Holland (2025) Movie Review – Where to Watch Online
The small town of Holland, Michigan, seems like the perfect place to live—quaint, picturesque, and full of charm. But beneath the idyllic surface, dark secrets lurk. In Holland (2025), directed by Mimi Cave and written by Andrew Sodroski, Nicole Kidman delivers a captivating performance as Nancy Vandergroot, a seemingly ordinary schoolteacher whose life spirals into a web of mystery and deception.
With an impressive cast, including Matthew Macfadyen and Gael García Bernal, and a setting rich in eerie midwestern charm, Holland had the potential to be a standout thriller. But does it live up to expectations? Let’s dive into this psychological mystery and explore where you can stream or rent the film online.
Plot Summary (Spoiler-Free)
Nancy Vandergroot (Nicole Kidman) appears to have it all—a loving husband, Fred (Matthew Macfadyen), a well-respected teaching job, and a peaceful life in Holland, Michigan. However, when she and her colleague, Dave Delgado (Gael García Bernal), stumble upon unsettling clues about Fred’s whereabouts, Nancy begins to suspect that her husband is hiding something far darker than just an affair.
What follows is a suspenseful unraveling of secrets, as Nancy embarks on a journey of self-discovery and deception. As she digs deeper, she realizes that nothing in her world is what it seems. But is she truly prepared for the truth?
Review: A Thriller That Almost Finds Its Footing
Nicole Kidman Carries the Film
If there’s one undeniable highlight of Holland, it’s Nicole Kidman’s mesmerizing performance. Kidman is no stranger to complex, layered characters, and she brings a quiet intensity to Nancy that makes her journey compelling to watch. Whether she’s playing the role of a dutiful wife, a suspicious detective, or a woman on the edge, Kidman keeps the audience engaged—even when the script falters.
Matthew Macfadyen, fresh off his Emmy-winning turn in Succession, plays Fred with a cool detachment that adds an air of mystery. Meanwhile, Gael García Bernal brings warmth to his role, though his character ultimately feels underdeveloped.
A Slow-Burn That Sometimes Fizzles Out
Mimi Cave, known for her breakout directorial debut Fresh (2022), aims to craft a Hitchcockian thriller with Holland. The film is beautifully shot, with stunning cinematography by Pawel Pogorzelski (Midsommar, Fresh), and the eerie, small-town aesthetic creates a fitting backdrop for the story’s psychological tension.
However, despite the stylish visuals, Holland struggles with pacing. The first two acts build tension at a glacial pace, leaving audiences waiting for something—anything—to happen. While the final 30 minutes deliver some truly exciting twists, getting there requires patience. The script, unfortunately, feels overstuffed with subplots that don’t always pay off, making the narrative feel scattered and unfocused.
Predictable Twists and Missed Opportunities
For a film that relies heavily on its big reveal, Holland doesn’t quite land its punches. Many of the twists feel telegraphed, and rather than shocking the audience, they confirm what viewers likely suspected all along. The film borrows elements from classics like Fargo, Gone Girl, and To Die For, but it struggles to establish its own identity.
Some plot threads—such as the troubled student subplot—are introduced only to be abandoned, leaving the story feeling disjointed. Additionally, the film’s attempts at dark humor sometimes fall flat, making it unclear whether it wants to be a full-fledged thriller or a satirical take on suburban life.
That said, Kidman’s performance remains the film’s anchor. Even when the script wavers, she brings depth to Nancy, making her a fascinating character to watch.
Where to Watch Holland Online
Holland is set to premiere on Amazon Prime Video on May 27, 2025. If you’re a subscriber, you’ll be able to stream it at no additional cost.
🔗 Watch Holland on Amazon Prime Video → Click here
Other Streaming & Rental Options
If you don’t have a Prime Video subscription, here are alternative ways to watch Holland:
- Purchase or Rent: Available on Apple TV, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Vudu
- Other Subscription Services: While currently an Amazon Prime exclusive, it may become available on Hulu or Paramount+ at a later date
- Physical Release: Expect Blu-ray and DVD copies a few months after streaming release
Final Verdict: Worth a Watch, but Temper Expectations
✅ Pros:
✔ Nicole Kidman delivers a strong performance
✔ Beautiful cinematography and moody atmosphere
✔ The final act brings genuine tension
❌ Cons:
✘ Slow-paced first two acts
✘ Predictable twists and underdeveloped subplots
✘ Tonal inconsistency—unsure whether to be a thriller or satire
Who Should Watch Holland?
- Fans of Nicole Kidman who appreciate her ability to elevate even flawed scripts
- Viewers who enjoy slow-burn psychological thrillers
- Those who don’t mind a predictable but stylish mystery
If you’re looking for a Gone Girl-level thriller, Holland might leave you wanting more. However, if you’re in the mood for a well-acted, visually appealing mystery with a few surprises, it’s worth streaming—just don’t expect a masterpiece.
While Holland doesn’t quite reach the heights of its inspirations, it’s still a decent one-time watch, especially for fans of Nicole Kidman. If you’re a Prime Video subscriber, it’s worth checking out, but if you’re expecting a groundbreaking thriller, you might want to set your expectations accordingly.
📢 Have you watched Holland? What did you think? Share your thoughts in the comments!
