Film Analysis: Grow – A Polished Pumpkin Growing Caper Brimming with Lively Appeal and Comedic Talent

This lively UK family movie boasts a team of five scribes listed for the screenplay, including two who contributed “additional material”. This might clarify why the story beats unfold with clockwork accuracy, and the characters seem as though they were cultivated hydroponically in a lab. Paradoxically, the backdrop is a family-run farm where farm-owner Dinah, an agronomist decides to go organic after being inspired by her gifted niece Charlie, who feels plants’ emotions by touching them.

A Growing Bond and a Contest-Winning Gourd

Recently introduced, for reasons the otherwise sleek screenplay doesn't clarify, Dinah and Charlie get to know each other over several 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 run off to pursue stardom in California.

The ensemble cast is packed with charming comic performances by veteran British actors.

Notable Cameos and Villainous Rivals

The mother character eventually appears played by a familiar face, similar to Rosheuvel, has a background in popular series. Additionally, the cast includes 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 competition purely for prestige since they don’t need the monetary reward.

Nick Frost shines in the role of a bohemian gardener.
The foes add comedic tension as affluent competitors.
Young Dominic McLaughlin stars as Charlie’s pal Oliver.

Youthful Talent and Directorial Flair

While his Scottish tone seems somewhat out of place in this setting, his subtle performance and comic timing are so adept it’s expected he has been cast for a major role in a future show. Director John McPhail keeps a buoyant comedy tone and doesn’t interfere with what is destined to serve as pre-bedtime entertainment for a specific seasonal period.