Film Analysis: Grow – A Polished Pumpkin Growing Caper Brimming with Perky Charm and Comedic Talent
This lively British children's film boasts a team of five scribes credited with the script, with a pair who provided “extra content”. This could explain why the story beats unfold with such metronomic precision, while the personalities seem as though they were cultivated in a controlled environment. Paradoxically, the setting is a homestead farm where agronomist-owner Dinah chooses organic methods motivated by her magical niece Charlie, who feels the feelings of plants through touch.
A Growing Bond and a Contest-Winning Gourd
Recently introduced, for motives the otherwise sleek screenplay fails to explain, Dinah and Charlie get to know each other across a few seasons – which coincides with the time required to cultivate a pumpkin for the local yearly contest. Charlie aims to utilize the award cash to find her mother, said to have run off to become a movie star in the US.
The supporting cast is filled with charming comic performances from seasoned UK performers.
Notable Cameos and Villainous Rivals
The maternal figure eventually appears portrayed by a familiar face, similar to Rosheuvel, has a background in popular series. Moreover, the lineup features a quirky horticulturist portrayed by Nick Frost, who offers advice on growing pumpkins for the duo. Meanwhile, Jane Horrocks and Tim McInnerny depict the Smythe-Gherkins, the evil local elites determined to win the competition purely for prestige since they don’t need the monetary reward.
- Nick Frost shines in the role of a bohemian gardener.
- The foes add comedic tension as affluent competitors.
- Young Dominic McLaughlin stars as Charlie’s pal Oliver.
Youthful Talent and Filmmaking Style
Though his Scottish accent seems somewhat out of place in this context, his dry underplaying and comic timing are so skillful it’s expected he has been cast for a major role in an upcoming series. Director John McPhail keeps a buoyant comedy tone and doesn’t interfere with what is destined to serve as evening family fun for a specific seasonal period.
