At the heart of the SXSW Film & TV Festival lies the allure of witnessing the grand film debuts held at the iconic Paramount Theatre in Austin, Texas. The road is temporarily closed, and enthusiasts eagerly stand behind the barriers, hoping for a glimpse of their beloved celebrities who gracefully walk the open-air red carpet adorned with the vibrant yellow SXSW motif.
Nicole Kidman arrives at the SXSW premiere of her new movie #Holland
— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) March 9, 2025
Among the many exciting aspects I was eagerly anticipating at the festival was the allure of a highly renowned celebrity, Nicole Kidman. Pair that with my favorite “Succession” actor, Matthew Macfadyen (yes, he’s the best Mr. Darcy), Gael Garcia Bernal, and a director making waves in the industry, Mimi Cave. This lineup created an irresistible project to support. On Congress Avenue, where the Paramount is located, there was even a mini replica of the “Holland” set, which the game’s cast members enthusiastically photographed with. In terms of glamorous premieres at the 2025 SXSW festival, this one certainly stood out as the most captivating.
We’re still in awe over the stunning World Premiere of #Holland at #SXSW2025, starring Nicole Kidman, Gael García, and Matthew Macfadyen. Here’s a snap from the event by Adam Kissick 🌷✨
— SXSW (@sxsw) March 12, 2025
As a cinephile, let me tell you about the bitter sting I felt after attending the debut of the movie “Holland” at SXSW. Many viewers leaped to their feet immediately following the screening, seemingly unwilling to wait for the Q&A session with the director and talented cast members.
After seeing the captivating preview, I was left puzzled by how different it portrayed the film shown at Paramount. What it showcases most of all is the skill involved in crafting a remarkable trailer. The trailer led me to expect a storyline quite unlike anything we saw unfold in Texas – a premise that seemed far more enigmatic than the actual movie.
Initially, Kidman skillfully portrays a teacher and housewife living in the picturesque town of Holland, Michigan around the year 2000. The atmosphere is more akin to the 1950s, lending an air of nostalgia. As Nancy Vandergroot, Kidman infuses her character with a witty humor and keen detective intuition regarding her husband, while also conveying a sense of sheltered innocence that mirrors the peaceful haven she found in Holland. Nancy recalls her town and marriage as a sanctuary from past hardships.
The issue lies in not uncovering more about the past events, information I was eagerly anticipating. This is a recurring motif in the movie, and it boils down to delivery – unfortunately, the film falls short repeatedly in executing its promises.
Another complicating factor is the portrayal of the character Nancy, played by Nicole Kidman. Renowned as one of today’s finest actresses, she appears to be in almost every movie (it feels like I finish watching one of her films, and then a new trailer for another featuring this esteemed actress pops up on my screen).
As a devoted cinephile, I must confess that I’ve seen Nicole Kidman tread this path before, more times than I can count. It always starts with a troubled marriage and a longing for freedom in her character. Her recent Golden Globe nomination was for this very dynamic in “Babygirl,” and she’s delivered equally captivating performances in similar situations in “Stepford Wives” and “The Undoing.” I can’t help but wonder why the five-time Oscar nominee continues to delve into this familiar territory. It would be a treat to witness her embark on a new adventure, as she has truly mastered this theme.
In the beginning of the movie, Nicole Kidman’s humorous moments create a connection with Gael García Bernal’s character, Dave Delgado, who is also a teacher at the school. However, despite an apparent mutual interest, the chemistry between them feels rather ordinary and fails to generate any captivating romantic tension that viewers could engage with. Although Bernal tries hard, there’s simply not enough spark or energy to make their developing romance compelling enough for the audience to become invested in it.
Stars like Nicole Kidman, Matthew Macfadyen, and Gael García Bernal will make their debut at the Holland SXSW World Premiere, available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video starting March 27th.
— Prime Video (@PrimeVideo) March 10, 2025
Once more, every actor delivers their best even when the script diminishes their roles significantly. This is also true for the exceptional Matthew Macfadyen, who has graced us with captivating performances in both “Succession” and “Pride and Prejudice”. Macfadyen’s talent is undeniable, and I must confess that the pairing of him and Kidman sparked a great deal of anticipation. As Kidman’s enigmatic husband, Fred Vandergroot, Macfadyen delivers an impressive performance, yet the script consistently undercuts his efforts. The unexpected revelation about his character emerges suddenly, to such an extent that the implausibility is glaringly obvious. Although you are meant to be startled, the surprise never transcends the poor execution, making the character decisions difficult to accept. It’s not Macfadyen’s fault; in fact, he comes close to salvaging the surprise with his exceptional acting abilities.
Ultimately, the issue lies with the execution of Holland. The scenery is breathtaking and effectively creates an oppressive ambiance. Each actor delivers an exceptional performance, and the concept behind the story is ingenious. However, despite these strengths, it seems to struggle to take flight.
In simpler terms, the unexpected turn of events happens too slowly, making the film’s transition into a noir-like mystery around two-thirds through seems too late, and the final outcome lacks the satisfying resolution we were hoping for.
The narrative fails to offer sufficient insights into the backstories of the primary figures, Nancy in particular. Her past experiences, and what led her to depart for Holland, might have offered explanations as to why she missed crucial hints regarding the impending plot twist that eventually unfolds.
As a movie enthusiast, I can’t help but ponder over the lack of foreshadowing for that jaw-dropping twist. While it was undeniably designed to catch us off guard, it had to be grounded in some level of believability. To truly embrace the shock factor, we needed subtle hints scattered throughout the story, even if they were mere whispers in the background. Regrettably, there seemed to be none present in this instance. Furthermore, the dream sequences appeared more as a distraction than an integral part of the narrative.
At the 2025 SXSW Film Festival’s debut, Holland showcases a rich style and an impressive ensemble, yet I found myself yearning for a deeper narrative. The movie is set to hit Prime Video on March 27th.
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2025-03-19 18:15