are definitely intrigued to see where this is going even if it is a bit uncomfortable to watch.
Sibling Incest in Real Life: Experts Weigh In on the Complex Issue
“The White Lotus” loves to push boundaries and this storyline definitely does that. But it also raises some serious questions about family dynamics and taboos. Time Magazine actually spoke with experts from RAINN (Rape Abuse & Incest National Network) to get some real-world perspective on sibling incest . And what they said is pretty insightful.
Experts point out that incest is sadly underreported for many reasons including fear and shame. They also suggest that family dynamics play a big role. In the show the Ratliff parents seem pretty clueless and hands-off when it comes to their kids' boundaries. The experts note that when parents don't address inappropriate behavior or create healthy boundaries it can contribute to unhealthy family dynamics and even normalize abuse. They also mentioned that alcohol and drugs can complicate things even further blurring lines of consent and agency which is definitely what we see happening in “The White Lotus”.
The RAINN consultants emphasize the importance of open communication personal boundaries and validating individual choices within families. They highlight that healthy families are built on mutual respect clear boundaries and feeling safe and supported not on secrets and pressure to protect a perfect image.
Mike White and Pushing Taboos: Is "Satanic" the Right Word?
“White Lotus” creator Mike White is known for tackling taboo subjects. He even said in an interview that he wanted to touch on taboos this season and that a gay storyline would be "truly Satanic." While the incest storyline is definitely transgressive some might question if "Satanic" is the right word. Is it just shock value or is White using this storyline to explore deeper themes about family power dynamics and societal expectations? That's the big question we are all left with as we keep watching.
Sam Nivola: From Awkward Kisses to Center Stage
Love it or hate it Sam Nivola's performance in "The White Lotus" is getting people talking. He is right in the middle of one of the most controversial storylines on TV right now and it's definitely putting him in the spotlight. Whether you are squirming in your seat during those scenes or fascinated by the complex family dynamics one thing is for sure: Sam Nivola is an actor to watch. This role is definitely going to be a conversation starter and it will be interesting to see what he does next after “The White Lotus” finishes its run. One thing is for sure people will remember Sam Nivola after this season.