Nicole Kidman’s versatility is on full display in Mimi Cave’s psychological thriller “Holland”, where she portrays Nancy, a teacher in the small town of Holland, Michigan.
Nancy leads a seemingly perfect life with her husband Fred (Matthew MacFadyen) and their 13-year-old son Harry (Jude Hill). However, beneath the idyllic surface, Nancy starts to suspect that something is terribly wrong. When she catches their babysitter, Candy (Rachel Sennott), possibly stealing an earring, Nancy digs deeper into Fred’s life and uncovers clues that suggest his out-of-town conferences may be more than just a suspected affair.
To investigate further, Nancy enlists the help of her colleague Dave (Gael Garcia Bernal) and as they uncover hidden secrets, their relationship intensifies, leading them to question whether they can expose Fred’s lies without shattering Nancy’s life completely.
But when Dave follows Fred to another conference, the truth that emerges is more destructive than they ever imagined.
Nancy’s “perfect” life is immediately revealed to be a carefully constructed illusion. She expresses deep doubts about the life she’s built, wondering if her happiness with Fred and Harry is real or just a fantasy. Fred rejects her concerns about Candy, offering a condescending remark about women’s emotional volatility. His dismissive attitude toward her raises the stakes, revealing that Fred’s obsession with maintaining control over his world—symbolized by his elaborate model train set—may be a way of avoiding uncomfortable truths.
The screenplay, featured on the 2013 Blacklist as one of the most liked unproduced scripts, has rich material to explore, particularly the themes of truth, fantasy, and self-deception. While the film’s setting in 2000 was meant to emphasize Dave’s sense of alienation, the nostalgia-driven era didn’t add much to the narrative. The film features references to Nokia phones, Annie Lennox on the radio, and even a “Mrs. Doubtfire” viewing, but these retro elements sometimes feel forced, and the music by Alex Somers leans too heavily into a melodramatic, almost soapy tone.
Where the film truly shines is in its pacing and direction. Mimi Cave masterfully builds tension, particularly in the scenes with Nancy and Dave as they continue their investigation. A standout moment occurs when Dave nervously sits through a doctor’s appointment with Fred, his anxiety building as Fred performs a routine eye exam. The tension in this scene is palpable, and Cave expertly plays with the discomfort between the characters. Gael Garcia Bernal brings a mix of excitement and fear to the role, while Kidman walks a fine line between logic and obsessive suspicion. The chemistry between them is electric, and Kidman mirrors Bernal’s movements, subtly reflecting their growing bond.
Kidman’s casting is spot-on. She captures Nancy’s emotional unraveling with a perfect blend of calculation and paranoia. MacFadyen, too, is excellent, shifting between the potential guilt of a cheating husband and the innocent naivety of someone unaware of how fractured his marriage really is. The film also benefits from stunning cinematography by Pawel Pogorzelski, whose immersive visual style—previously seen in “The Woman in the Yard”—adds another layer of depth to the story.
The final act, set during a Dutch festival, stands out as a brilliantly executed scene where Nancy searches for both her son and Fred in a crowded space.
Overall, “Holland” marks a bold second feature for Mimi Cave, proving her talent as a director. While the film’s script falters in places and some period details don’t quite land, it remains a chilling, suspenseful thriller. With standout performances from Nicole Kidman, Gael Garcia Bernal, and Matthew MacFadyen, the film is a must-watch for fans of psychological thrillers looking for a fresh, engaging take on the genre.
Letter Grade: B