Lantana
The opening shot of the film is that of the lantana flowers, Just beneath the flowers lies a body, lifeless. The symbol is that there is something deadly happening beneath the surface in this story. Beneath the beauty of the budding flowers lies death.
Shrine
In a portrayal of her home, we see Valerie standing before a photograph of her daughter with a lit candle. Her daughter died two years ago. The picture and the candle symbolize that she has created a shrine or a memorial to her deceased daughter. She hasn't been able to get over the loss of her daughter as no one could and she clings to her memory as best she can through this photograph.
No Ring
When we see John he is never wearing his wedding ring though he and Valerie are still married. This is a symbol that John has lost his connection with his wife, and beyond that he has lost hope and belief that his marriage can be healed and that he and Valerie can rekindle their love for one another after the death of their daughter.
Blood
While on a run, Leon slams into a man who was walking on the street. The man broke his nose and Leon cuts his face. When Leon gets home he has blood all over his shirt. His wife, Sonja tries to help him and he screams at her to leave him alone. This is a symbol that Leon has a wound that he doesn't want her anywhere near, and this is why he demands she leave him alone.
Touch
Jane invites her neighbor Nick over for coffee. He's married and she's been having an affair with Leon, a married man. While they are drinking coffee, she touches his arm and Nick becomes uncomfortable. The touch is a symbol for Nick that she is coming on to him; immediately we see his guard go up with her, as he senses she has brought him over to her place to sleep with him.
