Streaming Sneaks: Wellness turns toxic in February with The White Lotus 3, Apple Cider Vinegar

1 week ago 60

The White Lotus 3

Debuts on Max and HBO on Feb 17

Set in a different country and hotel each season, The White Lotus (2021 to present) follows privileged travellers and the employees who cater to them.

But what starts out as a perfect holiday always goes south and ends with someone going home in a body bag.

The third instalment of this black comedy and murder-mystery anthology series is set in a luxury Thai resort with a wellness programme.

The large ensemble cast includes American actors such as Carrie Coon, Michelle Monaghan, Leslie Bibb, Walton Goggins and Patrick Schwarzenegger, with Natasha Rothwell reprising her role as Belinda, the spa manager from Season 1.

Making her acting debut is Thai singer Lalisa Manobal, also known as Lisa from K-pop girl group Blackpink.

And creator Mike White told The Hollywood Reporter that Season 3 will be a “satirical and funny look at death and Eastern religion and spirituality”.

Why watch it: Expect the show – which has won 15 Emmys, including Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series for its first season, and has been renewed for a fourth – to continue mocking the rich and plumbing the depths of the human psyche.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Debuts on Netflix on Feb 6

Kaitlyn Dever plays an Australian wellness influencer in Apple Cider Vinegar.PHOTO: NETFLIX

This six-episode drama examines the dark side of wellness culture in the Instagram age.

It is loosely based on the true story of Belle Gibson (Kaitlyn Dever), a young Australian woman who falsely claimed to having been diagnosed with brain cancer and other life-threatening diseases – then pretended to heal herself through diet, exercise and alternative therapies.

Together with her frenemy Milla (Alycia Debnam-Carey), she acquires millions of followers online and builds a wellness empire, complete with an app and a cookbook.

But the house of cards eventually comes crashing down.

Why watch it: This is a tidy little morality tale if you get a kick out of stories about fraudsters and con artists – or if you just really hate wellness influencers.

No Taste Like Home With Antoni Porowski

Debuts on Disney+ on Feb 24

Read Entire Article