Film Analysis: Grow – A Polished Pumpkin Growing Caper Filled with Lively Appeal and Humor Expertise
This lively British children's film boasts a team of five scribes listed for the screenplay, with a pair who provided “extra content”. This could explain why the story beats progress with clockwork accuracy, while the personalities feel as if they were cultivated hydroponically in a lab. Paradoxically, 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 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 coincides with the time required 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 pursue stardom in the US.
The ensemble cast is packed with delightful humorous roles by veteran British actors.
Star-Studded Appearances and Antagonistic Foes
The mother character later emerges portrayed by a familiar face, similar to Rosheuvel, has a background in hit shows. Additionally, the cast includes a quirky horticulturist portrayed by Nick Frost, who offers advice on growing pumpkins for the duo. Meanwhile, Tim McInnerny and Jane Horrocks depict 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 shines as a hippy horticulturist.
- The antagonists bring humorous conflict as wealthy rivals.
- Young Dominic McLaughlin plays Charlie’s school friend Oliver.
Young Actor's Skill and Filmmaking Style
While his Scottish tone appears a bit random in this setting, 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 keeps a buoyant comedy tone and doesn’t interfere with what is meant to be suitable pre-bedtime entertainment during a particular time of year.
