Film Analysis: Grow – A Polished Pumpkin Growing Caper Brimming with Lively Appeal and Humor Expertise
This upbeat British children's film features five different writers credited for the screenplay, including two who provided “additional material”. This could explain why the story beats unfold with clockwork accuracy, while the personalities feel as if they were cultivated in a controlled environment. Ironically, the backdrop is a family-run farm where agronomist-owner Dinah decides to go organic after being inspired 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 motives the otherwise polished script doesn't clarify, Dinah and Charlie get to know each other across a few seasons – which aligns with the duration needed to grow a pumpkin for the annual village competition. Charlie hopes to use the prize money to find her mother, rumored to have run off to pursue stardom in California.
The ensemble cast is filled with charming comic performances from seasoned UK performers.
Star-Studded Appearances and Villainous Rivals
The mother character later emerges portrayed by a familiar face, who, like Rosheuvel, has a background in popular series. Moreover, the lineup features a quirky horticulturist played by Nick Frost, who offers advice on growing pumpkins for the duo. At the same time, Jane Horrocks and Tim McInnerny play the Smythe-Gherkins, the villainous upper-class neighbors determined to win the contest purely for prestige since they don’t need the monetary reward.
- Nick Frost shines in the role of a bohemian gardener.
- The antagonists bring humorous conflict as affluent competitors.
- Young Dominic McLaughlin plays Charlie’s school friend Oliver.
Young Actor's Skill and Filmmaking Style
Though his Scottish accent seems somewhat out of place in this context, his dry underplaying and comic timing are so adept it’s expected he has been cast for a leading part in a future show. Director John McPhail keeps a lighthearted humorous vibe and doesn’t interfere with what is destined to be suitable pre-bedtime entertainment during a particular time of year.
