The world premiere of Nicole Kidman’s psychological thriller Holland at the South by Southwest (SXSW) Film Festival led to a rare split reaction from an audience known for its enthusiasm. The film, directed by Mimi Cave and co-starring Matthew Macfadyen and Gael García Bernal, takes a surreal approach to themes of infidelity and paranoia, blending domestic drama with eerie dream sequences and bursts of violence.
SXSW audiences typically offer a warm reception, often giving raucous ovations even for films with polarizing elements. However, Holland presented a different case. While Kidman still received cheers when she appeared onstage, some empty seats and muted responses indicated a level of uncertainty among attendees. Some whispered during key sequences, others exited before the credits rolled, and the post-screening discussion had noticeably fewer participants than the festival’s other high-profile premieres.
The film follows Nancy (Kidman), a schoolteacher and homemaker in the Dutch-influenced town of Holland, Michigan. Suspecting her husband Fred (Macfadyen) of infidelity, she enlists her co-worker Dave (Bernal) to investigate. As she pieces together clues, her anxieties manifest through disturbing nightmares that blur the line between reality and fantasy.
Director Mimi Cave explained that these dream sequences were designed to immerse viewers in Nancy’s psyche. “The dreams came out of wanting to feel like we could be in Nancy’s interior and enter the anxiety and the fear she was having,” Cave said. “And also wanting to protect her family and her son.” She added that her visual storytelling leans toward the surreal, with much of what appears on screen having been toned down from even more outlandish initial concepts.
For Macfadyen, playing Fred required striking a careful balance between an unassuming family man and an enigma. “Most of Fred is pretty conventional, quite sweet, until it goes south,” he said. “Until then, you’re just playing the family man, a devoted husband. The more you lean into that, the better, because then the payoff is hopefully more interesting.”
Bernal’s role as Dave introduces another layer of tension, as his Mexican-American character navigates life in a predominantly white Midwestern town. “It was a great opportunity to portray a Chicano, a strand of the Mexican culture which has evolved for many years [within] a United States tradition,” Bernal said. “Chicano identity is not the same as in Los Angeles, or as here [in Texas].”
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Kidman, who also served as a producer on the film, was instrumental in bringing Holland to the screen. Cave praised the actress for championing both the script and the director’s vision. “She really believes in directors, so once it’s in my hands or any director’s hands, she lets you go,” Cave said.
Macfadyen was drawn to the project for its genre elements and tonal complexity. “I thought it was bonkers,” he admitted. “I thought it was tonally really fascinating and stylized and stylish and fun.” Having been impressed by Cave’s previous work, he wanted to be part of her next cinematic venture.
Holland marks Kidman’s first major release of 2025 following a packed 2024, during which she starred in multiple films and television projects. Speaking at the festival, she expressed relief at a lighter workload this year. “This year is actually not as crazy. I was much more out there last year; this year I have Holland, I have Nine Perfect Strangers, and then I’m off for the rest of the year. So, oh well!” she said with a laugh.
The film is set to premiere on Prime Video on March 27.
