'Holland' (2025) Movie Review

Now streaming on Amazon Prime, I had the chance to check out Mimi Cave’s second feature, Holland, starring Nicole Kidman. I have thoughts, so let's jump right in.

Cave’s follow-up to Fresh showcases more of her distinct style, and visually, Holland makes it mark. The cinematography is impressive, with some beautifully composed shots that gives the aesthetic a fresh look. The production design does a great job of immersing the viewer, and I especially appreciated that the film was shot in the real-life Holland, Michigan. When a production shoots in the actual location that the project is based on, the authenticity is raised to a new level.

Unfortunately, I couldn’t quite buy into the mystery that drove the narrative. It didn’t feel at all thrilling or suspenseful, and as a viewer, I struggled to connect with any of the characters. They didn’t have much to set them apart, making it difficult to focus in on their journey. Which comes as a surprise because the opposite can be said of Fresh, which was able to keep you engaged with its intriguing characters, no matter your feelings toward them. You can tell the screenplay is written by someone still finding their footing.

While the cast, which includes Nicole Kidman, Matthew McFayden, Jude Hill, and Gael García Bernal, sound like the film will be a hit on paper, the writing for their characters prevents them from truly bringing them to life. They perform fine with the material they’re given, but if their roles had more substance, I think they could have delivered mor believable performances.

It’s disappointing that a film with such a talented crew and cast is ultimately let down by weak writing. A couple of rewrites could have gone a long way in improving the story. Additionally, the editing feels choppy and at times clunky, making the narrative difficult to follow and, frankly, a bit boring.

In the end, Holland is visually appealing, but as a whole, it’s another forgettable straight-to-streaming thriller that lacks depth and fails to deliver a compelling story. It squanders the talents of its cast and crew. I give it a 3 out of 5 stars and a 6 out of 10.

Thanks for reading! Be sure to check out Holland and form your own opinion. I’ll see you in the next one.

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