Sam Nivola has quickly become a standout talent in the third season of The White Lotus, thanks to his portrayal of Lochlan Ratliff. As the youngest in the Ratliff clan, Lochlan navigates a tricky family dynamic: a distant connection with his dad, Timothy (played by Jason Isaacs), a slightly warmer tie to his quirky mom, Victoria (Parker Posey), and an ongoing effort to support his sister, Piper (Sarah Catherine Hook).
A Tangled Family Web
The strangest bond Lochlan has, though, is with his older brother, Saxon (Patrick Schwarzenegger). Early in the season, their interactions carry an odd vibe—Saxon’s teasing feels uncomfortably flirtatious, and while Lochlan seems open to exploring this dynamic, Saxon comes across as the more unsettling of the two.
Fans Rethink the Ratliff Brothers
After the sixth episode aired, viewers began rethinking their take on the brothers’ peculiar, boundary-pushing relationship. In a recent chat with Variety, Nivola opened up about his experience working with Schwarzenegger and offered his own perspective on the characters and their storyline.
Lochlan’s Gaze: Curiosity, Not Desire
According to Nivola, the moments where Lochlan watches Saxon aren’t meant to be romantic or lustful. “I see Lochlan as someone who just wants to be liked,” he shared. “When he’s looking at Saxon in those private moments, it’s not about attraction. It’s more like he’s observing him, trying to figure him out—‘What’s this guy about? How do I win him over? Could I be more like him?’”