What Is Fauxcest? The Saxon and Lochlan Dynamic in The White Lotus

Fauxcest… If you’ve seen Season 3 of The White Lotus, you probably noticed the unusual relationship between the Ratliff siblings—Saxon, Piper, and Lochlan. From early on, there’s something off about Lochlan, the youngest of the three. That tension builds until Episode 5, when something clearly outside the bounds of typical sibling behavior happens between him and Saxon.

Just a heads-up: this article contains spoilers. If you haven’t finished the season yet, it might be best to stop here—unless you’re okay with finding out what happens.

This kind of storyline isn’t new to television. One of the most famous examples is the incestuous relationship between Jaime and Cersei Lannister in Game of Thrones. And within the same universe, House of the Dragon explores similar dynamics—particularly between Rhaenyra and Daemon, who are closely related by blood. In that world, relationships between uncles and nieces, fathers and daughters, and even siblings are part of the norm.

But this kind of narrative doesn’t just exist in fiction. Real-life cases—like the one told in Monster: The Story of Lyle and Erik Menendez—have also brought attention to complex family dynamics.

So why are writers including fauxcest (fictional incest) in their scripts? Whether we like it or not, it’s become one of the most provocative and talked-about taboos in storytelling—often used to explore power, desire, or the darker sides of family relationships.

Fauxcest in TV and Film

Dr. Justin Lehmiller, scientific advisor for We-Vibe and researcher at the Kinsey Institute in the U.S., has shared insights on the growing trend of “fauxcest” storylines in film and television:

“We’ve established that the rise of fauxcest isn’t about reflecting desire – it’s about provoking discomfort. But what happens when shock itself becomes a content formula? […] What will people talk about on Monday morning? What will trend on Reddit? These plotlines aren’t just designed to disturb – they’re engineered to dominate the conversation.”

Lehmiller goes on to explain that this trend isn’t necessarily driven by genuine sexual interest, but more by the desire to create shock value:
“In my research on sexual fantasies, I find that it’s quite uncommon for people to fantasise about sex between relatives,” he explains. “Less than 3 per cent of adults I surveyed said it’s something they fantasise about often.”

So, what is Hollywood aiming for with these stories? According to Lehmiller, it’s about pushing boundaries and sparking conversation:
“This isn’t about actual attraction. It’s about testing taboos in a culture where very few things are still shocking […] Incest is widely considered the ultimate taboo when it comes to sex… When you venture into the taboo, you make headlines.”

And it’s precisely those taboos that tend to grab and hold viewers’ attention: “Let’s call it what it is: not cultural commentary but a strategy to keep us watching, reacting, and streaming. Taboos trend, clicks convert, and fauxcest sells.”

Fauxcest in The White Lotus

However, Rafe warns “Over time, though, we do become desensitised. Something that once felt extreme can start to seem normal just because it becomes familiar. So if the fauxcest scene in White Lotus didn’t shock you as much the second time, that’s your neurobiology adapting in real-time.”