SchmearCast Ep 61: 'White Lotus' S3 E1 and Matthew Rankin on 'Universal Language'

The White Lotus, one of the juiciest and best shows on TV, is back.

Schmear is joined by Alison Sivitz (Bald Ann Dowd) to break down the genius of Mike White and what makes this upstairs-downstairs series so irresistible (3:57). They dive into S3 E1 (16:18), unpacking this season’s chaotic characters—including the Ratliff family, Walton Goggins on the verge of snapping, and the “cougars”—before highlighting standout moments from the episode (36:03).

Later, Schmear sits down with Matthew Rankin, the brilliant director of Universal Language, Canada’s entry for Best International Feature and one of the year’s finest films (50:34). They discuss the film’s cozy yet expansive vision, its unique fusion of “Winnipeg and Tehran,” and why it feels so vital right now.