Re: Holland (now streaming on Amazon Prime Video). Is this what Minnesotans felt like watching Fargo? Nicole Kidman stars in this long-awaited film set in the charming yet eccentric town of Holland, Michigan. Renowned for its tulip obsession and strong Dutch heritage, Holland offers a unique backdrop but may not be as accurately depicted as locals might hope. Director Mimi Cave, known for her work on the Sundance darling Fresh, attempts to navigate the complex facade of suburban life; let’s find out if she succeeds.
HOLLAND: STREAM IT OR SKIP IT?
The Gist:
Welcome to Tulip Time! Yes, you read that right: Tulip Time is an actual celebration that takes place annually in Holland, Michigan, honoring the vibrant and diverse world of tulips (thanks, Wikipedia!). I fondly recall my school trip there, replete with parades, dances, and everyone donned in charming Dutch costumes. But as for whether Holland, as Nancy Vandergroot (Nicole Kidman) proclaims, is indeed “the best place on Earth,” that’s up for debate. With a picture-perfect family consisting of her husband Fred (Matthew Macfadyen) and son Harry (Jude Hill), Nancy seems to have it all—until the unraveling begins with a missing pearl earring.
The Beginning of Unraveling:
Nance’s pristine life is shattered by the disappearance of a simple piece of jewelry. The idyllic tableau—complete with floral wallpaper, family dinners, and dutiful prayers—begins to crack. When Nance comes across Polaroid film in the garage, her mind races to conclusions that hint at infidelity. How can you own a Polaroid camera if you’ve never bought one? As secrets brew beneath the surface, her curiosity leads her to enlist the help of new colleague Dave Delgado (Gael Garcia Bernal), who stands out in this predominantly “white” aesthetic.
The Underbelly of Suburbia:
As Nance spirals into a whirlpool of anxiety and suspicion, the film explores the darker sides of suburban life. She begins to have surreal dreams, spooky visions tied to the pastoral setting, and feels a growing unease that renders her everyday life almost claustrophobic. The duality of the picturesque landscape versus her internal turmoil raises an important question: does something sinister lurk behind the white picket fences?
What Movies Will It Remind You Of?
Imagine a delightful marriage of the darkly comedic aspects of Fargo infused with the glossy sheen of Pleasantville and the complex marital dynamics of Kidman’s previous role in Babygirl. Holland dances between humor and discomfort, making it a perplexing watch.
Performance Worth Watching:
Kidman expertly navigates the turbulent waters of suburban dissatisfaction in her portrayal of Nancy. This role might feel familiar to her, echoing past characters caught in the web of marital discontent, yet she delivers a captivating performance that anchors the film amidst a lackluster script.
Memorable Dialogue:
For those with ties to West Michigan, there’s a clever line that pokes fun at locals: “This isn’t Allegan, it’s Holland!” Yet, a universal laugh comes from this exchange:
Harry: Didn’t Pastor Bob say that dancing was the devil?
Nance: Not Dutch dancing, silly! Just all the other kinds.
Sex and Skin:
In a rather uninspired scene, Nance simply fantasizes about Dave as Fred completes his marital duties. Bet you didn’t see that coming!
Our Take:
In a chilling confession, Nancy reveals: “It’s like carbon monoxide – so sleepy and comfortable, I don’t even know that I’m suffocating.” This line encapsulates the film’s frustrations. Rather than deliver insightful critiques of suburbia, Holland presents a predictable narrative devoid of real twist or complexity, leaving viewers yearning for a richer exploration of its themes.
Despite its magnificent visuals—skewed angles and eerie lighting invoking a sense of dread—the film ultimately falters in its tonality. It shifts clumsily between comedy, suspense, and melodrama, unsure of its purpose. Though Holland tantalizes with glimpses of satirical brilliance, it ultimately falls short, grappling with themes of reality, perception, and suburban decay.
Our Call:
Holland is like clogs on a cozy carpet—awkward and out of place. Our recommendation? SKIP IT.
John Serba is a freelance writer and film critic based in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
