Grow Review – A Polished Pumpkin Growing Caper Filled with Perky Charm and Comedic Talent
This upbeat British children's film boasts five different writers listed with the script, with a pair who contributed “additional material”. This might clarify why the narrative rhythm progress with clockwork accuracy, and the characters seem as though they were cultivated in a controlled environment. Ironically, the backdrop is a family-run farm where farm-owner Dinah, an agronomist chooses organic methods after being inspired by her magical niece Charlie, who can sense plants’ emotions through touch.
A Budding Relationship and a Prize Pumpkin
Recently introduced, for reasons the otherwise polished script doesn't clarify, Dinah and Charlie bond with one another across a few seasons – which aligns with the duration needed 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 California.
The ensemble cast is packed with delightful humorous roles by veteran British actors.
Notable Cameos and Villainous Rivals
The maternal figure later emerges portrayed by a well-known actress, who, like Rosheuvel, has a background in hit shows. Moreover, the cast includes an eccentric gardener portrayed by Nick Frost, who offers pumpkin-growing tips to Dinah and Charlie. At the same time, Tim McInnerny and Jane Horrocks depict the Smythe-Gherkins, the villainous upper-class neighbors set on winning the competition purely for prestige since they don’t need the cash prize.
- Nick Frost excels as a hippy horticulturist.
- The foes add comedic tension as wealthy rivals.
- The youthful Dominic McLaughlin stars as Charlie’s pal Oliver.
Youthful Talent and Directorial Flair
Though his Scottish accent appears a bit random in this setting, his subtle performance and humor sense are so skillful it’s expected he has been cast for a major role in an upcoming series. Director John McPhail maintains a lighthearted humorous vibe and doesn’t interfere with what is destined to be suitable pre-bedtime entertainment for a specific seasonal period.
