Holland  (2025)

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Nancy Vandergroot (Nicole Kidman) is a teacher, wife and mother living what appears to be an idyllic life in Holland, Michigan. However, her seemingly perfect world starts to unravel when she suspects her husband, Fred Vandergroot (Matthew Macfadyen), of having an affair—while she, in turn, develops feelings for a fellow teacher, Dave (Gael García Bernal). With Dave’s help, Nancy sets out to expose Fred’s infidelity so she and Dave can embark on their relationship guilt-free.

Directed by Mimi Cave (Fresh, 2022), Holland is a slow-burning, oddly captivating, and unexpectedly dark film. While I’m a fan of Nicole Kidman, this role does little to challenge her acting abilities—I feel almost anyone could have played Nancy Vandergroot. Matthew Macfadyen, though a talented actor, seems miscast, struggling to deliver a truly sinister edge to Fred. That may be my own bias, as I can’t help but typecast him as the second-best Darcy (with Colin Firth, of course, reigning supreme in Pride and Prejudice). If I had casting control, I would have swapped roles between Macfadyen and García Bernal.

The trailer for Holland sets up expectations for a very different movie than what is ultimately delivered. I anticipated more of a Stepford Wives undertone, but I was pleasantly surprised by the film’s unexpected twists. However, getting through the first half without the urge to fast-forward is a challenge. Once the story gains momentum, the third act keeps you engaged, making it hard not to go along for the ride, eager to see where it all leads.

The ending of the film feels deliberately ambiguous, leaving the viewer to question how much of what they just watched was real or merely the daydream of a bored housewife. However, if you’re like me, you won’t spend too long pondering it. Ultimately, Holland didn’t blow me away—I walked away feeling a little cheated, with my high expectations deflated.

Final Verdict

Holland is a quirky thriller with a black comedic undertone. While it delivers some solid twists, lackluster performances and a sluggish start leave the film feeling like it’s missing… something. I just can’t quite put my finger on what.

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