Kidman spoke about her character, Nancy. Describing her role, she said, “Nancy embodies the idea of an idyllic, white-picket-fence life. But beneath the surface, there’s a restlessness, a yearning for something more. That’s where we meet her at the beginning of the story.”
Set in the seemingly serene town of Holland, Michigan, the film quickly subverts expectations. Kidman humorously acknowledged the setting’s unique cinematic presence, saying, “When you hear ‘windmills and tulips,’ Holland, Michigan, isn’t the first place that comes to mind,” she laughed. “That was part of the charm—because, as Mimi will explain, it’s a setting that feels both idyllic and fantastical. That contrast makes it a fantastic backdrop for a thriller.”
Joining Kidman in the cast is Gael García Bernal, who portrays Dave—a mysterious presence drawn into Nancy’s life. “There’s something captivating about her,” Bernal shared. “She’s both enigmatic and immediately trustworthy. Dave starts off quite lonely, and Nancy is the first person to truly see him—not just at face value, but on a deeper level.”
While Holland delivers the tension expected from a thriller, Kidman assures audiences there’s more to it than just suspense. “It’s got an element of fun,” she revealed. “Yes, there are twists and turns, but you’re also meant to laugh and enjoy the ride. Around the halfway mark, the story takes on a caper-like quality with sleuthing elements, and then things start unraveling. Just when you think you have it all figured out, you realize nothing is as it seems.”
Renowned for taking on bold and intricate roles, Kidman explained that her decision to join Holland stemmed from her passion for pushing artistic boundaries. Addressing the media, she stated, “I see myself as a character actress. I don’t think of myself as a leading lady or a movie star—I just love building characters.” She further highlighted the importance of voice work in her process, adding, “The accent played a huge role in shaping Nancy. I found a sense of innocence and wonder in her that I haven’t had the chance to explore before.”
Reflecting on her career choices, she continued, “We’re incredibly fortunate to have the opportunity to experiment in this industry. I’m in a position where I can take creative risks and also support others who want to explore artistry in a similar way. It’s about working with people—both in front of and behind the camera—who share that same drive for discovery.”
She concluded with a heartfelt sentiment: “I never take this privilege for granted. So many people don’t get the chance to pursue their passions, and we do. That’s something I always appreciate.”
Holland premieres today, March 27, on Prime Video. In this gripping thriller, Nicole Kidman stars as Nancy Vandergroot—a dedicated teacher and homemaker living a seemingly perfect life in tulip-filled Holland, Michigan, alongside her devoted husband (Matthew Macfadyen) and their son (Jude Hill). But as Nancy and her charismatic colleague (Gael García Bernal) begin to suspect a buried secret, their picturesque world unravels into a web of deception where nothing is as it appears.