Holland 2025 Review: A Star-Studded Letdown That Struggles to Find Its Footing

Nicole Kidman headlines Holland (2025)—a film that promises prestige but delivers mediocrity. Marketed as a sweeping drama with political intrigue and emotional stakes, the movie never quite lives up to its potential. Despite Kidman’s best efforts, Holland feels more like a misstep than a moment.

In this Holland 2025 review, we break down why even A-list talent couldn’t salvage this cinematic stumble.

Nicole Kidman Can’t Save a Flat Script

Kidman plays a once-revered diplomat thrust back into international affairs during a fictional European crisis. It’s a role that demands gravitas—but the writing gives her little to work with. Despite her nuanced delivery, the dialogue feels clunky, predictable, and occasionally cringe-inducing.

• Performance Highlight: Kidman maintains composure, but there’s no fire behind the words.
• Supporting Cast: Forgettable and underdeveloped, with little emotional weight.

The Plot: Political Drama Without the Drama

Holland attempts to blend political tension with personal reflection, but ends up meandering through dull subplots and heavy-handed symbolism. The pacing is sluggish, and key twists are telegraphed from a mile away.

• Themes: Power, regret, redemption—on paper. But onscreen, they feel shallow.
• Pacing: Uneven and often tedious, with few memorable scenes.

Cinematic Ambitions Fall Short

Visually, Holland tries to channel prestige cinema—moody lighting, slow pans, and minimalist design—but without a strong narrative core, it all feels hollow. Director Jan Van Kellen (in his English-language debut) shows potential, but struggles with tone and cohesion.

• Pros: Occasional flashes of visual beauty.
• Cons: Emotionally flat and tonally confused.

Final Verdict – A Beautiful Shell with Nothing Inside

🎬 Rating: ★★☆☆☆ (2/5)

Despite the pedigree behind it, Holland (2025) fails to resonate. Nicole Kidman does her best, but can’t carry the weight of a dull script and directionless storytelling. For a movie that tries to say something important, it ends up saying very little.

Michael Mowbray’s Verdict 👉

Holland (2025) is like watching a once-great athlete play a half-hearted game—it’s not awful, just deeply underwhelming. Nicole Kidman deserves better. So do audiences.