Grow Review – A Refined Pumpkin Growing Caper Filled with Lively Appeal and Comedic Talent
This lively UK family movie features a team of five scribes credited with the script, including two who provided “extra content”. This might clarify why the story beats progress with clockwork accuracy, and the characters seem as though they were developed hydroponically in a lab. Paradoxically, 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 Growing Bond and a Prize Pumpkin
Having only recently met, for reasons the otherwise polished script fails to explain, Dinah and Charlie bond with one another across a few seasons – which aligns with the duration needed to grow a pumpkin for the local yearly contest. Charlie hopes to utilize the award cash to find her mother, said to have run off to pursue stardom in California.
The supporting cast is filled with charming comic performances from seasoned UK performers.
Notable Cameos and Antagonistic Foes
The maternal figure eventually appears portrayed by a familiar face, similar to Rosheuvel, comes from in popular series. Moreover, the lineup features a quirky horticulturist portrayed by Nick Frost, who offers advice on growing pumpkins for the duo. At the same time, Tim McInnerny and Jane Horrocks depict the Smythe-Gherkins, the villainous upper-class neighbors set on winning the contest purely for prestige as they lack need for the cash prize.
- Nick Frost excels in the role of a bohemian gardener.
- The antagonists bring humorous conflict as affluent competitors.
- The youthful Dominic McLaughlin stars as Charlie’s pal Oliver.
Young Actor's Skill and Directorial Flair
Though his Scottish accent seems somewhat out of place in this context, his dry underplaying and comic timing are so skillful it’s no surprise he was chosen for a major role in an upcoming series. Director John McPhail maintains a buoyant comedy tone and stays unobtrusive with what is meant to serve as evening family fun for a specific seasonal period.
