This is a tongue-very-far-in-cheek social comedy about a young Anglican minister (Hugh Grant)and his timid wife (Tara Fitzgerald) who are diverted on their way to his new ministry by the local bishop because a local scandalous Australian artist, Norman Lindsay* (Sam Neill), has submitted a new painting to an exhibition the church considers blasphemous. Grant is directed to have Lindsay withdraw his painting from the exhibit and tame his libertarian ways.

But the experience of being at their host's anything-goes compound for a few days, nestled deep in the wilds and keeping company with uninhibited, frequently naked models (Elle MacPherson, Kate Fischer, and Portia De Rossi) proves embarrassing for the stammering and self-conscious Grant. Intent on delivering salvation, his earnest arguments are no match for the sarcastic wit of Lindsay. All the while the minister's wife's finds her repressed sexuality being released by the environment.

A bit obvious is a snake which slithers at key moments through the film, metaphorally reminding us about the temptation represented by the Sirens. Another gag that works better are the newspaper articles read over successive days, describing local shark attacks, each one more terrible than the previous day.

The three women have no qualms about posing nude, and indeed they are seen that way at various times throughout the film. Far from being exploitive, the nude scenes seem very natural, are essential for the plot, and the actresses' spirited and comedic characters are very well drawn. Eventually Tara succumbs to their seductive Siren call, and joins them on a sensual romp in the local town, much to the comedic tormet of the minister. She even allows her likeness to be drawn into a Lindsay painting.

A comedic sub-plot involves Tara and the naive Giddy (De Rossi) who has a crush on the compound's blind handyman, Devlin. Or is he really blind? Watch carefully for a quick, hilarious moment concerning a hammer at the end of the film.

Sam Neill and Hugh Grant are perfect as opponents together; but the story isn't about them. Stella makes the journey in this story, and if the result is a bit predictable it is so well done that it doesn't matter. Also it is interesting to see a then-versus-now comparison of Portia de Rossi (Giddy) who grew up to play Nell on Ally McBeal.

Enchantingly sexy fun from beginning to end -- you too will find the allure of Sirens irresistible!

* Artist Lindsay was portrayed by James Mason in the 1969 film AGE OF CONSENT.