Film Analysis: Grow – A Refined Pumpkin Growing Caper Brimming with Lively Appeal and Comedic Talent
This upbeat UK family movie boasts five different writers credited with the script, with a pair who provided “extra content”. This might clarify why the narrative rhythm progress with such metronomic precision, and the characters 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 motivated by her magical niece Charlie, who can sense the feelings of plants through touch.
A Budding Relationship and a Prize Pumpkin
Recently introduced, for motives the otherwise sleek screenplay fails to explain, Charlie and Dinah get to know each other across a few seasons – which coincides with the duration needed to grow a pumpkin for the annual village competition. Charlie aims to utilize the award cash to find her mother, said to have left for pursue stardom in California.
The supporting cast is packed with delightful humorous roles from seasoned UK performers.
Notable Cameos and Villainous Rivals
The mother character eventually appears portrayed by a well-known actress, similar to Rosheuvel, comes from in popular series. Moreover, the cast includes a quirky horticulturist played by Nick Frost, who offers advice on growing pumpkins to Dinah and Charlie. Meanwhile, Tim McInnerny and Jane Horrocks play the Smythe-Gherkins, the evil local elites set on winning the competition purely for prestige since they don’t need the cash prize.
- Nick Frost excels as a hippy horticulturist.
- The antagonists bring humorous conflict as wealthy rivals.
- The youthful Dominic McLaughlin plays Charlie’s school friend Oliver.
Young Actor's Skill and Directorial Flair
While his Scottish tone seems somewhat out of place in this context, his dry underplaying and comic timing are so adept it’s expected he was chosen for a leading part in a future show. Filmmaker John McPhail keeps a buoyant comedy tone and doesn’t interfere with what is meant to be suitable pre-bedtime entertainment during a particular time of year.
