Grow Review – A Refined Gourd Cultivation Adventure Brimming with Lively Appeal and Humor Expertise
This upbeat British children's film boasts five different writers listed for the screenplay, with a pair who provided “additional material”. This could explain why the narrative rhythm unfold with such metronomic precision, while the personalities feel as if they were cultivated hydroponically in a lab. Paradoxically, the setting is a family-run farm where farm-owner Dinah, an agronomist chooses organic methods after being inspired by her magical niece Charlie, who feels the feelings of plants through touch.
A Budding Relationship and a Prize Pumpkin
Recently introduced, 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 cultivate a pumpkin for the annual village competition. Charlie hopes to utilize the award cash to locate her mom, said to have left for become a movie star in California.
The supporting cast is filled with delightful humorous roles by veteran British actors.
Star-Studded Appearances and Villainous Rivals
The mother character eventually appears played by a well-known actress, similar to Rosheuvel, comes from in hit shows. Additionally, the lineup features a quirky horticulturist played by Nick Frost, who offers pumpkin-growing tips to Dinah and Charlie. At the same time, Jane Horrocks and Tim McInnerny play the Smythe-Gherkins, the evil local elites set on winning the competition purely for prestige as they lack need for the monetary reward.
- Nick Frost excels as a hippy horticulturist.
- The antagonists bring humorous conflict as affluent competitors.
- Young Dominic McLaughlin stars as Charlie’s pal 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 skillful it’s no surprise he was chosen for a major role in an upcoming series. Filmmaker John McPhail maintains a lighthearted humorous vibe and stays unobtrusive with what is destined to be suitable evening family fun for a specific seasonal period.
