Grow Review – A Polished Pumpkin Growing Caper Brimming with Perky Charm and Humor Expertise
This upbeat UK family movie boasts a team of five scribes credited with the script, including two who contributed “additional material”. This might clarify why the story beats unfold with such metronomic precision, and the characters seem as though they were developed 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 can sense plants’ emotions through touch.
A Growing Bond and a Contest-Winning Gourd
Recently introduced, for motives the otherwise sleek screenplay doesn't clarify, Charlie and Dinah get to know each other over several seasons – which coincides with the duration needed to cultivate a pumpkin for the annual village competition. Charlie aims to use the prize money to locate her mom, rumored to have left for pursue stardom in California.
The ensemble cast is filled with delightful humorous roles from seasoned UK performers.
Notable Cameos and Villainous Rivals
The maternal figure eventually appears portrayed by a well-known actress, similar to Rosheuvel, has a background in popular series. Moreover, the lineup features an eccentric gardener portrayed by Nick Frost, who provides pumpkin-growing tips to Dinah and Charlie. Meanwhile, Jane Horrocks and Tim McInnerny depict the Smythe-Gherkins, the villainous upper-class neighbors determined to win the competition purely for prestige since they don’t need the monetary reward.
- Nick Frost excels as a hippy horticulturist.
- The antagonists add comedic tension as wealthy rivals.
- The youthful Dominic McLaughlin plays Charlie’s school friend Oliver.
Youthful Talent and Directorial Flair
While his Scottish tone appears a bit random in this setting, his subtle performance and comic timing are so skillful it’s expected he has been cast for a major role in a future show. Director John McPhail keeps a lighthearted humorous vibe and stays unobtrusive with what is destined to be suitable evening family fun for a specific seasonal period.
