A Thriller That Misses the Mark
The new thriller Holland, starring Nicole Kidman, brings us a domestic mystery set in a seemingly idyllic, yet unsettling, suburban town. Despite Kidman’s impeccable performance, the film fails to deliver the tension and satirical depth one might expect. Premiering on Prime Video, Holland introduces us to Nancy Vandergroot, a perfect wife and mother in a picturesque, small-town setting. Her seemingly ideal life takes a dark turn as she unravels secrets about her family and her community.
The Setting and Plot of Holland
The town of Holland, modeled on a quirky Dutch village complete with windmills, tulips, and wooden clogs, initially presents a charming setting. Nancy, portrayed by Kidman, lives a life filled with suburban bliss. However, her dissatisfaction pushes her to investigate her husband’s potential infidelity, only to uncover darker secrets about her community. The film’s premise is rooted in the tension between outward perfection and hidden horrors, but it struggles to capitalize on this concept.
A Flawed Script and Missed Potential
While Kidman delivers as Nancy, her character feels all too familiar from previous roles in similar domestic thrillers, such as Big Little Lies and The Undoing. The film takes too long to gain momentum, with the script often feeling superficial and failing to dive deeply into its satirical potential. The tension, which should have been the film’s driving force, only materializes toward the end of the film, and by then, it feels too little, too late.
Missed Opportunity for Darker Themes
Director Mimi Cave, known for Fresh, has shown an ability to explore dark, twisted narratives, but Holland lacks the same vitality. Although the setting could have evoked the eerie charm of Twin Peaks, the decision to place the action in the early 2000s feels unnecessary and disconnected from the rest of the narrative. With a stronger script, Holland could have been a more impactful exploration of suburban darkness, but instead, it remains a missed opportunity.
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