(may contain spoilers)
Douban rating: 8.0
Director: Mike White
Starring: Murray Bartlett, Connie Britton, Jennifer Coolidge, Jake Lacy, Alexandra Daddario
Douban Comments: “This is a satirical allegory set in white society, with beautiful scenery. The story takes place at a resort designed as a vacation spot for “white lotuses.” It starts like a typical Hollywood drama, using a death to create suspense. But what’s more engaging is how it uses vivid, real-life anthropology cases to reflect on, and sometimes mock, political correctness. Although it deals with some ‘first world problems’, it still offers a valuable lesson in self-reflection.
One scene, where an older woman gets a spa treatment, is both funny and bittersweet – making you laugh and feel a little sad at the same time. Under the water, turtles swim gracefully, and the sparkling waves bring back memories of HBO’s Enlightened from ten years ago. Mike White’s exploration of the human spirit still feels familiar and touching.
This series has the potential to be another HBO Max gem, following Hacks.”
“The music, opening credits, filters, and scenery are all really well done. This resort definitely made me want to visit – it looks amazing. It’s a high-quality show, no doubt, but personally, I didn’t really like it.
The white characters use alcohol, ketamine, and affairs (with both men and women) to deal with their stress. Honestly, they just seem too bored. As for feminism, even a strong, successful woman like the finance manager still has to forgive her white husband who’s cheated on her multiple times. At home, she’s the one running around, moving furniture, and taking care of everything. There’s this scene where she’s making the bed for her son, and the husband – who’s just found out he doesn’t have cancer – is just sitting there chatting with their daughter, not helping at all.
The daughter is actually an interesting character. I think she has some really cute sides to her, even if she’s a bit sharp-tongued. I wasn’t surprised when the son chose to stay behind and go rowing. Totally saw that coming.
The mama’s boy is seriously annoying. And never discuss business partnerships with emotionally unstable investors. Even worse, don’t talk about work with a girl who’s totally obsessed with her love life. She’ll drop her friends in a second to run after some guy. Just like how some women cut off years of friendship without hesitation once they get married.”
“One of the best American TV shows of the year, and also one of the most layered and rich in its themes in recent years. In just a few days of vacation, the story keeps playing with satire about social class and identity politics. It explores the echo chambers of the upper class, their exploitation of those beneath them, and a kind of spiritual disillusionment about the ‘big and small hungers’ (like in Burning or Parasite).
All of this is wrapped up in a sharp, high-level style of American dark comedy, turned up to the max. Almost every scene is full of biting sarcasm and ironic little ideas. And even in the final second, the show is still trapped in the very dilemma it’s been mocking all along.”
