The White Lotus: Episode 6 - Whispering Winds
EXT. THE WHITE LOTUS RESORT - DAY
Various SHOTS of the lush, gorgeous resort. Beautiful palm trees sway in the wind, happy guests enjoy their activities, and pristine waters crash against the golden sandy beach.
INT. THE WHITE LOTUS LOBBY - DAY
PAULA (20's, contemplative) approaches BELINDA (30's, a charming spa manager) near the lobby's grand staircase.
PAULA
Belinda, do you know when Tanya will be back from her massage?
BELINDA
(smiling)
In about an hour or so. Can I give her a message for you?
PAULA
(nods)
Yeah, tell her I have an important update on Kai's situation.
BELINDA
I'll make sure she gets the message.
PAULA
Thanks.
Paula walks away, lost in thought.
INT. LUXURY SUITE - DAY
SHANE (30's, arrogant) and RACHEL (30's, unhappy newlywed) are sitting on the couch. Rachel is flipping through a magazine while Shane checks his phone.
SHANE
We've got a reservation at Tidal tonight. Apparently, it's the best restaurant on the island.
RACHEL
(faking a smile)
Sounds great.
SHANE
(suspicious)
Okay, what's wrong?
RACHEL
Nothing. I just need some fresh air.
She stands up, opens the balcony door, and steps outside.
EXT. LUXURY SUITE BALCONY - DAY
NICOLE (40's, successful, uptight) is leaning against the railing of her own balcony, adjacent to Rachel's. She overhears the conversation.
NICOLE
(cautiously)
Hey, are you alright?
RACHEL
(tries to smile)
Yeah, just adjusting to being married, I guess.
NICOLE
Take it from me, it's an adjustment. But it gets better with time.
Rachel nods, appreciating Nicole's words of wisdom.
INT. THE WHITE LOTUS BAR - DAY
MARK (40's, well-meaning father) sits at the bar. ARMOND (40's, put-together hotel manager) approaches him.
ARMOND
Mark, I just wanted to apologize for the confusion regarding the room.
MARK
(dismissive)
Don't worry about it. It could happen to anyone.
Armond hesitates, then sits down next to Mark.
ARMOND
(sincere)
I'm truly sorry for the inconvenience, and we'll make sure the rest of your stay here is exceptional.
MARK
(taking a sip of his drink)
Apology accepted.
INT. THE WHITE LOTUS SPA - DAY
TANYA (50's, wealthy, eccentric) is lying on a massage table as her masseuse works on her shoulders. She's deep in thought and then abruptly sits up.
TANYA
(startled)
Wait! I need to speak to Paula! Where's my robe?
INT. THE WHITE LOTUS LOBBY - DAY
As Tanya, wearing her robe and flip-flops, enters the lobby, she sees PAULA talking to KAI (20's, island native, hotel staff member) near the front desk. She rushes over to them.
TANYA
Paula, there you are! What's going on with Kai?
As they start to discuss the situation, the CAMERA PANS OUT, giving an aerial view of the stunning White Lotus Resort.
TO BE CONTINUED
The White Lotus: Episode X - Hidden Leaks
INT. THE WHITE LOTUS LOBBY - DAY\n\nA beautiful, sunlit lobby featuring plush white furniture and exotic flowers. Guests mingle as hotel staff cater to their every need.\n\nBELINDA (early 30s, spa manager) is talking to ARMOND (40s, hotel manager) at the concierge desk.\n\nBELINDA\nArmond, the plumbing problem’s gotten worse. The water is dripping onto the massage tables now.\n\nARMOND\n(sighs)\nI’ll call someone to take care of it, Belinda. I have to keep this place impeccable for our guests.\n\nA group of GUESTS passes by them with various water sport equipment. One of them, RACHEL, is taking a selfie to capture the moment.\n\nBELINDA\nSpeaking of guests, what’s the story with the new arrivals?\n\nARMOND\nSmiles on their faces, money in their pockets, and secrets in their hearts. Just like every other guest here, Belinda.\n\nBELINDA\n(smirking)\nYou’re such a poet.\n\nCUT TO:\n\nEXT. THE WHITE LOTUS POOLSIDE - DAY\n\nThe pool is buzzing with activity. Guests lounge on towels, sunbathe or dip in the pool. TYLER (mid-20s) emerges from the water, taking off his goggles, while his girlfriend JENNY watches.\n\nTYLER\n(curious)\nWhat’s the name of the guy who works at the lobby bar? He looks kind of familiar.\n\nJENNY\nthinking\nUmm, I think it's Dillon. Why?