Crime,Drama,Mystery,Thriller
Australia,Germany
Lantana is a 2001 Australian drama film directed by Ray Lawrence. The film stars Anthony LaPaglia, Geoffrey Rush, Barbara Hershey, and Kerry Armstrong. The story centers around Valerie Somers (played by Hershey), whose daughter has been murdered, and who suspects that her husband John (played by LaPaglia) is cheating on her. When Valerie disappears, Detective Leon Zat (played by Rush) attempts to solve the mystery of her absence.
As Zat investigates Valerie's disappearance, he becomes entangled in a complex web of love, sex, and deceit. Four related couples are drawn into the investigation, each with their own suspicions and secrets. Leon and his wife Sonja (played by Armstrong) are struggling with their own relationship issues, while Jane (played by Rachael Blake), a therapist, begins an affair with her patient Alex (played by Vince Colosimo). Jane's husband Pete (played by Glenn Robbins) is also dealing with his own suspicions about Jane's secrecy.
As the investigation continues, the couples' relationships become increasingly strained, leading to dramatic revelations about their past and present infidelities. The film explores themes of grief, loss, and the complexities of modern relationships.
Lantana was critically acclaimed, receiving numerous awards and nominations, including 15 nominations at the Australian Film Institute Awards, where it won Best Film, Best Director, and Best Actor for LaPaglia. It was also a commercial success, grossing over $12 million worldwide.
