Sam Nivola on The White Lotus Finale

Caution: Spoiler Warning! This narrative reveals key plot points from the final episode of “The White Lotus” Season 3, currently available on Max.

Who knew Chekhov’s gun would be a protein shake?

In the final episode of “The White Lotus” Season 3, the kind-hearted character Lochlan Ratliff, portrayed by Sam Nivola, almost cut his vacation short due to an unfortunate incident involving a smoothie made from fruits from the potentially deadly tree outside his lavish villa. The show’s creator, Mike White, had subtly hinted at Lochlan’s disastrous efforts to build muscle since the very first episode, when the hotel staff member Pam (Morgana O’Reilly) cautioned the family about the toxic fruits growing right outside their door. Adding to the suspense were repeated shots of a blender and numerous conversations about protein shakes initiated by Lochlan’s older brother and role model, Saxon (Patrick Schwarzenegger). This suggested that the protein drinks would play a significant role in the storyline.

Despite losing Rick and Chelsea in a tragic episode with a high death toll, White surprisingly showed mercy towards Lochlan. As Lochlan lay weak by the poolside, unable to call for help, he began to hallucinate. He saw four figures above him underwater. Meanwhile, his father Timothy Ratliff (Jason Isaacs) stirred from a deep slumber induced by Lorazepam, only to find his youngest son, Lochlan, lying on the patio in critical condition. Fearing the worst, Timothy learns that Lochlan’s condition isn’t as dire as initially thought. Lochlan spits out more of the tainted protein shake and gazes up at Timothy. “I believe I’ve just seen God,” he tells his father, who tenderly holds him close.

As a movie enthusiast, I can’t help but feel elated by the news of Lochlan’s return to life. You see, it was my actions that almost led to his demise. In a moment of recklessness, I concocted a potent mix – rum, pineapple colada, and that deadly fruit I had mentioned earlier. The intention was there, but thankfully, at the brink of disaster, I hesitated. As we clinked our glasses together, the drinks slipped from our hands, and I feebly justified it by saying the “coconut milk had gone bad.

Additionally, it resolves Nivola’s storyline, featuring a slumber party at a Buddhist monastery with his sister Piper (Sarah Catherine Hook) and a boat trip culminating in an awkward moment between him and his brother Saxon, to a fulfilling end. This role has propelled the 21-year-old actor, who had previously appeared in minor roles in Noah Baumbach’s “White Noise” and Netflix’s miniseries starring Nicole Kidman titled “The Perfect Couple,” into a higher echelon of stardom.

After the final episode of “The White Lotus” aired, leaving the Ratliffs with a vague future due to Tim’s financial mishaps potentially limiting their luxuries, Nivola had a conversation with EbMaster.

I’m so happy you’re alive.

Me too!

Was it hard to keep what happens in the finale a secret from people in your life? Were friends trying to get you to spoil things?

Absolutely, let me be straightforward now that everything’s over. I must admit, I shared more details about it than I should have. I confided in many of my friends and family, but they are all individuals I hold in high trust, believing them capable of keeping secrets.

What was it like to shoot your “death scene” with Jason Isaacs?

Strangely enjoyable was the experience. This was my first time playing a character who dies in a production. It’s intriguing since it’s something I’ve never encountered in reality. Acting out unfamiliar situations can be amusing, especially when you don’t know what the genuine feeling is like. However, it was bittersweet because during filming, Jason made me feel like my father. He’s one of my closest friends. It was tough to hold back tears while he was holding me and yelling. I had to remain completely limp. Yet, it was comical because he often had to slap me to try waking me up. He joked, “I think I need to do this for the story to be more authentic. I have to really try to wake you up.” I responded, “Absolutely. I get it.” Between each take, he’d say, “I love you. I’m truly sorry.

Did anyone tell you that during the finale “twink death” and “twink resurrection” were trending on social media?

Indeed, that’s quite amusing! I was there for a special screening of the series finale, which I viewed for the very first time, followed immediately by a Q&A session. Consequently, this is the first time I’ve been on my phone since the episode aired.

When episodes came out, did you follow the online chatter?

I have a 15-year-old sister who often shares content with me on Instagram. However, I don’t use TikTok or Twitter, where most of the intense responses are generated. Yet, it’s quite bizarre experiencing discussions about myself. It’s entertaining to witness the reactions and the humorous language people employ when describing such topics.

Are you surprised by what they latch onto?

During filming, our main focus was on figuring out what audiences would find endearing. It was widely recognized that Parker Posey’s accent would quickly become iconic. Her humor and over-the-top personality made it impossible not to adore her.

In the finale, you have a conversation with Saxon where you address their encounter on the boat. What did you make of Lochlan’s explanation for what happened between them?

As a devoted cinema enthusiast, I must say that Saxon seems more balanced compared to Lochlan. It’s truly heartbreaking to witness the authenticity in which Lochlan portrays his character, especially in that scene. He embodies the essence of a “people pleaser,” striving tirelessly to bring joy and satisfaction to others. If he perceives himself as failing in this mission, he feels isolated and lonely. Regrettably, this isolation pushes him towards actions that are not only self-destructive but also lead him to be shunned by those around him.

