Film Analysis: Grow – A Polished Pumpkin Growing Caper Filled with Perky Charm and Humor Expertise
This lively British children's film features a team of five scribes listed for the screenplay, with a pair who provided “additional material”. This might clarify why the narrative rhythm unfold with clockwork accuracy, while the personalities feel as if they were cultivated hydroponically in a lab. Ironically, the setting is a family-run farm where agronomist-owner Dinah decides to go organic motivated by her magical niece Charlie, who can sense the feelings of plants by touching them.
A Budding Relationship and a Contest-Winning Gourd
Recently introduced, for reasons the otherwise sleek screenplay fails to explain, Charlie and Dinah bond with one another across a few seasons – which coincides 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 become a movie star in the US.
The ensemble cast is filled with delightful humorous roles by veteran British actors.
Notable Cameos and Villainous Rivals
The maternal figure eventually appears portrayed by a familiar face, who, like Rosheuvel, comes from in hit shows. Moreover, the lineup features a quirky horticulturist portrayed by Nick Frost, who provides advice on growing pumpkins for the duo. At the same time, Jane Horrocks and Tim McInnerny depict the Smythe-Gherkins, the villainous upper-class neighbors set on winning the competition for glory alone since they don’t need the cash prize.
- Nick Frost shines as a hippy horticulturist.
- The foes add comedic tension as wealthy rivals.
- Young Dominic McLaughlin plays Charlie’s school friend 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 leading part in a future show. Filmmaker John McPhail maintains a buoyant comedy tone and stays unobtrusive with what is destined to be suitable pre-bedtime entertainment during a particular time of year.
