Nicole Kidman has once again taken center stage in her latest film, "Holland," directed by Mimi Cave, marking a return to the psychological thriller genre. Set in the picturesque town of Holland, Michigan, the film follows Nancy Vandergroot (Kidman), a teacher who becomes increasingly suspicious of her husband Fred (Matthew Macfadyen), an optometrist who appears to be hiding something. Despite the film's promising premise, critics have pointed out that it ultimately fails to deliver on its suspenseful setup, devolving into a muddled narrative that lacks cohesion.
Kidman’s portrayal of Nancy is undeniably strong, showcasing her ability to rise above the material she is given. Her character begins as a seemingly typical housewife but quickly spirals into paranoia after she fires the family babysitter, played by Rachel Sennott, over a missing earring. This incident sets off a chain of events that leads Nancy to question her husband’s sudden business trips, prompting her to team up with fellow teacher Dave Delgado (Gael García Bernal) to investigate.
However, as the plot unfolds, the screenplay by Andrew Sodroski becomes increasingly chaotic, stringing together hollow reveals that sacrifice tension for unnecessary detours. Critics have noted that the film's internal logic collapses under the weight of contrivances, leaving emotional stakes unaddressed. For instance, the racism faced by Dave is introduced only when it serves Nancy’s narrative, and Fred’s elaborate model train set, while visually intriguing, ultimately serves no meaningful purpose in the story.
Despite the film's flaws, Kidman manages to infuse her character with a tragicomic sense of curiosity, a trait that the script fails to support adequately. Her performance echoes her past roles, particularly in "The Stepford Wives," yet she still manages to create a distinct character in Nancy, lending nuance to an otherwise hollow protagonist. Critics agree that while Macfadyen and Bernal are left stranded in underwritten roles, Kidman's expertise shines through, making her the film's saving grace.
Mimi Cave’s direction, however, has been met with criticism, lacking the confidence and clarity she displayed in her previous work, "Fresh." While the film attempts to flirt with dark comedy reminiscent of the Coen Brothers and the suspense of M. Night Shyamalan, it ultimately lacks the precision to emulate either. Viewers may find themselves guessing the film’s trajectory, not out of anticipation, but rather confusion, as the narrative fails to deliver a satisfying payoff.
Upon its release on March 27, 2025, "Holland" quickly garnered a reputation as one of the biggest letdowns of the year. With a dismal 37% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, it joins the ranks of other disappointing Prime Video originals released in 2025, including "You’re Cordially Invited" and "Picture This." Critics have described it as a paint-by-numbers thriller that lacks excitement and depth, making it difficult to recommend even for die-hard Kidman fans.
Despite the film’s shortcomings, there are moments where Cave’s inventive direction shines through, particularly in scenes that creatively depict Nancy’s world as part of Fred’s miniature train set. These brief flashes of creativity remind viewers that Cave is a filmmaker to watch, even if this particular effort does not hit the mark.
In the end, "Holland" serves as a cautionary tale about the pitfalls of a promising premise that fails to materialize into a compelling narrative. While there is undoubtedly a smarter, darker, and more engaging film buried within its loose ends, the final product leaves much to be desired. As audiences settle in for what they hope will be a gripping mystery, they may instead find themselves grappling with a frustratingly flawed thriller that never quite finds its footing.
Nicole Kidman may have delivered another fine performance, but without a strong script and direction, even her talents can only go so far. For those looking for a thrilling watch, "Holland" might be one to skip, as it ultimately fails to offer the suspense and intrigue that its setup promises. Prime Video is in desperate need of a critical hit, and unfortunately, "Holland" is not the film to reverse its current trend of underwhelming original content.
