Warning: Spoilers ahead forEpisode SixofThe White LotusSeason Three.It started from the very first episode.
Saxon is talking to his younger brother, Lochlan (Sam Nivola).
Later in the first episode, the brothers conversation turns to masturbation.
Fabio Lovino/HBO
Throughout its run,CMBYNwas beset by accusations of queerbaiting and queer erasure.
The main criticisms were twofold: First, both actors were, at least publicly, straight.
And secondly, there was a notable lack of gay sex in the film.
(What did you say, queerbaiting?
The most obvious factor is a change in attitudes.
Queerbaiting isnt only an accusation leveled at scripted TV dramas and films.
Singer Hayley Kiyokowrote on Twitterthat Girls did more harm than good for the LGBTQ+ community.
A song like this just fuels the male gaze while marginalizing the idea of women loving women … Again, in hindsight, the reaction seemed severe.
(This iswhat happenedwith the 2019 Freddie Mercury biopicBohemian Rhapsody, starring Rami Malek.)
Congrats for forcing an 18-year-old to out himself.
I think some of you missed the point of the show.
Haigh was asked about gay actors for gay roles, and gave an answer I found refreshing.
Im paraphrasing here, but he basically said sometimes it matters, sometimes it doesnt.
But for Mescals character, this wasnt so important to him.
This might be because queer stories whoever theyre being portrayed by are becoming more complex and nuanced.
Even so, the films Very Online fandom didnt seem fussed.
Unlike ourWhite Lotus duo, Patrick and Art arent blood relatives, but they might as well be.
(Or as he puts it: Money, freedom, respect, and pussy.)
And were never quite sure the extent to which their relationship is sexual for Lochlan.
Or does he just want to impress his big brother?
Saxon soon learns that, in a drug-fueled haze, his little brother jerked him off.
Its pretty difficult to get high-and-mighty about gay actors for gay roles!
when confronted with incest.
