Grow Review – A Polished Pumpkin Growing Caper Brimming with Lively Appeal and Comedic Talent
This upbeat UK family movie boasts a team of five scribes listed for the screenplay, with a pair who provided “extra content”. This could explain why the narrative rhythm unfold with clockwork accuracy, while the personalities seem as though they were developed in a controlled environment. Ironically, the setting is a family-run farm where agronomist-owner Dinah decides to go organic after being inspired by her magical niece Charlie, who feels plants’ emotions by touching them.
A Budding Relationship and a Contest-Winning Gourd
Having only recently met, for reasons the otherwise polished script fails to explain, Charlie and Dinah get to know each other across a few seasons – which aligns with the duration needed to grow a pumpkin for the annual village competition. Charlie hopes to use the prize money to find her mother, rumored to have left for become a movie star in California.
The supporting cast is packed with delightful humorous roles from seasoned UK performers.
Notable Cameos and Antagonistic Foes
The mother character eventually appears played by a well-known actress, who, like Rosheuvel, has a background in popular series. Additionally, the cast includes a quirky horticulturist portrayed by Nick Frost, who provides advice on growing pumpkins to Dinah and Charlie. Meanwhile, Tim McInnerny and Jane Horrocks play the Smythe-Gherkins, the evil local elites determined to win the competition purely for prestige as they lack need for the monetary reward.
- Nick Frost shines in the role of a bohemian gardener.
- The foes add comedic tension as wealthy rivals.
- The youthful Dominic McLaughlin stars as Charlie’s pal Oliver.
Youthful Talent and Filmmaking Style
While his Scottish tone seems somewhat out of place in this context, his subtle performance and comic timing are so adept it’s no surprise he has been cast for a major role in an upcoming series. Director John McPhail keeps a lighthearted humorous vibe and stays unobtrusive with what is destined to serve as evening family fun for a specific seasonal period.
