Holland Review
Nicole Kidman has been on a roll since 2024 and is continuing to do so this year. With her recent leading role in Babygirl, she took theaters by storm in what was the most erotic romance films to date. However, what happens when you mix Kidman’s character from that film with an unnervingly sinister version of Succession’s Tom Wamsgans in a small rural town? The result is a viciously romantic, if somewhat creepy, mystery flick in Prime Video’s Holland.
Holland follows Nancy Vandergroot (Kidman), a high school teacher in the small town of Holland, Michigan. Though she lives a pitch-perfect life with her family, Nancy begins suspecting that her husband, Fred (Matthew Macfayden), is hiding a secret. As Nancy goes deeper into this rabbit hole, with the help of her friend Dave (Gael García Bernal), the two discover that Fred’s secret is much more terrifying than Nancy thought.
From the concept alone, you might be thinking that this movie might be similar to films like The Truman Show, Pleasantville, and many others. Unlike those films, director Mimi Cave infuses this with this tonal combination of horror and euphoria to make it feel unusual and unnatural. However, it felt like the transition in tones came at a cost since some parts felt more heavily dramatized than others.
Although, it’s clear that these transitions are supposed to play into the thriller aspect of Holland as it incorporates this weird Hitchcock touch to both the characters and the presentation. As an example, there are so many unusual dream sequences due to Nancy’s stress both in maintaining her relaxing life and uncovering the truth. So many scenes also edge on that level of eeriness for so long that, sometimes, it can confuse you whether or not you’re watching a romance-mystery or a mystery-thriller.
The development around the supposed “love triangle” of Holland also feels unusual. At the beginning, the dynamics between Nancy, Fred, and Dave play heavily on that “will she, won’t she” idea as Nancy begins growing closer to Dave and further from Fred. This is heavily felt in the second act, which is an entirely bizarre heist-like sequence that’s somewhat wacky, yet intense, to watch.
Speaking about Holland’s main leads, how Kidman portrays Nancy is almost a complete reversal of her role as Romy in Babygirl. Where Romy was vulnerable in the sense of letting herself be sexually dominated, Nancy is vulnerable in the sense of letting Fred gaslight her into being subservient as his wife. Whenever they share a scene together, you get this gut feeling over time that Nancy really wants to pursue what she wants, but she’s holding herself back. Kidman and Macfayden’s performances elevate this dynamic of dominance, proving their absolutely unnerving chemistry together.
On the other end of things, Nancy and Dave’s relationship doesn’t fully kick off until the second act. When it eventually does, it ultimately feels like the relationship between Romy and Jacob from Babygirl flipped. Where Romy lacked satisfaction from Jacob, both due to her preferences and her self-doubt, Holland’s Nancy always seems to get this exhilaration from Dave that goes crazy whenever they do something wild together. Dave is what seems to keep Nancy grounded to her true self and it’s great that the film has this reliable emotional support for her. There’s a balanced development between these two opposing power dynamics that we’re treated to, which helps emphasize the romanticisms of it all.
However, there are some elements that didn’t really make much sense. This is mostly in regards to Dave’s arc; even though some of these scenes are there to prove he’s actually good, they also don’t heavily add to the overall narrative. Furthermore, some of the dialogue choices can feel awkward, especially when a certain someone comes back later. Still, the unnaturality of it all helps Holland to become the unusual thriller story it is.
Nicole Kidman, Matthew Macfayden and Gael García Bernal absolutely shine in the unnerving and peculiar romantic thriller that is Prime Video’s Holland. While its twisty plot and changes in tone may leave viewers for a whirl, it’s provocative and unique enough to stand out from others like it.
Holland begins streaming on Prime Video on March 27.
Rating: ★★★½
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Christopher Gallardo is a freelance entertainment writer and critic. While not running The Reel Roller, Chris can be found writing reviews and breakdowns on all things films and TV. Outside of entertainment writing, he’s currently taking classes for a Bachelor’s of Science with a minor in Digital Media & Journalism. Plus, he loves Percy Jackson, animated films and shows, and Fallout! Follow Christopher on Instagram & X.