Step into the unsettling world of Holland, an American mystery thriller set to premiere at the 2025 SXSW Film Festival in March and streaming on Amazon Prime Video from March 27, 2025. Directed by Mimi Cave (Fresh) and written by Andrew Sodroski, the film stars Nicole Kidman as Nancy Vandergroot, a woman whose seemingly perfect life in Holland, Michigan begins to unravel as she uncovers dark secrets lurking beneath her community’s serene surface.
With an electrifying cast including Matthew Macfadyen, Gael García Bernal, Jude Hill, and Rachel Sennott, Holland promises a Hitchcockian thrill ride through suspicion, betrayal, and the haunting realities hidden behind closed doors.
Let’s pull back the curtain and explore the captivating filming locations that breathe life into this suspenseful tale.
Where Was Holland Filmed?
Though the story unfolds in the picturesque town of Holland, Michigan, the movie’s filming took place across two key states: Tennessee and Michigan. The blend of southern charm and northern beauty created the perfect backdrop for the film’s unsettling yet captivating atmosphere.
Holland, Michigan
Why It Was Chosen: Known for its iconic tulip fields, Dutch heritage, and charming small-town appeal, Holland provides the ideal setting for a story about a community where nothing is as perfect as it seems.
Windmill Island Gardens
📍 1 Lincoln Ave, Holland, MI
Why It Stands Out: Home to the De Zwaan windmill, a 250-year-old working Dutch windmill, this spot epitomizes the town’s charm. In the film, the gardens serve as a visual contrast to the dark secrets Nancy begins to uncover.
What to Do Here:
- Stroll through the breathtaking tulip fields (especially vibrant during the Tulip Time Festival in May).
- Explore the authentic Dutch buildings and gardens.
- Take a guided tour of the De Zwaan windmill.
Filming Fun Fact: The windmill’s towering silhouette adds an eerie undertone to several key scenes, hinting at the sinister truths hiding behind the town’s peaceful exterior.
Nashville, Tennessee
Why It Was Chosen: While it’s famous for its country music legacy, Nashville’s diverse architecture and dynamic cityscape provided the perfect canvas for Holland’s shadowy, suspenseful vibe.
Downtown Nashville
Why It Stands Out: Known for its blend of historic buildings and modern streetscapes, Nashville gave the film a unique blend of small-town charm and underlying tension.
What to Do Here:
- Walk along Lower Broadway’s Honky Tonk Highway — a must for live music lovers.
- Visit the Country Music Hall of Fame to experience the city’s rich musical history.
- Explore the vibrant art scene and local boutiques.
Filming Fun Fact: Scenes depicting Nancy’s unsettling realizations were shot against the backdrop of Nashville’s dimly lit streets and alleyways, heightening the sense of paranoia.
Clarksville, Tennessee
Why It Was Chosen: Just 40 miles northwest of Nashville, Clarksville brought a quieter, more intimate feel to the movie’s street scenes, reflecting the close-knit community vibe of Holland.
Historic Downtown Clarksville
Why It Stands Out: With its old brick buildings, riverside views, and small-town ambiance, Clarksville perfectly captured the essence of a town where everyone seems to know each other — and their secrets.
What to Do Here:
- Visit the Customs House Museum & Cultural Center for local history and art.
- Explore Dunbar Cave State Park — perfect for a nature escape.
- Dine at local restaurants in the heart of downtown.
When Did the Filming of Holland Take Place?
Principal photography for Holland began in early March 2023 and wrapped on May 7, 2023. Nicole Kidman and the rest of the cast moved between the haunting beauty of Michigan and the striking contrasts of Tennessee, crafting a visually rich and emotionally gripping film.
Interestingly, Rachel Sennott had to split her time between filming in Tennessee and attending premieres at SXSW in Austin, Texas — a reminder of the movie’s deep ties to the upcoming 2025 SXSW Film Festival where it will make its world premiere.
Plan Your Holland Filming Location Tour
Best Time to Visit
- Spring (March – May): Visit Holland, Michigan during the Tulip Time Festival for peak bloom season — a surreal blend of beauty and symbolism that echoes the film’s tone.
- Fall (September – November): Explore Tennessee’s downtown streets and countryside as the leaves change, adding an extra layer of mystery and charm.
How to Get There
- By Air: Fly into Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR) in Grand Rapids, Michigan for easy access to Holland.
- Nashville International Airport (BNA) serves as the main gateway to the Tennessee locations.
- By Car: Rent a car for a road trip through Michigan and Tennessee, stopping at key filming spots along the way.
Step Into the Shadows of Holland
Holland is more than a thriller — it’s an invitation to explore the dark corners of seemingly perfect places. Whether you’re walking through the vivid tulip fields of Michigan or standing on the quiet streets of Clarksville, every filming location whispers the film’s central message:
So, are you ready to uncover the secrets of Holland? Plan your visit to these intriguing locations and step into the suspenseful world of Nancy Vandergroot.