Film Analysis: Grow – A Refined Gourd Cultivation Adventure Filled with Lively Appeal and Humor Expertise

This upbeat British children's film features a team of five scribes listed for the screenplay, with a pair who contributed “extra content”. This could explain why the narrative rhythm unfold with such metronomic precision, while the personalities seem as though they were cultivated hydroponically in a lab. Paradoxically, the setting is a homestead farm where farm-owner Dinah, an agronomist chooses organic methods after being inspired by her magical niece Charlie, who feels plants’ emotions by touching them.

A Budding Relationship and a Contest-Winning Gourd

Recently introduced, for motives 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 grow a pumpkin for the annual village competition. Charlie hopes to use the prize money to locate her mom, said to have run off to pursue stardom in the US.

The ensemble cast is filled with delightful humorous roles from seasoned UK performers.

Notable Cameos and Villainous Rivals

The maternal figure eventually appears portrayed by a well-known actress, similar to Rosheuvel, comes from in popular series. Moreover, the lineup features a quirky horticulturist portrayed by Nick Frost, who provides advice on growing pumpkins for the duo. Meanwhile, Tim McInnerny and Jane Horrocks depict the Smythe-Gherkins, the villainous upper-class neighbors set on winning the contest for glory alone since they don’t need the cash prize.

  • Nick Frost shines as a hippy horticulturist.
  • The antagonists add comedic tension as affluent competitors.
  • Young Dominic McLaughlin stars as Charlie’s pal Oliver.

Young Actor's Skill and Filmmaking Style

Though his Scottish accent seems somewhat out of place in this context, 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 lighthearted humorous vibe and doesn’t interfere with what is destined to be suitable pre-bedtime entertainment for a specific seasonal period.

Grow debuts on Sky Cinema starting October 10. It is currently showing in Australian cinemas, and will be released in cinemas in the UK and US from 17 October.

Margaret Lewis
Margaret Lewis

A seasoned media strategist with over a decade of experience in analytics and digital marketing.