Grow Review – A Polished Gourd Cultivation Adventure Filled with Lively Appeal and Humor Expertise
This lively British children's film boasts five different writers listed with the script, with a pair who provided “additional material”. This might clarify why the narrative rhythm unfold with such metronomic precision, while the personalities feel as if they were cultivated in a controlled environment. Ironically, the setting is a family-run farm where farm-owner Dinah, an agronomist decides to go organic after being inspired by her magical niece Charlie, who can sense the feelings of plants through touch.
A Growing Bond and a Contest-Winning Gourd
Having only recently met, for reasons the otherwise polished script doesn't clarify, Dinah and Charlie bond with one another over several seasons – which coincides with the duration needed to cultivate a pumpkin for the annual village competition. Charlie hopes to utilize the award cash to find her mother, rumored to have run off to become a movie star in California.
The supporting cast is packed with charming comic performances from seasoned UK performers.
Star-Studded Appearances and Villainous Rivals
The maternal figure later emerges portrayed by a familiar face, who, like Rosheuvel, has a background in popular series. Additionally, the cast includes a quirky horticulturist played by Nick Frost, who offers pumpkin-growing tips to Dinah and Charlie. At the same time, Tim McInnerny and Jane Horrocks depict the Smythe-Gherkins, the evil local elites set on winning the contest for glory alone since they don’t need the monetary reward.
- Nick Frost shines as a hippy horticulturist.
- The antagonists add comedic tension as affluent competitors.
- Young Dominic McLaughlin plays Charlie’s school friend Oliver.
Youthful Talent and Filmmaking Style
While his Scottish tone seems somewhat out of place in this context, his subtle performance and comic timing are so adept it’s expected he has been cast for a leading part in an upcoming series. Filmmaker John McPhail maintains a buoyant comedy tone and doesn’t interfere with what is destined to serve as pre-bedtime entertainment for a specific seasonal period.
