During a recent visit to Chattanooga, Tennessee, I discovered the enchanting allure of tulips in the springtime. Much like the picturesque displays of fall foliage that draw millions to the New England states, travelers from all over the United States flock to admire the vibrant and extensive tulip fields that burst into color during this season.
It’s pretty amusing that after four decades of life, I am only now becoming aware of this beautiful phenomenon!
The sight of rows upon rows of tulips swaying gently in the breeze, painting the landscape with shades of red, yellow, pink and purple is truly an experience I am interested in hopefully seeing for myself one day.
Lo and behold, a new psychological thriller has been released about Holland, Michigan, a midwestern town known for its tulip festival. The festival features millions of tulips that have blossomed over the decades — around six million, to be exact! But it’s much more than that. The area was founded by Dutch Americans, giving the town a strong Dutch influence that attracts thousands of tourists yearly.
The movie poster for Holland captivates with its visual symbolism, showcasing an array of characters and imagery that beautifully encapsulate the essence of Dutch culture. The stunning backdrop of tulip fields in vibrant hues contrasts sharply with the ominous undertones of mystery interwoven into the narrative. Set against the idyllic charm of a picturesque neighborhood in the 2000s, the film appeared like it weaves a thrilling story where secrets and deceit simmer beneath the surface, hidden behind the seemingly serene white picket fences.
However, I was mistaken about some of that…
Holland centers around suburban schoolteacher Nancy Vandergroot (portrayed by Nicole Kidman), who discovers one day that one of her pearl earrings is missing. The babysitter (Rachel Sennott, who I was disappointed to see had only a five-minute role) is dismissed as she starts to suspect her husband (Matthew Macfadyen), an optometrist who frequently travels for business, of having an affair. Along with her colleague and friend Dave (Gael García Bernal), they attempt to solve the case while also getting a bit too close, themselves.
This film was directed by Mimi Cave, who had a big hit in 2022 with Fresh, a Hulu original modern-dating horror that was one of my favorite movies that year. Much like that one, Holland has a very stylish look, from the sets to the cinematography. However, just because it’s trendy doesn’t mean it works.
There was something about the film’s color grading that did not resonate with me in this setting: it has a very yellow hue and muted many of the bright colors you would expect from a movie set in the land of colorful tulips. The film had more of a television series vibe than a movie feel. That was just the first obstacle that took me out of this movie.
The score is overly dramatic to the point of being distracting. The movie that came to mind while watching this was Burn After Reading, because the characters Nancy and Dave are so absurd. Their antics, running around and acting like detectives to spy on Nancy’s husband, are almost comical. Perhaps that was intended to add a touch of dark humor, but I could not take that part of the story seriously.
Little Easter eggs sprinkled throughout the film hint that Holland is set in the early 2000s. However, when DMX’s “Party Up (Up in Here)” started blasting out of Nancy’s son’s headphones during one scene, I felt I could no longer take this movie seriously. Most, if not all, of the score and soundtrack had felt really serious until then, and it took me out of the story so fast.
Don’t get me wrong, I love that song — I am a millennial, after all! But forcing nostalgia into a movie where it just doesn’t fit isn’t the right choice.
I do appreciate the inclusion of the giant train that Nancy’s husband and son dedicate their free time to working on. This detail adds a compelling layer to the narrative, showcasing a mystery that should be explored. However, it feels like a missed opportunity to weave this subplot more intricately into the story arc.
My primary grievance lies in how the film initially suggested that the quaint town of Holland would infuse the story with an almost ethereal Midsommar atmosphere, complete with traditional wooden clogs and the enchanting sight of Dutch milkmaid costumes. I had envisioned a vibrant tapestry of culture and festivity, underscored by picturesque scenery and rich traditions. Unfortunately, this element was overshadowed by the main plot’s focus, leading to disappointment and a feeling of being misled about the film’s true essence.
The promise of immersing us in this unique cultural backdrop fell short, leaving me craving the depth and charm that could have enriched the narrative.
This narrative follows a formulaic plot that feels all too familiar, lacking any elements of surprise or originality. The predictability reached a point where, during the climax, I rolled my eyes in exasperation. While Kidman’s performance brought an undeniably captivating depth and nuance, it wasn’t enough to salvage the overall experience.
Additionally, the dream sequences experienced by Nancy had potential, offering glimpses into her psyche, yet they ultimately proved inconsequential to the storyline. Throughout the film, I noticed numerous glaring plot holes that detracted from the viewing experience, leaving me questioning the logic and coherence of the narrative.
Overall, I rate Holland one and a half out of five stars. I know that’s harsh, but this film has one of the messiest scripts I’ve seen in a long time, especially considering the premise, which had so much potential to be a hit movie. At a runtime of 108 minutes, it became painful to watch after the first hour. This shows that even stellar star power does not guarantee a hit.
Hopefully, Cave will have better success in the future!