Grow Review – A Polished Pumpkin Growing Caper Filled with Perky Charm and Comedic Talent
This lively UK family movie boasts five different writers credited for the screenplay, including two who contributed “extra content”. This might clarify why the story beats progress with clockwork accuracy, and the characters feel as if they were cultivated in a controlled environment. Paradoxically, the backdrop is a family-run farm where agronomist-owner Dinah chooses organic methods after being inspired by her magical niece Charlie, who feels plants’ emotions by touching them.
A Growing Bond and a Contest-Winning Gourd
Having only recently met, for motives the otherwise polished script doesn't clarify, Dinah and Charlie get to know each other over several seasons – which aligns with the time required to cultivate a pumpkin for the annual village competition. Charlie hopes to utilize the award cash to locate her mom, rumored to have run off to become a movie star in the US.
The ensemble cast is packed with charming comic performances from seasoned UK performers.
Notable Cameos and Villainous Rivals
The mother character later emerges played by a well-known actress, similar to Rosheuvel, has a background in hit shows. Moreover, 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 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 shines in the role of a bohemian gardener.
- The antagonists bring humorous conflict as wealthy rivals.
- The youthful Dominic McLaughlin stars as Charlie’s pal Oliver.
Young Actor's Skill and Directorial Flair
While his Scottish tone appears a bit random in this setting, his dry underplaying and humor sense are so skillful it’s no surprise he has been cast for a leading part in a future show. Director John McPhail maintains a lighthearted humorous vibe and doesn’t interfere with what is meant to be suitable pre-bedtime entertainment during a particular time of year.
