Leon Zat (Anthony LaPaglia) is an Australian cop whose marriage to Sonja (Kelly Armstrong) is in a rut. He claims to have become emotionally numb while she laments that she's looking for a marriage that's "passionate, honest and challenging". While Leon pursues an affair with Jane (Rachael Blake), Sonja unburdenes herself to her psychiatrist, Valerie (Barbara Hershey). Valerie's own marriage is uncertain also. Her husband John (Geoffery Rush) has been emotionally detached since the death of their daughter two years ago. Valerie's method of dealing with grief was to write a book - an endeavor John doesn't agree with. Also entering the story are Jane's enstranged husband Pete (Glenn Robbins) and her next-door neighbors, Nik and Paula (Vince Colosimo and Daniella Farinacci). With this cast of players, the play unfolds. One night, one of these characters goes missing, another one witnesses something and several become suspects.
Those expecting all the usual red herrings of a murder mystery will be disappointed. Lantana is titled from the name of the Lantana bush. The Lantana bush, on its surface, is a lovely plant, filled with exotic flowers. Beneath this beauty, however, hides a thick thorny growth. This metaphor serves as the central symbol and makes this film more of a psychological drama than a murder mystery. As events transpire, Leon is shaken from his emotional lethargy, while John is forced to confront his inner demons - head on.
This film is powerfully acted. Each player is well suited to their role and portrays a deep conviction of character to their role. Ray Lawerence directional choices and touches are excellant. One of the most memorable scenes is the introduction - a long tracking shot through a tangle of undergrowth (Lantana bushes), exiting with an image of a broken body. Lantana is a fine motion picture that only shows hints of weakness in the area of plotting. Because the mystery is the plot device, its development and resolution come across a little clunky. But that's not enough of a problem to keep us from becoming totally enraptured and involved in the lives of the characters.