\n\nTYLER\nI swear I've seen him before…\n\nCUT TO:\n\nINT. LOBBY BAR - DAY\n\nArmond approaches DILLON (20s, bartender), who’s busy mixing drinks for guests.\n\nARMOND\nDillon! I’ve noticed you’ve been a hit among the guests. How about a pay raise?\n\nDILLON\n(surprised)\nReally, Armond? That'd be amazing!\n\nARMOND\nAnd maybe you can pitch in to help with our little plumbing issue, huh?\n\nDILLON\n(confused)\nI’m a bartender, not a plumber.\n\nARMOND\n(feigned surprise)\nOh? That's too bad. You don't get your raise then.\n\nDillon sighs, defeated.\n\nDILLON\nFine, I’ll take a look.\n\nCUT TO:\n\nINT. SPA - DAY\n\nBelinda massages SOPHIA while chatting with PAOLO. Water drips from the ceiling splashing onto the floor.\n\nSOPHIA\nBelinda, have I told you about my latest scheme? I think it’ll make me millions!\n\nBELINDA\n(skeptical)\nAnother one of your ventures? Which is it this time?\n\nAs Sophia whispers in her ear, the sound of DRIPPING WATER becomes louder. Belinda groans. They all look up.\n\nTO BE CONTINUED
The White Lotus: Hidden Intentions
INT. THE WHITE LOTUS RESORT - DAY
A blissful day at the luxurious Hawaiian resort, The White Lotus. Guests lounge by the pool, sipping cocktails and enjoying the sun.
INT. SPA - DAY
TANYA, a wealthy socialite in her 40s, enjoys a deep-tissue massage. Her masseuse, BELINDA, is a woman in her late 30s, skilled and patient.
TANYA: (moaning) Oh, Belinda, your hands are heaven. If only I could take you back home with me.
BELINDA: (laughing) A tempting offer, but I quite enjoy my life here, thank you.
INT. PAN-ASIAN FUSION RESTAURANT - DAY
QUINN, a college student, eats lunch with his family. They're wealthy, privileged, and not exactly keen on keeping a low profile. Across the table are his mother, NICOLE and father, MARK.
NICOLE: (annoyed) Quinn, are you planning to stay holed up in your room all vacation? You're missing out on connecting with the family.
QUINN: (wryly) It's not like we're doing much bonding out here anyway. Everyone's busy with their own stuff.
NICOLE: (scoffing) Perhaps try putting whatever device you're addicted to down and simply be present.
MARK: (interrupting) Let's not bicker. We're here to relax.
INT. RESORT GYM - DAY
PAULA, a young woman in her 20s, pretends to workout to spy on her boss, CINDY - a woman in her 50s with a no-nonsense attitude. Cindy catches Paula staring and shoots her an icy glare.
PAULA: (acting nonchalant) Cindy! How's the resort treating you? Have you tried any yoga classes?
CINDY: Cut the small talk. I'll see you at the hotel meeting later.
INT. RESORT LOBBY - DAY
Guests bustle around the lobby, forming guided tour groups and lining up for activities.
ARJUN, the diligent concierge, is approached by a couple - ROSIE and KEITH.
ROSIE: Excuse me, we'd like to rent a boat for the day.
ARJUN: Of course, Rosie! Let me just go ahead and set that up for you.
KEITH: It better be worth our money this time. Ever since we got here, we've been barraged by one headache after another. The view from our room was promised to be a sea view, and it's partially blocked by the island.
ARJUN: I'm sorry to hear that. I'll personally do my best to make your boating excursion perfect.
INT. PAN-ASIAN FUSION RESTAURANT - DAY
Belinda is talking with her coworker, JANET.
JANET: So Tanya was flirting with you again?
BELINDA: (smirking) She's harmless. And it's always good for the tip.
Janet notices a reserved-table sign on one of the dining rooms.
JANET: Who's that table for? It doesn't belong to any of our regulars.
BELINDA: I overheard management talking about a VIP guest. A very high-profile celebrity. They're keeping it hush, though.
A mysterious individual, cloaked by a hoodie and sunglasses, enters the restaurant and walks towards the reserved table.
TO BE CONTINUED.
The White Lotus: Episode X
INT. WHITE LOTUS RESORT - LOBBY - DAY
Guests mill about the elegant space, enjoying the luxuries of the resort. ARMOND, the overworked resort manager, spots newcomer KEVIN and his frustrated wife, LINDA.
ARMOND
Welcome, Mr. and Mrs. Simpson! How was your journey?
