Nicole Kidman’s latest psychological thriller,Holland,debuted on Prime Video on June 13, 2025, and has already established a reputation as a divisive film.Hollandfollows Kidman’s Nancy Vanderfroot, a woman who seemingly has a picture-perfect life with a dream family. However, cracks in the facade appear when Nancy begins to suspect her husband is cheating on her, only to unearth a far more horrifying truth: her husband is a serial killer. With its intriguing premise and Kidman leading the charge, one would expectHollandto be a major hit. Yetthe film has been met with overwhelmingly negative reviews, landing it a brutal 24% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Whilecritics have slammed the film, does it really deserve to be labeled as one of Kidman’s worst projects? Perhaps not. WhileHollandis not a perfect film,its psychological depth, strong performances, and eerie atmosphere make it a far more compelling watch than its Rotten Tomatoes score suggests. The movie plays with perception and reality in a way that challenges viewers, offering an experience that lingers long after the credits roll. For those who are willing to look past the harsh critical reception,Hollandhas plenty to offer.
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Nicole Kidman’s Nuanced Performance Elevates ‘Holland’
No matter the project, Nicole Kidman has long been known for her ability to completely immerse herself in her roles, andHollandis no exception.In the character of Nancy Vandergroot, Kidman delivers a gripping performance, balancing vulnerability, naivety, and steely determination. The character’s journey from a woman in a happy home to someone uncovering a horrifying truth is portrayed with precision. Kidman expertly conveys Nancy’s unraveling psyche, making herparanoia feel raw and real.
Given Nancy’s temperament, the risk of her being depicted as a one-note character was high. Adopting the incorrect approach would have made Nancy either a helpless victim or an overly dramatic, paranoid wife. However, Kidman finds the perfect middle ground. She ensures that Nancy remains grounded, making her descent into fear and uncertainty deeply unsettling, and her moments of spiral seem all the more disturbing.Kidman’s ability to shift between emotions of suspicion, shock, and, ultimately, survival keeps the audience invested, even when the script stumbles.
Even critics who have not been impressed with the film as a whole have acknowledged Kidman’s performance as one of its strongest elements. IfHollandhas one undeniable strength, it is that Kidman, through the film, once again proves why she remains one of Hollywood’s most captivating performers.
‘Holland’ Builds the Perfect Tension Amidst Suburban Normalcy
One of the most effective elements ofHollandis how it blends psychological horror with the mundane tranquility of suburban life. The film is set in Holland, Michigan, a picturesque town known for its Dutch heritage, colorful tulip fields, and quiet, family-oriented environment. This serene backdrop makes the film’s darker elements seem all the more jarring.
The cinematography ofHollandcontributes to establishing this contrast, presenting Nancy’s world as one of warmth, love and routine before gradually distorting it. The more she investigates her husband, the more her once-familiar setting becomes threatening. Not even her husband’s hobby is as she thought it to be, and small, everyday moments become increasingly ominous as the film progresses.
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The slow-burn approach works in favor of the film’s narrative. The unsettling tension and sense of unease grows steady, creeping up on the audience and keeping them on edge.Hollandis not a film thatrelies on jump scaresor revelations that come with pomp. Instead, it thrives on psychological tension and the ability to turn even the most ordinary setting into something deeply unnerving.
‘Holland’ Questions the Human Psyche
An intriguing aspect ofHollandis its psychological ambiguity. Although it is never confirmed in the film, fan theories have questioned whether the character of Dave Delgado (Gael García Bernal) is real or simply a figment of Nancy’s imagination. ThroughoutHolland,Dave is Nancy’s confidant and emotional anchor, offering her comfort and support as she spirals deeper into her suspicions. However, the film does not give Dave an origin story, and at the end of the movie, Dave seems to vanish into thin air. This begs the question: is Dave even real?
The idea that Nancy could fabricate Dave as a coping mechanism is fascinating and adds a layer of complexity toHolland’s narrative. If her reality is crumbling around her, it would make sense for her mind to create an escape — someone who is always on her side, listens and supports. Several scenes reinforce this theory, such as instances where other characters do not acknowledge Dave’s presence and conversations that cater to Nancy’s needs a bit too perfectly.
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Whether it’s a mistaken identity, a fractured psyche, or a protagonist spiraling into madness, these tropes keep psychological thrillers entertaining.
If Dave is indeed imaginary,Hollandbecomes much morethan just a thriller. It becomes a psychological work that explores the psyche of a woman unraveling under the weight of betrayal and fear. This twist adds depth that critics may have overlooked, and while it remains a theory that has not been confirmed, it invites discussion. Many films with unreliable narrators or ambiguous storytelling have been praised for their complexity. Yet,Hollandseems to have been dismissed outright, likely due to the film’s lack of polish and other issues. However, for all its shortcomings, a film that sparks conversation and challenges perceptions is worth more than a mere 24% rating.Hollandis now available to stream onPrime Video.
