Grow Review – A Polished Pumpkin Growing Caper Filled with Perky Charm and Comedic Talent
This lively British children's film boasts five different writers listed with the script, with a pair who contributed “extra content”. This might clarify why the narrative rhythm unfold with clockwork accuracy, while the personalities feel as if they were cultivated hydroponically in a lab. Paradoxically, the setting is a homestead farm where farm-owner Dinah, an agronomist chooses organic methods after being inspired by her magical niece Charlie, who feels the feelings of plants through touch.
A Budding Relationship and a Prize Pumpkin
Having only recently met, for reasons the otherwise polished script fails to explain, Dinah and Charlie bond with one another across a few seasons – which coincides with the time required to cultivate a pumpkin for the annual village competition. Charlie hopes to use the prize money to find her mother, said to have run off to become a movie star in the US.
The ensemble cast is filled with charming comic performances by veteran British actors.
Notable Cameos and Antagonistic Foes
The maternal figure eventually appears played by a familiar face, who, like Rosheuvel, has a background in popular series. Additionally, the cast includes a quirky horticulturist played by Nick Frost, who offers advice on growing pumpkins to Dinah and Charlie. Meanwhile, Tim McInnerny and Jane Horrocks play the Smythe-Gherkins, the villainous upper-class neighbors set on winning the contest for glory alone since they don’t need the cash prize.
- Nick Frost shines in the role of a bohemian gardener.
- The antagonists add comedic tension as wealthy rivals.
- The youthful Dominic McLaughlin plays Charlie’s school friend Oliver.
Young Actor's Skill and Filmmaking Style
Though his Scottish accent appears a bit random in this context, his dry underplaying and humor sense are so skillful it’s no surprise he was chosen for a leading part in a future show. Filmmaker John McPhail keeps a buoyant comedy tone and stays unobtrusive with what is destined to be suitable pre-bedtime entertainment during a particular time of year.
