Film Analysis: Grow – A Polished Pumpkin Growing Caper Brimming with Lively Appeal and Comedic Talent

This lively British children's film boasts a team of five scribes credited for the screenplay, including two who provided “extra content”. This could explain why the narrative rhythm unfold with such metronomic precision, while the personalities feel as if they were developed hydroponically in a lab. Ironically, 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 plants’ emotions through touch.

A Budding Relationship and a Contest-Winning Gourd

Having only recently met, for motives the otherwise polished script fails to explain, Charlie and Dinah bond with one another over several seasons – which coincides with the duration needed to grow a pumpkin for the annual village competition. Charlie hopes to use the prize money to locate her mom, said to have left for pursue stardom in the US.

The supporting cast is filled with charming comic performances 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. Additionally, the cast includes a quirky horticulturist played by Nick Frost, who offers advice on growing pumpkins for the duo. Meanwhile, Jane Horrocks and Tim McInnerny depict the Smythe-Gherkins, the evil local elites determined to win the competition purely for prestige since they don’t need the monetary reward.

  • Nick Frost excels in the role of a bohemian gardener.
  • The antagonists add comedic tension as affluent competitors.
  • The youthful Dominic McLaughlin stars as Charlie’s pal Oliver.

Young Actor's Skill and Directorial Flair

Though his Scottish accent seems somewhat out of place in this context, his dry underplaying and humor sense are so skillful it’s expected he has been cast for a leading part in a future show. Filmmaker John McPhail keeps a buoyant comedy tone and stays unobtrusive with what is meant to be suitable pre-bedtime entertainment during a particular time of year.

Grow debuts via Sky Cinema starting October 10. It is now available in theaters across Australia, and will be released in cinemas in the UK and US from 17 October.

Timothy Morris
Timothy Morris

A passionate financial blogger with over a decade of experience in personal finance and wealth-building strategies.