Grow Review – A Polished Pumpkin Growing Caper Filled with Lively Appeal and Comedic Talent
This upbeat UK family movie features a team of five scribes listed with the script, including two who provided “additional material”. This could explain why the narrative rhythm progress with clockwork accuracy, while the personalities feel as if they were developed hydroponically in a lab. Paradoxically, the backdrop is a family-run farm where farm-owner Dinah, an agronomist chooses organic methods motivated by her gifted niece Charlie, who feels plants’ emotions by touching them.
A Budding Relationship and a Contest-Winning Gourd
Recently introduced, for reasons the otherwise polished script doesn't clarify, Charlie and Dinah get to know each other across a few seasons – which coincides with the time required to cultivate a pumpkin for the local yearly contest. Charlie aims to utilize the award cash to locate her mom, said to have left for become a movie star in the US.
The ensemble cast is filled with charming comic performances by veteran British actors.
Notable Cameos and Villainous Rivals
The maternal figure eventually appears portrayed by a well-known actress, similar to Rosheuvel, has a background in hit shows. Additionally, the cast includes a quirky horticulturist portrayed by Nick Frost, who offers pumpkin-growing tips to Dinah and Charlie. Meanwhile, Jane Horrocks and Tim McInnerny play the Smythe-Gherkins, the villainous upper-class neighbors determined to win the contest for glory alone as they lack need for the monetary reward.
- Nick Frost shines in the role of a bohemian gardener.
- The foes add comedic tension as affluent competitors.
- The youthful 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 dry underplaying and humor sense are so adept it’s no surprise he was chosen for a leading part in a future show. Filmmaker John McPhail keeps a buoyant comedy tone and stays unobtrusive with what is destined to serve as pre-bedtime entertainment for a specific seasonal period.
