“Holland” is an upcoming American mystery thriller directed by Mimi Cave, featuring Nicole Kidman as Nancy Vandergroot, a meticulous teacher and homemaker in the seemingly idyllic town of Holland, Michigan. Her picture-perfect life begins to unravel when she and a colleague, portrayed by Gael García Bernal, uncover unsettling secrets that challenge their perceptions of reality.
The film also stars Matthew Macfadyen as Nancy’s husband and Jude Hill as their son. Starring Nicole Kidman, Matthew Macfadyen, Gael García Bernal and Jude Hill, Holland follows the unraveling of a small-town mystery that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats. The movie is set to premiere at the 2025 South by Southwest (SXSW) Film Festival on March 9, 2025, before its global release on Amazon Prime Video on March 27, 2025. Let’s dive into where this intriguing film was shot!
Holland Plot Summary
Holland centers around Nancy Vandergroot (played by Nicole Kidman), a schoolteacher in a seemingly perfect Midwestern town. Her life appears idyllic—she has a loving husband, Fred (Matthew Macfadyen), and a son, Harry (Jude Hill). But when she starts suspecting her husband of living a double life, her world takes a dark turn. As she digs deeper, Nancy uncovers unsettling secrets that go beyond her worst fears. The town she thought she knew is hiding something sinister, and soon, she realizes that danger lurks much closer to home than she imagined.
This psychological thriller is packed with suspense, twists, and a gripping storyline that delves into themes of deception, hidden identities, and trust. Gael García Bernal plays Dave Delgado, a character who may hold key information about Fred’s secret life. Meanwhile, Rachel Sennott, Lennon Parham, and Isaac Krasner bring additional depth to the film’s mysterious plot. With Mimi Cave’s direction and Andrew Sodroski’s screenplay—previously topping the 2013 Blacklist survey of best unproduced scripts—Holland is set to be an unforgettable thriller that will keep audiences guessing until the very end.
Where Was Holland Filmed?
Holland was filmed in multiple locations, including Holland, Michigan, and Tennessee, USA. Key sites include Windmill Island Gardens in Holland, Michigan, known for its Dutch-style charm, and Nashville, Tennessee, which served as a stand-in for various settings. Some street scenes were also shot in Clarksville, Tennessee, adding to the film’s suspenseful atmosphere.
Holland, Michigan
The filmmakers wanted authenticity, so some scenes were shot in the real Holland, Michigan. This charming town is known for its Dutch heritage, tulip festivals, and beautiful windmills. One key filming location was Windmill Island Gardens, a well-known tourist attraction featuring a historic Dutch windmill and vibrant gardens. This picturesque setting adds an eerie contrast to the film’s dark storyline.
Mimi Cave shared her admiration for the location, stating, “Holland, Michigan has this postcard-perfect beauty, but we wanted to peel back the layers and show something unexpected.”
Other movies and TV shows like Road to Perdition and The End of the Tour have also been filmed in Michigan, showcasing its versatility as a backdrop for dramatic storytelling.
Nashville, Tennessee
While the movie is set in Michigan, a significant portion of Holland was filmed in Nashville, Tennessee. The city’s diverse urban and suburban landscapes provided the perfect stand-in for various locations in the film. From quaint neighborhoods to eerie, dimly lit streets, Nashville helped build the film’s suspenseful atmosphere.
According to production sources, “Nashville gave us everything we needed—big city energy but also quiet, unsettling suburban areas that fit perfectly with the film’s mood.” Nashville has been a popular filming location for other big productions like The Green Mile and The Thing Called Love.
Clarksville, Tennessee
Another key filming spot was Clarksville, Tennessee, located about 40 miles from Nashville. Known for its mix of historic buildings and modern architecture, Clarksville was used for various street scenes in the movie. The town’s unique blend of old and new added to the thriller’s mysterious and unpredictable vibe.
Rachel Sennott, who plays Candy Deboer in the film, mentioned in an interview, “There’s something really cinematic about Clarksville. It has that small-town charm but also an undercurrent of mystery that suited the film perfectly.” Clarksville has also been featured in movies like The Last Castle and Country Strong.
When Did the Filming of Holland Take Place?
Filming for Holland began in early March 2023 and wrapped up on May 7, 2023. During production, Rachel Sennott had to travel between Tennessee and Texas for SXSW premieres of her other projects. The blend of real locations and carefully chosen settings helped create the eerie and suspenseful world of Holland.
Behind the Scenes of Holland
The making of Holland is a story almost as twisty as the film itself. This 2025 mystery thriller, helmed by director Mimi Cave, didn’t come together overnight—it’s been kicking around Hollywood for over a decade. Back in 2013, the project was first announced with Naomi Watts and Bryan Cranston set to star, and documentary legend Errol Morris tapped to direct. Andrew Sodroski’s script was already generating buzz, but by 2015, that version fizzled out. Fast forward to the 2020s, and Amazon Studios swooped in, breathing new life into the project with a fresh team and a killer cast: Nicole Kidman, Matthew Macfadyen, Gael García Bernal, and young Jude Hill.
Mimi Cave, coming off her creepy-cool debut Fresh, jumped at the chance to tackle this Hitchcock-inspired tale. She’s called it a dream gig, blending her love for dark, stylish storytelling with a script that’s “a puzzle box of surprises.” Kidman, who also produces alongside Kate Churchill, Peter Dealbert, and Per Saari, was drawn to Nancy’s unraveling perfectionism—a role tailor-made for her icy intensity. Meanwhile, Macfadyen’s knack for playing charming yet shady types (Succession, anyone?) made him a perfect fit, and Bernal’s outsider energy adds a spark to the mix.
Filming took place in 2024, with Holland, Michigan’s quaint streets setting the stage—ironic, since the town’s real-life charm hides the movie’s sinister secrets. The crew kept things tight-lipped, dodging spoilers while dropping just enough hints to fuel hype. Set for SXSW on March 9, 2025, and streaming on Amazon Prime Video March 27, Holland proves some projects are worth the wait!
Holland Cast Details
- 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 Lennon
- Isaac Krasner as Shawn Graumann
- Jeff Pope as Squiggs Graumann
- Jacob Moran (role undisclosed)
- Bill Russell (role undisclosed)
Holland Official Trailer
The official trailer for Holland has been released, offering a glimpse into the suspense and mystery awaiting viewers. Watch it here:
From Michigan’s Windmill Island Gardens to Tennessee’s atmospheric streets, every location adds to the film’s chilling intrigue. Mark your calendars for March 27, 2025, and get ready for a suspenseful ride!
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