Title: Wanting More White Lotus? These 3 Chic Films Provide Luxe Getaways and Social Commentary
If HBO’s The White Lotus has you desiring more sun-kissed drama, lavish locations, and sharp societal critique, you’re in good company. The acclaimed anthology series has emerged as a cultural touchstone, mixing dark wit with breathtaking vacation scenery and profoundly flawed individuals. While fans anticipate the upcoming season’s dive into paradise-taken-awry, there are several cinematic treasures that can help satisfy that craving.
Whether you’re captivated by the show’s incisive satire, its voyeuristic glimpse into the lives of the wealthy elite, or simply the escapist allure of its exotic settings, these three films serve up a similar blend of luxury, dysfunction, and existential angst — all beautifully presented.
1. Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery (2022)
– Vibe: Opulent murder mystery laced with satire
– Destination: A secluded Greek island
Imagine if The White Lotus and Clue had a stylish, slightly deranged offspring — it would be Glass Onion. Directed by Rian Johnson, this Netflix sequel to Knives Out exchanges cozy New England homes for a sun-drenched billionaire’s getaway in Greece. A circle of rich, eccentric friends comes together for a murder mystery weekend led by a tech mogul — but the game soon turns fatal.
Daniel Craig reprises his role as the flamboyant detective Benoit Blanc, maneuvering through a labyrinth of secrets, deceptions, and outrageous characters. Much like The White Lotus, Glass Onion cleverly critiques the elite with style and wit, providing a glossy, escapist experience that serves as commentary on contemporary privilege. The Mediterranean backdrop, high fashion, and sharp dialogue make it an essential watch for enthusiasts of sunny suspense.
2. The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014)
– Vibe: Quirky nostalgia meets continental turmoil
– Destination: A fictional European mountain resort
Wes Anderson’s The Grand Budapest Hotel is a visual delight set in a fictional Eastern European nation during the interwar years. The narrative follows the escapades of Gustave H., a meticulous concierge at a once-renowned mountaintop hotel, alongside his devoted lobby boy, Zero. Together, they find themselves involved in a saga of stolen artwork, family rivalries, and political unrest.
With its precise symmetry, pastel hues, and eccentric ensemble, The Grand Budapest Hotel presents a unique form of luxury — one infused with vintage charm and wistful beauty. Like The White Lotus, it strips away the layers of a seemingly idyllic facade to uncover the disorder and absurdity lurking below. It’s a tribute to hospitality, heritage, and the transient nature of grandeur.
3. Somewhere (2010)
– Vibe: Gentle, sun-soaked self-reflection
– Destination: Chateau Marmont, Los Angeles
Directed by Sofia Coppola, Somewhere is a reflective journey through fame, loneliness, and fatherhood, set against the backdrop of Hollywood’s most legendary hotel. Stephen Dorff stars as Johnny Marco, a weary movie star drifting through a life filled with parties, promotional events, and hollow interactions — until his young daughter (Elle Fanning) unexpectedly arrives to stay with him.
In contrast to the high drama of The White Lotus, Somewhere unfolds quietly, capturing the emotional void that often accompanies an extravagant lifestyle. The film’s leisurely flow and sun-drenched aesthetic evoke a similar sense of ethereal detachment that resonates with White Lotus, making it an ideal refreshment for those seeking a more contemplative retreat.
Final Boarding Call
As we await the next season of The White Lotus to whisk us away to another opulent setting brimming with intrigue and scandals, these films provide a similarly captivating mix of beauty, satire, and existential discomfort. Whether you favor the high-stakes suspense of a murder mystery, the stylized allure of a past era, or the subtle longing of a soul-searching staycation, there’s a cinematic escape here for every kind of armchair voyager.
So make yourself a spritz, fluff your imaginary hotel pillow, and hit play — your next getaway is just a film away.
