“Holland” (2025) is a domestic thriller starring Nicole Kidman and directed by Mimi Cave. It tries to capture the eerie side of small-town life but ends up feeling empty despite its stylish look.
The movie is slow, the tension barely builds, and by the time something finally happens, it’s already too late to care. If you’re watching just for Nicole, sure, go ahead. But if you’re expecting a gripping thriller, you might want to look elsewhere.
Holland (Movie) Short Review
I went in hoping for an edge-of-your-seat mystery, but this was just… dull. The first hour drags, and then suddenly, in the last 30 minutes, everything happens all at once—and yet, somehow, it still feels like nothing happened. I kept waiting for a moment where I’d finally go, “Oh, now we’re talking!” but nope, just long pauses, odd stares, and a bunch of weird moments that didn’t lead anywhere.
Nicole is, of course, great, but even she couldn’t save this one. Matthew Macfadyen plays another sad, pathetic husband (seriously, what is up with that?), and the whole thing ends on a note that makes you question if anything in the movie was even real. The suspense wasn’t there, the tension felt forced, and the mystery was… well, barely a mystery. I wanted to like it, but I just felt nothing at the end.
If you’re looking for a slow-burn thriller that actually delivers, you’re better off rewatching Gone Girl or The Girl on the Train. This one? Just an aesthetic mood board with no real substance.
Holland (2025) Quotes
“Is this what you wanted?”
—Nicole Kidman’s character, probably speaking for all of us watching. The scene builds up tension, and you think something big is coming… but no, the moment just fades out. Classic.
“You’re not listening to me.”
—Matthew Macfadyen’s character, once again playing a guy who gets ignored and cheated on. He says this during an argument, but honestly, we weren’t listening either because the script gives us nothing to care about.
“It’s always been this way.”
—A vague, ominous line meant to sound deep, but in reality, it means absolutely nothing. It comes during a so-called shocking reveal that… isn’t shocking at all.
“I should’ve left a long time ago.”
—Same, Nicole. Same. This comes in the last act when the tension should be at its peak, but it just feels like the movie realizing it’s out of time.
“Some things are better left unsaid.”
—A line that perfectly sums up how the movie refuses to explain anything. The ending is ambiguous, but not in a smart way—more like a “we didn’t know how to end this” kind of way.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, Holland is all style, no substance. If you like slow-burn mysteries that actually build up to something, this ain’t it. If you want a psychological thriller that keeps you guessing, this ain’t it either. But if you’re in the mood to watch Nicole Kidman wander around looking suspicious for two hours, sure, go for it.
It’s a miss for me. What did you think? Let me know! And if you’re looking for better thrillers, check out my other reviews at wtfdetective.blog! 👀💘💘