Lantana

The quiet suburban area is rocked when a woman's lifeless body is found among the lantana bushes. This shocking discovery sets off a chain of events that unravels the lives of multiple characters intertwined in tragedy and secrecy.

In a brief moment of passion, Leon, a dedicated policeman, shares an intimate encounter with Jane in a motel. This meeting becomes a pivotal point in their lives, complicating their existing relationships and emotional states.

Leon and his wife Sonja attend Latin dance classes, where they unexpectedly encounter Jane, who has recently separated. The class serves as a backdrop for Leon's discomfort and his struggle to enjoy the experience amidst personal turmoil.

While on duty, Leon's intense emotional struggles lead him to violently confront a drug dealer during an arrest. This moment highlights his deep-seated issues, which he continues to deny even as they manifest in troubling ways.

Valerie, a therapist, experiences strain in her marriage with John as they both navigate the grief of losing their daughter. This emotional burden complicates her interactions with her patients, adding layers to her character.

Jane impulsively finds Leon outside the police station, leading to a secret physical relationship. Leon wrestles with his hesitation, even as his life with Sonja becomes more complicated due to this affair.

Tensions rise in the salsa class when Jane annoys Leon by teaming up with Sonja. This leads Leon to decide to end his arrangement with Jane, leaving her heartbroken and questioning her choices.

As Valerie tries to return home late one evening, she faces car troubles, leaving her stranded. Her attempt to reach out for help is thwarted, leading to her tragic disappearance, which has far-reaching consequences.

Assigned to investigate Valerie's disappearance, Leon uncovers therapy records that reveal Sonja's perspective on infidelity. This new information complicates Leon's already strained marriage as secrets begin to surface.

As Leon and Claudia investigate a report from Jane about suspicious activity, they discover a woman’s shoe in the bushes. This shoe is later confirmed to belong to Valerie, intensifying the investigation and raising new questions.

Nik is arrested during the investigation, leaving his children in Jane’s care. This development adds more layers to the already complicated relationships and heightens the tension among the characters involved.

It is revealed that Valerie had car troubles, sought a ride from Nik, and ultimately met with tragedy when she jumped from his vehicle. This shocking revelation brings the investigation to a devastating climax.

In the quest for answers, Leon, Paula, Nik, and John retrace Valerie's last steps, ultimately discovering her body at the bottom of a ravine. This discovery sits heavily upon them, marking a tragic conclusion to her story.

After all the turmoil, Leon listens to the therapy tape revealing Sonja's love for him. Their emotional confrontation culminates in a poignant scene where they begin to reconnect through dance, symbolizing hope for their future.

The film concludes with Sonja and Leon embracing the dance they once struggled with, illustrating their renewed intimacy. As they synchronize their movements, the moment encapsulates their journey through grief and love, offering a glimmer of hope.