Grow Review – A Refined Gourd Cultivation Adventure Filled with Perky Charm and Comedic Talent
This lively British children's film features a team of five scribes listed with the script, with a pair who contributed “additional material”. This could explain why the story beats progress with clockwork accuracy, and the characters feel as if they were cultivated in a controlled environment. Paradoxically, 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 by touching them.
A Budding Relationship and a Prize Pumpkin
Having only recently met, for reasons the otherwise sleek screenplay doesn't clarify, Dinah and Charlie get to know each other across a few seasons – which aligns with the time required to cultivate a pumpkin for the local yearly contest. Charlie hopes to utilize the award cash to find her mother, said to have left for become a movie star in the US.
The ensemble cast is packed with delightful humorous roles from seasoned UK performers.
Star-Studded Appearances and Antagonistic Foes
The maternal figure eventually appears portrayed by a well-known actress, similar to Rosheuvel, comes from in hit shows. Moreover, the lineup features a quirky horticulturist portrayed by Nick Frost, who offers pumpkin-growing tips to Dinah and Charlie. Meanwhile, Jane Horrocks and Tim McInnerny depict the Smythe-Gherkins, the evil local elites determined to win the contest purely for prestige as they lack need for the cash prize.
- Nick Frost shines as a hippy horticulturist.
- The antagonists add comedic tension as wealthy rivals.
- Young Dominic McLaughlin stars as Charlie’s pal Oliver.
Youthful Talent and Directorial Flair
Though his Scottish accent appears a bit random in this setting, his subtle performance and comic timing are so adept it’s expected he has been cast for a leading part in an upcoming series. Director John McPhail maintains a lighthearted humorous vibe and doesn’t interfere with what is meant to be suitable evening family fun during a particular time of year.
