Grow Review – A Polished Gourd Cultivation Adventure Brimming with Lively Appeal and Humor Expertise
This lively British children's film features five different writers credited for the screenplay, with a pair who provided “additional material”. This might clarify why the story beats unfold with such metronomic precision, while the personalities feel as if they were developed in a controlled environment. Ironically, the backdrop is a family-run farm where farm-owner Dinah, an agronomist chooses organic methods motivated by her gifted niece Charlie, who can sense the feelings of plants through touch.
A Growing Bond and a Prize Pumpkin
Having only recently met, for reasons the otherwise polished script fails to explain, Charlie and Dinah get to know each other across a few seasons – which aligns with the duration needed to grow a pumpkin for the local yearly contest. Charlie aims to use the prize money to locate her mom, rumored to have run off to pursue stardom in the US.
The ensemble cast is packed with charming comic performances from seasoned UK performers.
Star-Studded Appearances and Antagonistic Foes
The maternal figure eventually appears played by a familiar face, who, like Rosheuvel, has a background in popular series. Additionally, the cast includes an eccentric gardener portrayed by Nick Frost, who offers pumpkin-growing tips for the duo. At the same time, Tim McInnerny and Jane Horrocks depict the Smythe-Gherkins, the evil local elites set on winning the competition for glory alone as they lack need for the monetary reward.
- Nick Frost shines in the role of a bohemian gardener.
- The foes bring humorous conflict as affluent competitors.
- Young Dominic McLaughlin plays Charlie’s school friend Oliver.
Young Actor's Skill and Filmmaking Style
While his Scottish tone seems somewhat out of place in this context, his subtle performance and humor sense are so skillful it’s no surprise 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 pre-bedtime entertainment for a specific seasonal period.
