Holland: Nicole Kidman’s eerie film set in fake-Dutch town.

Holland: A Chilling Journey through a Fake-Dutch Town with Nicole Kidman

In the realm of cinema, few actresses demonstrate as much versatility and commitment as Nicole Kidman. In the past year alone, she has graced the screen in a variety of genres, from romantic comedies like A Family Affair to the dramatic depths of Babygirl. Her latest project, Holland, directed by Mimi Cave, attempts to weave a psychological thriller around her character, Nancy Vandergroot. However, despite Kidman’s strong presence, the film leaves much to be desired.

Fast Facts about Holland

What: A suburban psychological thriller that follows a woman’s quest to uncover her husband’s clandestine activities.

Directed by: Mimi Cave

Starring: Nicole Kidman, Matthew Macfadyen, Gael García Bernal

Where: Streaming now on Prime Video

Likely to make you feel: Mildly diverted, mostly bored

A Familiar Role in an Unfamiliar Setting

Holland thrusts us into a kitschy Midwestern town eerily reminiscent of a fake-Dutch community in Michigan, where Kidman’s character, Nancy, seeks the truth behind her husband Fred’s (Matthew Macfadyen) suspicious work trips. Viewers may experience a sense of déjà vu, as Nancy’s character feels like a patchwork of Kidman’s previous roles.

Echoes of Iconic Characters

With an aura reminiscent of The Stepford Wives, Nancy embodies the archetype of the perfect homemaker, juggling her duties as a home economics teacher and devoted wife, while dipping into themes from Kidman's characters in Big Little Lies and Babygirl. This layered portrayal introduces an underlying tension—one that viewers expect to unravel.

A Lover and An Accomplice

Nancy’s search for truth leads her to collaborate with her colleague turned lover, Dave (Gael García Bernal). Their endeavors to uncover Fred’s secrets follow a familiar script where tension builds through close calls, mistaken identities, and communication failures—exemplified beautifully with their choice of Nokia phones, harkening back to the year 2000.

"All the scenes were really juicy and really interesting," Macfadyen told The Movie Report.

Trapped in Tropes: A Derivative Experience

Unfortunately, Holland emerges as a tired trope-filled affair. Lacking the charming wit or satirical edge, the film foregoes the campiness necessary to elevate its mundane script. It graspingly oscillates between thriller and drama, never committing to either. Paradoxically, while Nancy experiences surreal, dreamlike sequences that hint at deeper horrors—akin to Don’t Worry Darling—these narratives ultimately—like the film itself—never materialize into anything substantial.

An Artful Reflection of a Disturbing Reality

Visually striking, Holland evokes a stylized, suburban aesthetic that amplifies everyday horrors. A memorable scene, where Nancy stains her clothing with tomato sauce, prompts an unsettling juxtaposition—one that teeters on the edge of tragedy through its suggestion of blood.

"It's that sort of American dream … a promise of security and safety … tied up in a pretty bow, but realising … we couldn’t be further from that," said director Mimi Cave in an interview.

Missed Opportunities in a Unique Setting

Set against the backdrop of Holland, Michigan—a city with Dutch heritage, boasting windmills, tulips, and clogs—the film possesses a unique charm. Yet, this vibrant backdrop contrasts sharply with the unsettling themes of colonialism and the stark lack of diversity represented.

Final Thoughts: A Glimmer of Potential

Despite its shortcomings, Holland offers captivating performances from its star-studded cast. Kidman shines as the conflicted Nancy, while Macfadyen delivers a charismatic portrayal of the ambiguous Fred. Bernal adds depth to the narrative arc, oscillating between colleague and lover.

Ultimately, Holland serves as a well-crafted film struggling to find its identity—missing a coherent direction or a compelling payoff. It’s the kind of film that invites admiration for its ambition yet fails to deliver the thrills one would hope for from a psychological thriller.

Watch Holland now on Prime Video, but temper your expectations as you journey through its eerily idyllic façade.