Grow Review – A Polished Pumpkin Growing Caper Filled with Lively Appeal and Comedic Talent

This upbeat British children's film boasts a team of five scribes credited 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 cultivated in a controlled environment. Ironically, the backdrop is a homestead farm where farm-owner Dinah, an agronomist decides to go organic after being inspired by her gifted niece Charlie, who can sense the feelings of plants by touching them.

A Budding Relationship and a Contest-Winning Gourd

Having only recently met, for reasons the otherwise sleek screenplay doesn't clarify, Dinah and Charlie bond with one another over several seasons – which aligns with the time required to grow a pumpkin for the annual village competition. Charlie aims to use the prize money to find her mother, said to have left for pursue stardom in California.

The supporting cast is packed with charming comic performances from seasoned UK performers.

Star-Studded Appearances and Villainous Rivals

The mother character eventually appears played by a well-known actress, who, like Rosheuvel, has a background in hit shows. Moreover, the lineup features a quirky horticulturist portrayed by Nick Frost, who offers pumpkin-growing tips to Dinah and Charlie. At the same time, Tim McInnerny and Jane Horrocks play the Smythe-Gherkins, the evil local elites determined to win the contest for glory alone as they lack need for the cash prize.

Nick Frost excels in the role of a bohemian gardener.
The antagonists bring humorous conflict as wealthy rivals.
Young Dominic McLaughlin stars as Charlie’s pal Oliver.

Youthful Talent and Directorial Flair

Though his Scottish accent seems somewhat out of place in this setting, his dry underplaying and humor sense are so skillful it’s no surprise he has been cast 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.