Grow Review – A Refined Gourd Cultivation Adventure Filled with Perky Charm and Humor Expertise
This lively UK family movie boasts five different writers listed for the screenplay, with a pair who contributed “extra content”. This could explain why the story beats unfold with clockwork accuracy, and the characters feel as if they were developed in a controlled environment. Ironically, the setting is a homestead farm where farm-owner Dinah, an agronomist decides to go organic after being inspired by her gifted niece Charlie, who can sense plants’ emotions by touching them.
A Growing Bond and a Prize Pumpkin
Having only recently met, for reasons the otherwise sleek screenplay fails to explain, 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 use the prize money to find her mother, rumored to have run off to become a movie star in California.
The ensemble cast is packed with charming comic performances by veteran British actors.
Notable Cameos and Antagonistic Foes
The maternal figure eventually appears portrayed by a familiar face, similar to Rosheuvel, comes from in hit shows. Moreover, the lineup features a quirky horticulturist portrayed by Nick Frost, who provides advice on growing pumpkins 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 purely for prestige as they lack need for the cash prize.
- Nick Frost shines as a hippy horticulturist.
- The antagonists bring humorous conflict as affluent competitors.
- Young Dominic McLaughlin plays Charlie’s school friend Oliver.
Youthful Talent and Directorial Flair
While his Scottish tone seems somewhat out of place in this context, his subtle performance and humor sense are so skillful it’s no surprise he has been cast for a major role 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 for a specific seasonal period.
