Film Analysis: Grow – A Polished Pumpkin Growing Caper Filled with Perky Charm and Comedic Talent
This lively British children's film boasts a team of five scribes listed for the screenplay, including two who provided “additional material”. This might clarify why the story beats progress with such metronomic precision, while the personalities seem as though they were developed hydroponically in a lab. Ironically, the backdrop is a homestead farm where agronomist-owner Dinah chooses organic methods motivated by her gifted niece Charlie, who feels the feelings of plants through touch.
A Growing Bond and a Contest-Winning Gourd
Having only recently met, for reasons the otherwise polished script fails to explain, Dinah and Charlie bond with one another over several seasons – which coincides with the time required to grow a pumpkin for the local yearly contest. Charlie aims to utilize the award cash to locate her mom, rumored to have left for become a movie star in California.
The supporting cast is packed with delightful humorous roles from seasoned UK performers.
Star-Studded Appearances and Villainous Rivals
The mother character later emerges portrayed by a well-known actress, similar to Rosheuvel, comes from in hit shows. Additionally, the cast includes an eccentric gardener played by Nick Frost, who provides pumpkin-growing tips for the duo. At the same time, 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 cash prize.
- Nick Frost excels in the role of a bohemian gardener.
- The antagonists bring humorous conflict as wealthy rivals.
- The youthful Dominic McLaughlin stars as Charlie’s pal Oliver.
Young Actor's Skill and Directorial Flair
While his Scottish tone seems somewhat out of place in this context, his dry underplaying and humor sense are so skillful it’s expected he was chosen for a major role in an upcoming series. Director John McPhail maintains a lighthearted humorous vibe and stays unobtrusive with what is meant to serve as pre-bedtime entertainment during a particular time of year.
