Holland: A Suburban Thriller Unveiling Secrets and Illusions

In Mimi Cave’s latest film, Holland, the captivating story follows Nancy Vandergroot, portrayed by Nicole Kidman, a character prone to jumping to conclusions. Set against a stylized backdrop, the film premiered at SXSW and is set for a wide release on March 27 via Prime Video. The narrative kicks off with a perplexing incident: Nancy misplaces a pearl earring. Her husband, Fred—brilliantly played by Matthew Macfadyen—suggests she search her junk drawer or her craft supply jars. However, convinced of her own theories, Nancy swiftly accuses her son’s tutor, Candy (Rachel Sennott), of theft and terminates the bewildered high-school student’s employment.

This opening sequence artfully introduces Nancy’s character, raising questions about her reliability as she later enlists her friend Dave (Gael García Bernal) to investigate her suspicions of Fred’s infidelity. For viewers familiar with Cave’s previous work, notably her directorial debut Fresh, the audience suspects that Fred, who works as the local ophthalmologist, is indeed concealing something significant. The intrigue lies in the nature of his secret.

Visual Storytelling and Performance

Crafted from a screenplay by Andrew Sodroski, Holland presents a visually striking portrayal of suburban life, while showcasing notable performances from its leads. Despite these strengths, the film grapples with a narrative that at times feels unclear about its direction. The storyline hinges on a shocking twist introduced more than two-thirds into the film, which ultimately complicates rather than enhances the conclusion, transforming the narrative into a discourse on suburban paranoia and domestic isolation.

In the initial scenes, Nancy’s life appears idyllic as a dedicated home economics teacher and wife. Set in the early 2000s, Cave begins Holland with a whimsical introduction to the picturesque Michigan lakeside town. Through voiceover, Nancy reflects on her seemingly perfect family life, complete with their charming home and annual tulip festival. However, Cave juxtaposes this facade with a vivid and surreal visual style that hints at underlying tensions and uncertainties.

Unraveling Secrets

Beneath the surface of her seemingly flawless existence, Nancy begins to notice subtle signs of Fred’s potential dishonesty. As suspicions mount, she confides in Dave—her colleague from the high school. Despite harboring unrequited feelings for her, Dave rashly agrees to assist in her investigation. Their escapade introduces a sense of feverish excitement, awakening Nancy from the slow suffocation of her monotonous life. Kidman’s portrayal deftly captures Nancy’s duality, oscillating between an outwardly serene facade and an inner tempest of desire for change.

As their investigation deepens, Nancy’s anxiety spirals out of control. She experiences nightmarish visions of her son, Harry (Jude Hill), facing danger, and imagines herself as a mere puppet in the detailed diorama crafted by her husband in the garage. Compounding the drama, Nancy finds herself drawn into an affair with Dave, which ignites complicated feelings and risks further unraveling the fabric of her already tenuous reality.

The Director’s Distinct Style

One of the standout elements of Holland is Cave’s directing style, which vividly captures the unsettling essence of suburban life. Reuniting with cinematographer Pawel Pogorzelski from Fresh, Cave delivers a haunting portrayal enriched by claustrophobic framing, rapid crosscuts, and disconcerting camera movements. Composer Alex Somers contributes to this atmosphere with a score that mixes ethereal melodies with ominous undertones, grounding viewers in Nancy’s troubled psyche.

Despite these artistic triumphs, the film’s up-close exploration of Nancy’s turmoil is sometimes overshadowed by a disorganized narrative. Bernal’s portrayal of Dave adds depth to the story, particularly as his protective instincts evolve into an obsessive quest. However, underlying themes—such as Dave’s motivations for starting anew in Holland and the simmering xenophobia beneath the town’s charming exterior—remain frustratingly unresolved.

A Convoluted Journey

The plethora of unfinished story arcs weighs heavily on the film, causing it to stumble as it progresses. Although the climactic revelation alleviates some tension, it arrives too late, and the events of the third act feel like a fizzling conclusion. In summary, while Holland showcases impressive performances and striking visuals, it ultimately grapples with a convoluted story that may leave viewers feeling underwhelmed.