Grow Review – A Refined Pumpkin Growing Caper Brimming with Lively Appeal and Humor Expertise
This upbeat British children's film features five different writers listed with the script, including two who provided “additional material”. This could explain why the story beats progress with such metronomic precision, and the characters feel as if they were cultivated hydroponically in a lab. Paradoxically, the backdrop is a homestead farm where farm-owner Dinah, an agronomist decides to go organic after being inspired by her gifted niece Charlie, who feels the feelings of plants through touch.
A Growing Bond and a Prize Pumpkin
Recently introduced, for motives the otherwise sleek screenplay doesn't clarify, Charlie and Dinah bond with one another across a few seasons – which coincides with the time required to grow a pumpkin for the local yearly contest. Charlie aims to utilize the award cash to find her mother, said to have left for pursue stardom in the US.
The supporting cast is filled with delightful humorous roles by veteran British actors.
Star-Studded Appearances and Antagonistic Foes
The mother character later emerges played by a familiar face, who, like Rosheuvel, comes from in hit shows. Additionally, the lineup features an eccentric gardener played by Nick Frost, who offers advice on growing pumpkins to Dinah and Charlie. Meanwhile, Tim McInnerny and Jane Horrocks depict the Smythe-Gherkins, the evil local elites set on winning the contest purely for prestige since they don’t need the monetary reward.
- Nick Frost excels in the role of a bohemian gardener.
- The antagonists add comedic tension as wealthy rivals.
- Young Dominic McLaughlin plays Charlie’s school friend Oliver.
Youthful Talent and Filmmaking Style
While his Scottish tone appears a bit random in this setting, his subtle performance and comic timing are so adept it’s no surprise he was chosen for a leading part in a future show. Director John McPhail maintains a lighthearted humorous vibe and stays unobtrusive with what is meant to be suitable pre-bedtime entertainment during a particular time of year.