Lantana (2001)

The review is strongly positive, calling the film a must-see Australian drama. It particularly praises Anthony LaPaglia’s raw, uncompromising performance, alongside the carefully observed script and well-developed characters.

The critic finds the film absorbing and memorable, with a subtly disturbing mystery. They praise its ensemble cast and the way it gives each character’s private life room to emerge.

The review calls Lantana one of the year’s best movies, despite finding its final revelation dramatically disappointing. It praises the believable characters and gripping, beautifully plotted web of relationships.

Gonzalez finds the film an effective, carefully modulated thriller, though its dialogue and sexual red herrings weaken it. He praises the tranquil final shot as a striking counterpoint to the film’s tension.

Stratton finds the film a demanding but ultimately successful psychological drama, praising its realism and layered connections between characters. He singles out the performances, especially Anthony LaPaglia’s and Kerry Armstrong’s, for their emotional force.

The accessible page identifies this as Frank Hatherley’s review, but its verdict is hidden behind a registration wall. No specific praise or criticism is visible in the available text.

The page does not reveal the critic’s verdict. It also provides no details about what the review praised or criticized.

The available page material does not reveal the critic’s verdict. Its standfirst identifies LaPaglia’s detective, but offers no clear praise or complaint.

Murray finds the film’s intricate, emotionally grounded mystery compelling, though its slow pace and sober style make it a grind. He praises the carefully woven relationships and the way the story’s revelations arise from ordinary resentment and spite.

Brunette finds the thriller watchable but ultimately unmemorable, with its adultery plot offering little insight. He praises the cast and Lawrence’s foreboding visual atmosphere, but faults the script’s thin motivations and implausible coincidences.

The critic finds the film dark and cynical, with exemplary production values and performances, but says its plotting is manipulative and its characters hard to like. The performances are singled out for praise, while the film’s tendency to resort to flashbacks is a complaint.