Grow Review – A Refined Gourd Cultivation Adventure Brimming with Lively Appeal and Humor Expertise
This lively British children's film features a team of five scribes listed for the screenplay, including two who provided “additional material”. This might clarify why the story beats unfold with clockwork accuracy, while the personalities seem as though they were cultivated in a controlled environment. Ironically, the backdrop is a family-run farm where farm-owner Dinah, an agronomist decides to go organic after being inspired by her magical niece Charlie, who can sense the feelings of plants by touching them.
A Growing Bond and a Contest-Winning Gourd
Having only recently met, for motives the otherwise polished script doesn't clarify, Charlie and Dinah bond with one another over several seasons – which aligns with the time required to grow 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 California.
The ensemble cast is packed with charming comic performances from seasoned UK performers.
Star-Studded Appearances and Antagonistic Foes
The mother character eventually appears played by a familiar face, who, like Rosheuvel, has a background in hit shows. Additionally, the lineup features an eccentric gardener portrayed by Nick Frost, who offers pumpkin-growing tips for the duo. Meanwhile, Jane Horrocks and Tim McInnerny play the Smythe-Gherkins, the evil local elites determined to win the contest purely for prestige as they lack need for the monetary reward.
- Nick Frost excels as a hippy horticulturist.
- The antagonists add comedic tension as affluent competitors.
- Young Dominic McLaughlin plays Charlie’s school friend Oliver.
Youthful Talent and Directorial Flair
While his Scottish tone appears a bit random in this context, his subtle performance and comic timing are so skillful it’s expected he has been cast for a leading part in a future show. Filmmaker John McPhail keeps a lighthearted humorous vibe and doesn’t interfere with what is meant to serve as evening family fun during a particular time of year.
