Film Analysis: Grow – A Refined Pumpkin Growing Caper Filled with Perky Charm and Humor Expertise
This lively UK family movie features five different writers listed with the script, including two who contributed “extra content”. This might clarify why the story beats progress with such metronomic precision, while the personalities feel as if they were developed hydroponically in a lab. Ironically, the setting is a homestead farm where farm-owner Dinah, an agronomist decides to go organic motivated by her gifted niece Charlie, who can sense plants’ emotions through touch.
A Growing Bond and a Contest-Winning Gourd
Recently introduced, for reasons the otherwise sleek screenplay fails to explain, Dinah and Charlie bond with one another over several seasons – which coincides with the time required to cultivate a pumpkin for the local yearly contest. Charlie hopes to use the prize money to locate her mom, said to have run off to pursue stardom in the US.
The supporting cast is filled with delightful humorous roles from seasoned UK performers.
Star-Studded Appearances and Villainous Rivals
The mother character eventually appears played by a well-known actress, who, like Rosheuvel, comes from in popular series. Moreover, the lineup features a quirky horticulturist played by Nick Frost, who provides pumpkin-growing tips to Dinah and Charlie. At the same time, Tim McInnerny and Jane Horrocks depict the Smythe-Gherkins, the villainous upper-class neighbors set on winning the contest for glory alone since they don’t need the cash prize.
- Nick Frost excels as a hippy horticulturist.
- The foes bring humorous conflict as affluent competitors.
- Young Dominic McLaughlin stars as Charlie’s pal Oliver.
Young Actor's Skill and Filmmaking Style
Though his Scottish accent seems somewhat out of place in this context, his dry underplaying and humor sense are so skillful it’s no surprise he was chosen for a major role in an upcoming series. Director John McPhail keeps a lighthearted humorous vibe and stays unobtrusive with what is destined to serve as evening family fun during a particular time of year.