KEVIN
Well, our room isn't ready yet. You'd think for the price we're paying...
LINDA
Kevin, let it go.
ARMOND
Thank you, Mrs. Simpson. I assure you we're doing our best to prepare your accommodations promptly.
INT. WHITE LOTUS RESORT - ROOM 104 - DAY
A housekeeper, LILA, diligently cleans the room. Suddenly, she hears a radio crackle.
RADIO (V.O.)
Lila, we need you in Room 206, ASAP.
LILA
Can't Armond do it? I'm almost done here.
RADIO (V.O.)
Armond's swamped. Please, it's urgent.
INT. WHITE LOTUS RESORT - ROOM 206 - DAY
Lila enters and is shocked to find an agitated guest, MRS. GORDON, and a broken vase.
MRS. GORDON
There is glass everywhere! This is unacceptable!
LILA
I'm so sorry, Mrs. Gordon. This won't happen again.
MRS. GORDON
See that it doesn't.
INT. WHITE LOTUS RESORT - POOL AREA - DAY
TANYA, an eccentric guest, sips her cocktail next to two 20-somethings, SIMON and COURTNEY. Tanya is over-sharing about her recent breakup.
TANYA
Honestly, I'm just so tired of carrying him. You know, emotionally.
SIMON
Relationships are all about balance.
COURTNEY
I just can't do heartbreak anymore, you know?
INT. WHITE LOTUS RESORT - RESTAURANT - DAY
Guests dine in the resort's fancy restaurant. OLIVIA, a teenage girl, sits on her phone, ignoring her family.
OLIVIA
Why did we have to come here again? Nothing has changed.
MARK
Her mother thinks it's good for us to take a family vacation. You never know when it might be our last one.
OLIVIA
Dramatic, much?
EXT. WHITE LOTUS RESORT - BEACH - DAY
PAULA, Olivia's friend, is reading alone. Armond approaches.
ARMOND
Miss, our yoga instructor is giving a free meditation class soon. Would you like to join?
PAULA
I'm not really into that spiritual crap. I'll pass.
ARMOND
As you wish. If you change your mind, please let me know.
INT. WHITE LOTUS RESORT - LOBBY - DAY
Kevin and Linda impatiently tap their feet as they wait. Armond approaches them, looking exhausted.
ARMOND
Mr. and Mrs. Simpson, your room is finally ready.
KEVIN
It's about time.
ARMOND
Again, I apologize for the inconvenience. As a token of our appreciation, here are two complimentary massages on us.
Linda accepts the voucher and smiles at Armond, who forces a smile in return.
INT. WHITE LOTUS RESORT - ROOM 104 - NIGHT
Lila finishes cleaning the room when suddenly, a mysterious noise captures her attention. She walks to the source, discovering something shocking. Her eyes widen.
TO BE CONTINUED.
The White Lotus: Smoke and Mirrors
INT. THE WHITE LOTUS RESORT LOBBY - MORNING
ARMOND, the resort manager, tidies up the reception desk. MARK and NICOLE MOSSBACHER enter with their teenagers, OLIVIA and QUINN.
ARMOND: Good morning, Mr. and Mrs. Mossbacher! How did you sleep?
MARK: Quite well, thanks for asking.
NICOLE: Have you solved the issue with the noisy neighbors?
ARMOND: Yes, we’ve made sure it won’t happen again.
OLIVIA (not looking up from her phone): Heaven forbid it ruins my influencer career.
QUINN: (laughs) Yeah, the Vacation Wreckers of The White Lotus!
INT. THE WHITE LOTUS RESORT RESTAURANT - LATER
The Mossbachers sit down for breakfast. BELINDA, the spa manager, walks over with a tray of wheatgrass shots.
BELINDA: Morning, everyone! Care for a rejuvenating wheatgrass shot?
NICOLE: (taking a shot) You’re a lifesaver, Belinda.
MARK: (grimaces) I’ll pass.
INT. THE WHITE LOTUS SPA - DAY
Nicole is in the midst of a massage when Belinda walks in.
BELINDA: How’s everything, Mrs. Mossbacher?
NICOLE: (sighs) My back needed this. It’s not just the bed; our marriage feels stagnant.
BELINDA: Oh, I’m sorry to hear that.
INT. TANYA AND GREG’S ROOM - SAME TIME
TANYA, an eccentric wealthy guest, dries off from a shower. GREG stands impatiently, his luggage beside him.
GREG: Tanya, I can’t do this. You said this would be relaxing, but it’s been nothing but chaos.
TANYA: Oh, come on now. It’s an adventure!
