Ritesh Sharma
Directed by Mimi Cave, ‘Holland’ is a compelling psychological thriller that peels back the illusion of suburban perfection. Nancy Vandergroot, a devoted teacher and seemingly content homemaker, begins to suspect that her husband, Fred, is hiding something. What starts as a suspicion of infidelity soon unravels into something far more sinister, forcing Nancy to navigate a web of secrets lurking beneath the surface of her community. As she digs deeper, the safety of her idyllic surroundings is replaced by an unsettling tension that grows with each revelation. The film masterfully transforms familiar spaces into ominous settings, amplifying the paranoia that grips its protagonist. With haunting performances and a slow-burning intensity, ‘Holland’ explores the fragility of trust and the darkness that can fester within the walls of a perfect home. Every shadow holds a secret, and every truth carries a price.
Holland Filming Locations
Despite its title, ‘Holland’ was primarily filmed in Tennessee, with Nashville and Clarksville serving as the backdrop for most of its scenes. However, a portion of the film was indeed shot in Holland, Michigan, adding an authentic touch to its setting. Bringing director Cave’s vision to life required a dedicated and talented team, who worked tirelessly to ensure every frame captured the film’s essence. Production commenced in March 2023, unfolding seamlessly without major setbacks. The cast and crew fully embraced the vibrant and diverse locations, leveraging their unique aesthetics to create an immersive cinematic experience. Thanks to efficient planning and meticulous coordination, filming wrapped up smoothly on May 7, 2023.
Nashville, Tennessee
During the production of ‘Holland,’ Nashville and its surrounding areas—Mt. Juliet, Spring Hill and Springfield—served as key filming locations, offering a versatile urban and suburban landscape that effectively stood in for various settings within the film’s narrative. Known as “Music City,” Nashville’s blend of historic charm and modern infrastructure provided the filmmakers with diverse backdrops to depict the story’s unfolding mysteries. The area’s nostalgic atmosphere and 19th-century architecture align well with the film’s tone. Furthermore, the city’s cobblestone streets and restored Victorian homes likely contributed to the film’s blend of old and new. Its upscale eateries and boutique stores create a distinct contrast, making it a visually engaging setting.
The place is a hub of creativity, featuring colorful murals, unique storefronts, and a lively street culture that can bring an urban setting to life. Its mix of indie coffee shops, record stores, and eclectic architecture makes it a preferred choice for productions aiming to capture a free-spirited and visually dynamic environment. The area’s strong community vibe also allows for controlled filming conditions without disrupting the neighborhood’s natural energy. Meanwhile, the now-shut WorldStage Studios played a crucial role in the film’s production by offering a controlled, high-tech environment for interior and effects-driven scenes.
Known for its state-of-the-art audiovisual technology and customizable studio spaces, the facility allowed filmmakers to create immersive settings that would have been difficult to achieve on location. The studio’s advanced lighting, green screen capabilities, and production support services ensured seamless integration of practical and digital effects, making it a valuable asset in bringing ‘Holland’ to life. Nashville’s established film production resources and experienced local crews made it an attractive choice for filmmakers. Beyond ‘Holland,’ the city has hosted the production of several notable films and television series, including ‘The Green Mile,’ ‘The Matrix,’ ‘Country Strong,’ ‘The Thing Called Love,’ and ‘Hannah Montana: The Movie.’
Clarksville, Tennessee
Clarksville added a small-town contrast to the film’s urban scenes. A filming location here is Franklin Street in downtown Clarksville, where a significant parade scene was shot, with street closures around Main, Legion, Franklin, and Commerce streets. This area, with its historic brick buildings and locally owned shops, provided an ideal setting for scenes depicting the town’s daily life. Franklin Street’s architecture reflects the rich history of Clarksville, featuring well-preserved storefronts and charming lampposts that lend a timeless quality to its visuals.
The Queen City of the Cumberland provides a scenic yet understated backdrop that perfectly complements the film’s contemplative tone. Nestled along the river, the city’s waterfront views and meandering walking trails create an ideal setting for quieter, introspective moments, allowing characters to reflect and connect in a visually serene environment. The city’s natural beauty, with its tree-lined paths and tranquil water, enhances the film’s emotional depth, subtly reinforcing themes of nostalgia, longing, or personal transformation. Clarksville’s appeal as a filming location stems from its affordability, cooperative local government, and access to picturesque landscapes. It has also been used as a filming site for projects such as ‘The Last Castle,’ ‘Blue Like Jazz,’ ‘At Close Range,’ and ‘The Evil Dead.’
Holland, Michigan
In addition to the Tennessee locations, filming for ‘Holland’ also took place in Holland, a Michigan city known for its quaint waterfront charm, Dutch heritage, and scenic landscapes. The city’s unique architecture and serene environment provided a visually compelling contrast to the film’s other settings. One notable filming location in Holland was Windmill Island Gardens, a historic site featuring an authentic Dutch windmill, vibrant tulip fields, and picturesque European-style scenery. This location added a rich visual texture to the film, complementing its themes of beauty and hidden darkness. The canals, traditional Dutch structures, and lush green spaces created an idyllic yet subtly haunting atmosphere, making it an ideal backdrop for key moments in the story.
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