Holland movie review: Horrid but not horrific, new Nicole Kidman film has little to say about anything 2025 best
Holland Movie Review: Horrid but Not Horrific – A Film with Little to Say
Introduction
Nicole Kidman’s latest film, Holland, arrives with the promise of psychological depth, eerie tension, and a compelling narrative. Unfortunately, Holland movie review: Horrid but not horrific, new Nicole Kidman film has little to say about anything 2025 best while the movie teeters on the edge of something profound, it ultimately falters, delivering a hollow cinematic experience that lacks resonance.
Plot Summary
Set in a bleak, coastal town, Holland follows Eleanor (Nicole Kidman), a reclusive woman with a mysterious past, as she navigates the quiet torment of her existence. When a drifter (played by Joel Edgerton) arrives in town, his presence unearths long-buried secrets, drawing Eleanor into a spiral of paranoia and existential dread. Holland movie review: Horrid but not horrific, new Nicole Kidman film has little to say about anything 2025 best The film attempts to weave a psychological thriller but struggles to maintain a cohesive and engaging narrative.
Performances
Nicole Kidman as Eleanor
Kidman brings her usual intensity to the role, portraying Eleanor’s internal battles with a quiet desperation. Her performance, though nuanced, cannot fully elevate the weak script, leaving her character feeling underdeveloped despite her best efforts.
Joel Edgerton as the Drifter
Edgerton plays his role with an enigmatic quality, but the screenplay fails to provide him with enough material to make his character truly compelling. Holland movie review: Horrid but not horrific, new Nicole Kidman film has little to say about anything 2025 best His interactions with Kidman hint at deeper themes that remain unexplored.
Supporting Cast
The rest of the cast, including Holland’s small-town residents, serves as little more than narrative props. Their presence adds to the film’s atmosphere but does little to enhance the story’s emotional or thematic weight.
Direction and Cinematography
Director’s Vision
Director David Jenkins crafts Holland with an eye for slow-burning tension, but his pacing choices often work against the film. Holland movie review: Horrid but not horrific, new Nicole Kidman film has little to say about anything 2025 best While a methodical approach can be effective in psychological thrillers, Holland drags unnecessarily, stretching thin material beyond its capacity to engage.
Visual Aesthetic
The cinematography by Rodrigo Prieto is one of the film’s stronger aspects. The muted color palette and lingering shots of desolate landscapes effectively mirror Eleanor’s isolation. However, the film’s visual beauty cannot compensate for its lack of compelling storytelling.
Themes and Execution
Exploration of Trauma and Isolation
Holland attempts to explore themes of trauma, regret, and existential loneliness, but these elements are presented in a way that feels superficial. Holland movie review: Horrid but not horrific, new Nicole Kidman film has little to say about anything 2025 best Instead of delving into Eleanor’s psyche, the film skirts around deeper issues, offering vague symbolism instead of substantial narrative exploration.
Lack of Narrative Drive
The film struggles with pacing, and while slow-burn thrillers can be effective, Holland leans too heavily into its atmosphere at the expense of plot progression. By the time the third act arrives, any initial intrigue has dissipated.
The Verdict
Holland is neither a disaster nor a triumph—it exists in an unsatisfying middle ground. While Nicole Kidman delivers a solid performance and the cinematography is striking, Holland movie review: Horrid but not horrific, new Nicole Kidman film has little to say about anything 2025 best the film ultimately lacks a compelling story and thematic depth. It’s a film that hints at horror but never fully embraces it, leaving audiences with little to hold onto.
Final Rating: 2.5/5
If you’re a fan of atmospheric slow-burn thrillers and appreciate Kidman’s acting, Holland movie review: Horrid but not horrific, new Nicole Kidman film has little to say about anything 2025 best Holland might be worth a watch. However, for those seeking a gripping narrative with meaningful themes, this film fails to deliver.
