Courtesy of Prime Video/SXSW
Twisty revelations and buried secrets and techniques unfold within the Michigan-set thriller Holland, however director Mimi Cave’s fashionable follow-up to her Sundance sensation Contemporary takes its candy time to point out its playing cards. By the point it does, the pacing could have already misplaced the viewers, leaving many questioning what the final word payoff is. At its finest, Holland channels the eerie vibes of “The Stepford Wives” combined with the shiny appeal of “Pleasantville” and the early ’90s erotic thriller sheen.
Nicole Kidman leads the cost, and it’s onerous to disclaim that she’s one of many hardest-working actors in Hollywood today. Whether or not it’s her viral AMC “We come to this place for magic” bumpers, her electrifying flip in “Babygirl,” or headlining entertaining however in the end forgettable streaming collection, Kidman constantly delivers.
She shines as Nancy Vandergroot, a suburban housewife with a sneaking suspicion that her husband is likely to be dishonest. Kidman is effectively inside her wheelhouse right here, taking part in a loving and caring mom who all the time wears a giant smile and a rigorously curated look, all whereas dwelling in a neighborhood she adores.
Whereas the movie was principally shot in Knoxville, Tennessee, Cave and screenwriter Andrew Sordroski do a stable job of giving a shout-out to the mitten state with loads of references to Zendher’s (you should definitely attempt the hen dinner!), Allegan, and Zingerman’s, whereas capturing the Dutch heritage so central to the Holland space that’s predominantly identified for its annual tulip pageant. In that sense, Michiganders will really feel seen and represented, however narratively, they is likely to be left questioning what all of it quantities to.
Visually, “Holland” definitely appears to be like the half, due to Pawel Pogorzelski’s fascinating cinematography. He creates a world that feels remoted for Nancy as she navigates the mounting pressure of her state of affairs. On condition that Pogorzelski is identical expertise behind “Midsommar,” “Beau is Afraid,” and “Hereditary,” the uneasy sense of horror feels intentional, even because the movie drags towards the end line.
The primary half of “Holland” is all buildup, and also you simply must belief these steering the ship to take you someplace sudden. The story facilities on Nancy’s hunch that her husband, Fred (Matthew Macfadyen – stable), the native optometrist with an enormous practice set he works on with their son, Harry (Jude Hill), is having an affair. There’s no concrete proof—simply basic lady’s instinct. She groups up along with her colleague, Dave (Gael García Bernal, positive however underused), to research, main them down a rabbit gap that takes a number of sudden detours earlier than lastly touchdown on its largest twist.
However by the point the reveal occurs, the film is sort of over. Whereas the twist works in concept, it’s onerous to not surprise why it took so lengthy to get there. Cave’s resolution to set the movie within the early 2000s feels extra like nostalgia bait—positive, it’s enjoyable to see a Nokia telephone or stare upon previous Little Caesars pizza containers—nevertheless it doesn’t do a lot for the story. The visible fashion, whereas spectacular, doesn’t fairly match the suspense the script is making an attempt to construct and as an alternative leans towards viewers frustration quite than satisfaction.
And that’s a bummer as a result of “Holland” had all of the makings of a type of basic thrillers Kidman constructed her profession round and that folks actually cherished. The movie has its coronary heart in the fitting place, and Michiganders are effectively represented, however I want that translated right into a film with a bit extra substance. Like Cave’s final movie, “Contemporary,” “Holland” has its moments, nevertheless it in the end leaves you disenchanted.
HOLLAND premiered on the SXSW movie pageant. Prime Video will launch the film on March twenty eighth.