GREG: I’m leaving, Tanya. Good luck with, well, everything.
Greg exits the room. Tanya becomes unexpectedly emotional.
INT. HOTEL ROOM BAR - EVENING
Olivia and her friend PAULA sneak into an unoccupied hotel room and raid the mini bar. They hear someone coming, so they hide on the balcony.
On the balcony, they observe Armond arriving at his own room. He talks to his reflection.
ARMOND: (whispering to himself) Keep it together, Armond. You need this job. Tomorrow is a new day.
Olivia and Paula can barely suppress their laughter.
TANYA (O.S.) (half-sobbing): Just a moment, please!
Belinda is standing outside Tanya’s room, holding a tray of tea.
BELINDA: Take your time.
As Armond returns to his room, he runs into Paula and Olivia, who finally reveal themselves.
ARMOND: (stern) Ladies, I would strongly recommend you return to your own rooms.
OLIVIA: Don’t worry, Armond. Your secret’s safe with us.
Olivia and Paula, giggling, leave Armond alone.
TO BE CONTINUED
The White Lotus: Rumors and Whispers
EXT. THE WHITE LOTUS RESORT - DAY
A beautiful, peaceful morning at The White Lotus resort. Guests are participating in various activities while staff members maintain their professional demeanor. The camera dollies along with a peppy TRISHA (early 30s, guest) walking with a gossip-loving LUCAS (mid-20s, staff).
TRISHA
Did you hear about the scandal with the Mossbachers?
LUCAS
(Feigning ignorance)
Oh, no. What happened? Do tell.
INT. THE WHITE LOTUS LOBBY - DAY
ARABELLA (mid-40s, wealthy guest) and OLIVER (mid-50s, her assistant) enter the lobby. Oliver has a sense of calm and control despite being an assistant, while Arabella approaches the front desk with urgency.
ARABELLA
(excited)
I must speak with the manager immediately!
QUENTIN (late 30s, hotel staff and manager) appears from behind the scenes, wearing a plastic smile.
QUENTIN
(genuine concern)
Is there a problem, Mrs. Wexler?
ARABELLA
(angry)
There's been an embarrassing leak about my life! It made it to social media! I want to know which staff member did it!
INT. THE WHITE LOTUS SPA - DAY
PAULA (early 20s, guest) and NICOLE (late 40s, guest) are laid-back getting massages. PAULA glances at her phone as she lays face down, she smirks.
PAULA
(faces phone to Nicole)
Look what I found. Arabella's dirty laundry, all over the internet!
NICOLE
(raising her eyebrow)
Well, well...
INT. THE WHITE LOTUS RESTAURANT - DAY
MARK (early 50s, guest) and CONNIE (mid-40s, guest), a detached married couple, are sitting at a table. MARK is immersed in a news article about the scandal while CONNIE gazes off, disinterested.
MARK
(excited)
It's everywhere! That Arabella's husband cheated on her with their housekeeper!
CONNIE
(defeated)
Good for her. She deserves better.
INT. THE WHITE LOTUS BAR - DAY
BELINDA (early 30s, hotel employee) is busy preparing drinks for guests. LUCAS and TRISHA enter, looking excited to share the gossip.
TRISHA
(to Belinda)
Did you hear the news?
BELINDA
(deep breath)
Yes, I heard. Can we not talk about this, please? I don't want to be involved.
INT. THE WHITE LOTUS STAFF LOCKER ROOM - DAY
RAMONA (mid-20s, employee) is putting on her uniform, she talks to her friend, MAYA (early 20s, employee) who has an uneasy smile and a bad poker face.
RAMONA
(suspicious)
Is it true that you were the one who leaked Arabella's secret, Maya?
MAYA
(nervously)
I have no idea what you're talking about...
CUT TO:
EXT. THE WHITE LOTUS POOL AREA - DAY
Various guests relax around the pool as staff attend to their needs. Rumors about Arabella continue to spread, the atmosphere grows uneasy. Trisha eavesdrops on other conversations as she chats with Lucas.
ARABELLA storms out of the lobby, visibly upset. QUENTIN follows close behind, trying to appease the situation. PAULA, NICOLE, CONNIE, MARK and several other guests look on. Arabella confronts MAYA across the pool area.
ARABELLA
(angry, accusing)
You ruined my life! And for what? A little excitement during your miserable shift?
QUENTIN
(trying to calm her down)
Please, Mrs. Wexler. Let's talk about this privately...
ARABELLA
(turning to Quentin)
You promised confidentiality!
TO BE CONTINUED
