‘The White Lotus’ star reveals why her storyline can be triggering
“The White Lotus” star Michelle Monaghan talks to Ralphie Aversa about how the female friendship story line is so relatable and toxic.
NEW YORK − You’ve seen Michelle Monaghan on screen for 25 years, in movies from the “Mission: Impossible” series to “Patriots Day” and TV shows such as “Boston Public” and “True Detective.”
Yet nothing has brought the kind of “anticipation and interest” to Monaghan’s life like her role on Season 3 of HBO’s “The White Lotus” (Sundays, 9 ET/PT, and streaming on Max).
“It really is a bit of a cultural phenomenon, and one that is so universally beloved,” says the actress, 48. “I just spent the last couple of months working in Europe, and people are just as excited about the show and the themes of the show as returning to stateside and seeing all of the interest here.”
Monaghan was filming “The Family Plan 2” with Mark Wahlberg. But back in the states, she’s unpacking the actions of her character Jaclyn in Episode 5 of “White Lotus.” Jaclyn tried to play matchmaker for her friend Laurie (Carrie Coon) with Valentin (Arnas Fedaravičius). But after an alcohol-fueled evening of partying, Jaclyn ends up sleeping with Valentin herself. The repercussions will be felt in Sunday’s sixth episode.
“Jaclyn’s holding on to some issues that she has. Maybe she’s not feeling exactly fulfilled at home, and that’s something she hasn’t really shared with her girlfriends yet,” Monaghan says. “She goes looking for some stimulation and validation in other places. (Jaclyn’s) probably going to tell her girlfriends about it the next morning. I don’t think (Jaclyn) thinks it’s going to be a very big deal. So I think that she might be surprised about that.”
In addition to Jaclyn’s night, many fans online are buzzing over the Ratliff brothers, Lochlan (Sam Nivola) and Saxon (Patrick Schwarzenegger), sharing a kiss. The two were partying on a boat with Chloe and Chelsea, and in a drug-induced haze and at the ladies’ urging, Lochlan and Saxon mimicked them and kissed.
“It was very sweet and I adore those two guys so much,” Monaghan says. “This is what (“White Lotus” creator) Mike White does. … He’s got this master of tone. It’s dramatic and it’s comedic and it’s acerbic and shocking at times and very, very confronting. And so I think that’s why people are having a lot of fun with it.”
Season 3 is set in Thailand, where Jaclyn and Laurie are vacationing with their girlfriend Kate (Leslie Bibb). But in last week’s episode, their differences are exacerbated while they are out at a party. Jaclyn and Laurie are doing shots and trying to shout a Russian toast (instead stumbling out “Shia LaBeouf” in the process), while Kate suggests they return to the villa so she can get into her pajamas.
Tensions between the three were already brewing. Leslie, a Texas housewife, reveals in Episode 3 that she goes to church and married a Republican who voted for President Trump (the show was written in 2022 and filmed last year). The revelations create an awkward dinner.
“In real time, people are having these very valid conversations and we’re constantly learning about one another,” Monaghan says. “What’s unique about this relationship, and I think (what) so many of us understand, it’s like we can be lifelong friends and we have shared history. Just because we have that shared history doesn’t mean that we don’t go on to have different life experiences and be impacted in different ways that might change our values. And how all of those things impact conversations and political views is very relevant.”
There are three more episodes on deck (the finale airs April 6). Monaghan calls the addition of Sam Rockwell, Bibb’s real-life partner, “fantastic.”
“There’s drama all the way to the end, so I think you’re not going to be disappointed in terms of the way that is resolved or if it will be resolved,” Monaghan teases. “True to Mike White fashion, the ending is very unexpected and it’s deeply emotional. It’ll be a very satisfying ending.”
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