I came into White Lotus expecting some kind of tense, dreadful experience. After all, the show's eerie opening and foreboding first scene indicate nothing contrary to this. Instead, I was greeted with a witty, thought-provoking commentary on the status quo of modern-day society. The 6 episode season follows 4 distinct story arcs, each one as interesting and eyebrow-raising as their counterparts. Whether it be following Mark on his journey to finding his masculinity (during his family vacation btw) or laughing at the absurdity of Tanya (Jennifer Coolidge does it again), I was always excited about what was in store for these characters. Each arc is distinct, with occasional intersections to give the show a sense of cohesion. Hilarious writing and fine-point delivery keep the show light as it discusses these heavy themes. The pacing is impeccable; looking back, it's hard to believe just how much our characters went through in just 6 episodes (and it all happens so naturally). But after the laughing stops, The White Lotus leaves you with a sense of dread. The story's tragedy is simple - the rich are giants, stepping on the rest of society and leaving them to pick up the pieces left behind. The cinematography of the show meaningfully heightens the experience. Tight camera angles keep us grounded as if we are a resident of this hotel. We wake up with these characters, go to breakfast with them, experience activities with them, and sit at the dinner table with them. In-between story beats are beautiful shots of the island's natural beauty, evoking a feeling of majesty but also forcing you to witness the corruption of tourism. The OST constantly envokes feelings of trepidation, a core part of experiencing this "tragedy." The poignant satire alone makes this season a must-watch, but the rest of the show's elements come together to create a truly profound work of art. Do not miss season 1 of The White Lotus. 9.1/10