In my opinion, that poignant conversation serves as a catalyst for Lochlan’s subsequent actions. Feeling rejected by his brother and longing for connection, he resolves to hit the gym and work out, hoping to bridge the gap. However, it’s the protein shake he concocts in an attempt to feel closer that nearly proves fatal.

Is the brothers’ relationship irreparably damaged or can be fixed?

The bond between them seems permanently broken, with little chance of returning to the level of closeness they once had. While it’s hard to predict if they’ll completely cut off contact, I believe they might attempt to move on by suppressing their feelings about the incident, hoping to forget it ever occurred. However, such a profound and traumatic event is difficult to erase from memory.

You also have a poignant scene with your father where he asks you if you could live without money. Was Lochlan was being truthful when he said he would be fine being poor?

In my opinion, it was clear that Jason had a specific reason for not offering me the cocktail when making them for others, which we discussed frequently during production. This decision seemed intentional, as if he believed I was the only one who wouldn’t mind. He may have thought that both Piper and myself were the most practical and grounded members of the family, individuals who didn’t rely on wealth as a support. However, it becomes evident midway through the episode that Piper is not like that at all, and she shares more traits with her mother. Despite Lochlan having many flaws, one positive aspect about him is his relentless pursuit of self-discovery over anything else.

By the end of the show, how much progress has Lochlan made in terms of figuring out his own identity?

As a film enthusiast, I have to admit that I believe the protagonist hasn’t produced any profound revelations throughout the series. A pivotal scene occurs when he seemingly returns from the dead and claims, “I swear I just glimpsed divinity.” It might seem like he’s found the answers, but I’m not convinced. He continues to grapple with his purpose, which underscores the realistic portrayal of the show. Characters in this series are often transformed by the chaotic events that unfold within the hotel, yet some remain untouched. It mirrors life, where individuals undergo transformation, but equally, many stay unchanged, depending on their personalities and circumstances.

When he’s hallucinating, who are the figures he’s seeing through the water?

In the script, that part wasn’t included. I experienced those hallucinations during that scene for the first time. If I had to make an educated guess, it seems like he cherishes his family deeply and they are what he’s preoccupied with as he’s nearing his end. However, there’s a hint of dramatic irony considering his complex dynamics with each one of them.

That scene wasn’t in the original script, I saw those hallucinations for the first time during that sequence. It seems like he has a strong bond with his family and they are his thoughts as he’s dying. Yet, there’s an element of irony given his complicated relationships with them all.

Did you guys speculate at all about what happens when the Ratliffs actually get their phones and find out that their father is caught up in a financial crime and might be going to jail? Oh, and that all their money is gone?

As a cinema enthusiast, I can’t help but express my concerns about the characters in our recent viewing. The question that lingers in my mind is, “What’s next for Saxon?” Frankly, it seems uncertain. It appears that most of them are so entangled with money that they can hardly survive without it. Perhaps I’ll manage, but I have my doubts about Lochlan and his financial situation. However, I suspect he has a multitude of other challenges to tackle.

What problems is Lochlan dealing with?

He’s in the midst of an identity crisis. He just jerked his brother off. He’s totally lost.

Do you think that he will figure out how he got so sick? Will he know what his father put in the blender?

It seems unlikely to me, as I believe if it had happened, he would have shared the news with someone by now, leading to discussions on the way home. Instead, it appears he may have mistaken it for food poisoning, which is fairly common among travelers from America.

What was the experience of making the show like?

The time difference of twelve hours from your location to New York meant minimal communication with others, providing less distractions and allowing a deep immersion into the characters. The only individuals you interacted with were those portraying your family members. A strong bond was formed, one that remains today. Additionally, the experience felt strange and unsettling, as the lifestyles depicted in the show were far from normal and often morally questionable. This was intentional, serving to highlight the corrupting influence of wealth on people. Living in a luxury hotel for seven months also contributed to this feeling.

Do you get recognized in public a lot more now?

For the past month, I’ve been engrossed in filming a movie in North Carolina, distancing myself from many things. However, a brief trip back to New York over the weekend for a photo shoot led to an unexpected turn of events. On St. Patrick’s Day, my girlfriend and I stepped out, only to find myself being approached by strangers on the street. This was a unique experience for me, as it’s the first time something like this has happened in my life. It’s heartwarming to know that strangers appreciate your work enough to interrupt their day and acknowledge you. Yet, it also brings up questions about privacy. Recently, I found myself being disturbed during a flight while taking a nap, just so someone could snap a picture with me. That felt intrusive.

Nearly every season of “White Lotus” starts with a new cast, but a few characters like Tanya, Greg, and Belinda, have returned. Do you hope Lochlan comes back too?

1) I’m not sure he will, but I’ll follow wherever Mike directs me. It seems he wants to maintain a connection stemming from Tanya. The entire situation revolves around her and her finances. My hunch is that Nick Duvernay (the actor playing Belinda’s son) might reappear next, given that he and Belinda are suspected of taking the money.

Did Lochlan go to UNC or Duke?

That’s the least of his worries.

This interview has been edited and condensed.

2025-04-07 09:18