Movie fans get ready for a wild ride because Nicole Kidman is back in a thriller that promises twists turns and maybe a few surprises along the way. The movie is called Holland and it is hitting Amazon Prime Video very soon. But here is a cool tidbit for those in Clarksville Tennessee part of this movie magic happened right in your backyard!
Downtown Clarksville Goes Hollywood: Franklin Street Transformed for 'Holland' Parade Scene
Back in April 2023 downtown Clarksville was buzzing with movie crews. They were there to film a pretty important parade scene for Holland and they picked historic Franklin Street to make it happen. Local businesses got a bit of a makeover temporary signs popped up turning them into vintage shops like peanut stores and flower boutiques to fit the movie's vibe. Even plastic tulips were put out to amp up the "Holland" feel even though the movie is set in Holland Michigan not quite Tennessee.
And the best part? Clarksville locals got in on the action! Dozens of residents signed up to be extras in the parade scene. So if you are from Clarksville keep an eye out you might spot some familiar faces when you watch the movie. The trailer even shows a glimpse of this Franklin Street transformation. Pretty neat to see your town on the big (or small) screen right?
'Holland' Plot Teaser: Perfect Suburban Life Unravels into a Twisted Thriller
So what is Holland actually about? Amazon describes it as a "wildly unpredictable thriller". Nicole Kidman plays Nancy Vandergroot a teacher and homemaker. On the surface Nancy has it all a seemingly perfect life in Holland Michigan with her husband Fred played by Matthew Macfadyen and their son Harry played by Jude Hill. Fred is even described as a "community pillar" type of guy. But of course things are not always as they appear.
Nancy's picture-perfect world starts to crack when she gets suspicious. She and a friendly colleague Dave Delgado played by Gael García Bernal begin to dig into a secret. They soon realize that nothing in their lives is quite what it seems and that is when the "twisted tale" really begins. Sounds like classic thriller territory with Kidman right in the middle of the mystery.
Meet the 'Holland' Cast: Kidman Macfadyen and Bernal Lead the Mystery
Let's talk about the stars bringing this story to life. Nicole Kidman as Nancy Vandergroot is front and center. We know Kidman always delivers especially in thrillers. Matthew Macfadyen known for Succession plays her husband Fred. Gael García Bernal a versatile actor from movies like Bad Education is colleague Dave. And Jude Hill who was amazing in Belfast plays their son Harry.
The cast also includes some other familiar faces. Rachel Sennott from Shiva Baby plays Candy Deboer. Lennon Parham known for comedy roles and Isaac Krasner are also part of the ensemble. Mimi Cave who directed the dark comedy thriller Fresh is at the helm of Holland so expect a unique directorial touch.
Originally back in 2013 this movie was planned with Naomi Watts and Bryan Cranston in the lead roles but things changed and now we have this fresh cast led by Kidman. It will be interesting to see their take on this story.
Setting the Scene: 'Holland' Takes Us Back to the Year 2000 for Authentic Feel
Director Mimi Cave made an interesting choice Setting Holland in the year 2000. She mentioned that this time period resonates with her personally as she left the Midwest around 2002. She believes setting the story then adds a layer of authenticity to the narrative. Think about it the early 2000s had a specific vibe a mix of pre-9/11 normalcy and the dawn of the digital age. It is a time period that can feel both familiar and slightly distant which might add to the movie's unsettling atmosphere.
Review Snippets: Critics Mixed on 'Holland' as Kidman Shines
Early reviews are starting to trickle in and it seems critics have mixed feelings about Holland overall. Some reviews point out that the plot can be a bit uneven or that it does not always follow logic. One review mentioned the script sometimes side-steps "reason and logic". Another critique is that the movie is too self-aware of its thriller roots but then struggles to fully develop the plot in a satisfying way. It is mentioned that some characters like those played by Macfadyen and Bernal feel "underwritten".
However almost all reviews agree on one thing: Nicole Kidman is fantastic. She is praised for "infusing a tragi-comic sense of curiosity" into her role and for being able to "rescue this ordeal" even when the film around her falters. It sounds like even if the movie itself has some flaws Kidman's performance is definitely a highlight and worth watching. If you are a Kidman fan this might be one to check out just for her performance alone.
'Holland' Movie - Key Cast List:
- Nicole Kidman as Nancy Vandergroot
- Matthew Macfadyen as Fred Vandergroot
- Gael García Bernal as Dave Delgado
- Jude Hill as Harry Vandergroot
- Rachel Sennott as Candy Deboer
- Lennon Parham as (Role not specified in sources)
- Isaac Krasner as (Role not specified in sources)
- Jeff Pope as (Role not specified in sources)
- Jacob Moran as (Role not specified in sources)
- Bill Russell as (Role not specified in sources)
Ready for a Mystery? 'Holland' Premieres This Week on Amazon Prime Video
So mark your calendars thriller fans! Holland starring Nicole Kidman and with scenes filmed in Clarksville Tennessee is premiering this week on Amazon Prime Video. If you are in the mood for a twisty mystery with a strong lead performance this could be right up your alley. Just maybe do not expect perfect plot logic but definitely expect Nicole Kidman to deliver and keep you guessing until the end. And hey Clarksville folks let us know if you spot your town in the movie!