Image Credit: USA TodayNicole Kidman’s latest thriller, Holland, has struggled to captivate audiences, with critics describing it as a sluggish mystery that fails to live up to its potential. The film, now streaming on Prime Video, follows Kidman’s character, Nancy Vandergroot, a seemingly content Michigan mother whose life takes a turn when she suspects her husband of deception. However, despite the star-studded cast and an intriguing premise, the film has been criticized for its slow pacing and underwhelming execution.
Set in Holland, Michigan—a town famous for its tulip festival and Dutch heritage—the film attempts to weave a domestic suspense narrative. Nancy, played by Kidman, initially appears to lead an idyllic life, raising her teenage son and managing everyday routines. However, her suspicions about her husband Fred, portrayed by Succession star Matthew Macfadyen, begin to grow as she uncovers small but unsettling clues about his frequent absences. Her investigations, aided by shop teacher and friend Dave (Gael García Bernal), lead to unexpected revelations that disrupt the town’s picturesque setting.
Director Mimi Cave, known for the 2022 horror-thriller Fresh, struggles to inject the same level of energy into Holland. While the film teases psychological depth and hidden secrets, much of its runtime is devoted to Nancy’s mundane daily life, failing to build the necessary tension for a compelling thriller. Even the much-anticipated third-act twist, while briefly engaging, arrives too late to salvage the sluggish narrative.
Critics have noted that the film does not fully utilize its talented cast. Kidman, who has delivered stronger performances in psychological thrillers like The Others and Big Little Lies, is left with a script that hints at deeper layers but never fully explores them. Macfadyen, however, stands out in his portrayal of the seemingly ordinary yet subtly menacing Fred, while Bernal plays a supportive but ultimately compromised character caught between his feelings for Nancy and the risks of helping her uncover the truth.
Despite its promising setup, Holland has been described as a missed opportunity. While the town’s Dutch traditions and tulip festival could have provided rich visual and narrative elements, the setting remains underutilized. A few moments—such as Kidman’s unsettling appearance in traditional Dutch attire and a cleverly staged scene involving a wooden clog—offer glimpses of creativity, but they are not enough to elevate the film.
Ultimately, Holland struggles to balance its thriller elements with an engaging story, leaving audiences with a film that fails to deliver on suspense or emotional impact. While its star power may attract initial interest, viewers expecting a gripping mystery may find themselves losing interest before reaching the film’s underwhelming conclusion.
