Grow Review – A Polished Pumpkin Growing Caper Filled with Lively Appeal and Humor Expertise
This lively UK family movie features five different writers credited for the screenplay, with a pair who provided “extra content”. This could explain why the narrative rhythm unfold with clockwork accuracy, while the personalities feel as if they were cultivated in a controlled environment. Paradoxically, the backdrop is a family-run farm where farm-owner Dinah, an agronomist decides to go organic motivated by her gifted niece Charlie, who can sense plants’ emotions through touch.
A Growing Bond and a Contest-Winning Gourd
Recently introduced, for reasons the otherwise polished script fails to explain, Dinah and Charlie bond with one another across a few seasons – which coincides with the duration needed to cultivate a pumpkin for the annual village competition. Charlie hopes to utilize the award cash to find her mother, rumored to have run off to pursue stardom in the US.
The ensemble cast is filled with charming comic performances from seasoned UK performers.
Star-Studded Appearances and Antagonistic Foes
The maternal figure eventually appears played by a well-known actress, similar to Rosheuvel, comes from in popular series. Additionally, the lineup features an eccentric gardener played by Nick Frost, who provides advice on growing pumpkins for the duo. Meanwhile, Tim McInnerny and Jane Horrocks depict the Smythe-Gherkins, the villainous upper-class neighbors set on winning the competition purely for prestige as they lack need for the monetary reward.
- Nick Frost shines as a hippy horticulturist.
- The antagonists add comedic tension as wealthy rivals.
- The youthful Dominic McLaughlin stars as Charlie’s pal Oliver.
Young Actor's Skill and Filmmaking Style
Though his Scottish accent appears a bit random in this setting, his subtle performance and humor sense are so skillful 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 serve as evening family fun for a specific seasonal period.
