Little Brother Lochlan Is Actually The Evil Brother In ‘White Lotus’
A Reddit theory argues that although Saxon appears to be the most nefarious Ratliff child, Lochlan is actually the predator and true villain of the series.
Does this theory carry any weight? I think it does. Here’s why.
1. Lochlan’s clothing hints he attacks stealthily.
Saxon dresses just like his dad. It shows he blindly follows in his footsteps. But Lochlan, who started the first episodes wearing identical outfits to his dad, changed his outfit to an alligator shirt in Episode 4. Alligators rely on stealth and camouflage, moving quietly through the water with just their eyes and nostrils visible. They patiently blend into their surroundings and strike suddenly, suggesting Lochlan might be preparing for his own unexpected move.
This symbolism is reinforced in the show’s opening credits, which depict an alligator stealthily attacking a white bird. It also curious how a reptile breaks, unnoticed for so long, into Belinda’s room.
2. The “Full Moon Party” episode heavily emphasized role reversal.
So far this season, the show strongly suggests Lochlan has incestuous feelings toward his older brother. In the “Full Moon Party” episode, Lochlan and Saxon take drugs together, and after Chloe and Chelsea dare them, Lochlan kisses Saxon. Saxon appears significantly more intoxicated, and some fans even noticed Lochlan might have spit out his drugs earlier in the evening.
Saxon previously admitted to hooking up with drunk girls while he stayed mostly sober. Now, it’s Lochlan who’s sober, initiating a kiss with Saxon, reversing their usual roles. This dynamic is especially significant when contrasted with Rick’s conversation with his old friend, who describes shifting from wanting to dominate women sexually to wanting to be dominated himself. In this episode, the previously aggressive brother becomes passive, while the passive one takes control.
Earlier that night, Lochlan also warned Saxon directly, “One day, I’m going to take you down.” This is an explicit callout in the screenplay that a role reversal is happening, and Lochlan is taking charge in a way that seems even sinister in how he says it and in his other actions throughout the night. We can’t forget Lochlan peer-pressured Saxon into taking the drugs as well.
3. Lochlan is also referred to as the magician.
Chloe repeatedly calls Lochlan “the little magician.” In Tarot, the Magician represents someone who can realize their desires through manipulation and skill. This nickname underscores how the night’s events align perfectly with what benefits Lochlan. The Magician card symbolizes a powerful person who can manifest their desires into reality – exactly how Lochlan orchestrates the evening.
Of course, this is just a fan theory and we don’t have enough information to say whether Lochlan is a predator. The two could have been equally inebriated and what is shown is that the kiss stops relatively quickly, without Lochlan forcing Saxon to continue. We’ll have to see how Mike White continues this storyline through the remaining three episodes of the season.
