Nicole Kidman’s New Thriller Will Leave You Questioning Everything!

Mimi Cave had just entered the post-production stage for her first full-length movie, the 2022 horror flick “Fresh,” starring Sebastian Stan and Daisy Edgar-Jones, when she was offered to direct Nicole Kidman in “Holland.” This screenplay by Andrew Sodorski had circulated within the film industry since it made the Black List in 2013. Originally, Naomi Watts and Bryan Cranston were connected to the project, but it failed to materialize. As a native of a Chicago suburb, Cave was acquainted with the film’s backdrop, Holland, Michigan, and she felt an intimate understanding of the characters based on her experiences there.

She mentions that the place where she spent her childhood had a strong resemblance to Holland, which made her feel a deep sense of affinity towards the Dutch people.

Nicole Kidman, who was also involved in the production of the film through her company Blossom Films, portrays Nancy Vandergroot, a high school home economics instructor from Holland, who harbors suspicions about her husband Fred (Matthew Macfadyen) being unfaithful. To confirm her intuition, she enlists the aid of Dave Delgado, the school’s shop teacher (Gael García Bernal), despite lacking solid evidence. As a result, viewers are left guessing about what exactly is fueling Nancy’s conviction that Fred might be cheating.

Ahead of the SXSW Film & Television Festival’s screening (slated for March 27 on Prime Video), Cave delves into her bond with the material, her reasons for choosing a 2000 setting, the significance of keeping steps ahead of viewers, and her behind-the-scenes collaborations with Kidman.

How did this project first come to your attention?

Initially, I was working on revising “Fresh,” which my agent forwarded to me. With some background knowledge of its past and multiple attempts at reinvention, this project kept lingering in my thoughts persistently.

What about the script that really struck you?

The story’s emotional resonance stemmed from my personal connection to it. Having been raised outside of Chicago, I also spent time in Holland, where I had a hazy recollection, yet a sense of familiarity with the characters and their way of life. My hometown bore some resemblance to Holland, which made me strongly empathize with them. Their speech patterns and daily routines felt relatable, almost as if I were part of their small town community. When not scripting, I was constantly drawn back to this shared experience, seeking my own way in.

In 2013, when I initially wrote the script, it was intended to be set in the present day. However, upon reconsideration, I decided to move the setting back to the year 2000. This change felt appropriate to me because certain themes, such as Dave’s sense of being an outsider, seemed more resonant with that time period. Additionally, I found it easier to connect with that era personally, as I had left the Midwest around 2002.

What did setting the story in 2000 provide for the movie?

In simpler terms, navigating through the internet back then was a thrilling experience due to its slow dial-up connection. The urgency of finding information added an exciting tension, making it feel like a movie scene. For me, it was more visually engaging and provided actors with something to delve into, reminding them of past experiences they hadn’t lived in such a way for a long time.

Did you attempt to film in Holland?

For a few days, we filmed in Holland, Michigan, initially planning to capture the final scene at the Tulip Time parade on its main street replica. However, it proved challenging, so we discovered a charming small town named Clarksville, Tennessee, where we effectively assumed control. In retrospect, I believe it worked out better, in an unusual manner, as the Holland we constructed was a heightened, more dreamlike version of Holland, Michigan.

Without spoiling anything, the movie has to walk a tricky line about keeping the audience unsure whether Nancy’s suspicions are valid or just all in her head — I thought both multiple times throughout. How do you calibrate that kind of storytelling as a director?

The process involves making intuitive decisions while keeping the audience perspective in mind: “How does this story feel for me? What parts might be entertaining yet confusing or unsettling? And what elements make me lean in closer?” Additionally, it’s about following Nancy’s character development and the intrigue surrounding whether she should be written off as unreliable or deemed crazy. Ideally, there will be a scene where the audience is left guessing who to trust, and at the parade, the outcome could take an unexpected turn.

Nicole Kidman was also a major producer on the film — how did that work for you, between talking with her as a producer versus as an actor?

She serves as our dramaturge, and trust me, she’s incredibly insightful. Her knowledge of scripts surpasses that of everyone else on set. Prior to filming, she subtly contributes her expertise, focusing on areas that can enhance the script without being too intrusive. As an actress, she’s deeply invested in understanding the director’s vision, which means she steps aside from her producer role during shooting and fully immerses herself in her character. It’s like capturing a bolt of lightning. She needs to remain open, both spiritually, physically, and emotionally, to truly embody the character. Later on, in post-production, she switches back into producer mode.

What were your conversations with her like on set?

It seems she was absent for approximately three days. However, my role is more about creating an environment where others can shine. I take great care in establishing a set atmosphere that’s secure, welcoming, and encourages risk-taking. This mindset extends to everyone on the set, ensuring we all support this ethos and foster an environment for creativity.

Your first movie, “Fresh,” premiered at Sundance. What was it about SXSW that made this the festival that worked for this movie?

Due to last year’s writers’ strike, schedules were disrupted, leaving us wondering how things might have been otherwise. Nevertheless, I hope that this viewing experience offers a delightful escape from our daily routines, allowing you to immerse yourself in the movie without overthinking it. That’s the vibe South By exudes – an atmosphere of unconventional fun. I’ve visited a few times for smaller events, and I can attest that the audience is quite receptive to diverse experiences. At South By, there’s not much pompousness; instead, it’s all about enjoying cinema.

This interview has been edited and condensed.

2025-03-09 22:49