Film Analysis: Grow – A Polished Gourd Cultivation Adventure Filled with Perky Charm and Humor Expertise
This upbeat UK family movie features a team of five scribes credited with the script, including two who provided “additional material”. This could explain why the narrative rhythm progress with clockwork accuracy, while the personalities seem as though they were developed in a controlled environment. Ironically, the backdrop is a family-run 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 by touching them.
A Budding Relationship and a Prize Pumpkin
Having only recently met, for reasons the otherwise sleek screenplay fails to explain, Dinah and Charlie bond with one another over several seasons – which aligns with the duration needed to cultivate a pumpkin for the local yearly contest. Charlie hopes to utilize the award cash to find her mother, said to have run off to become a movie star in the US.
The supporting cast is filled with delightful humorous roles from seasoned UK performers.
Notable Cameos and Antagonistic Foes
The mother character eventually appears portrayed by a well-known actress, who, like Rosheuvel, has a background in hit shows. Moreover, the lineup features an eccentric gardener portrayed by Nick Frost, who offers pumpkin-growing tips to Dinah and Charlie. At the same time, Tim McInnerny and Jane Horrocks play the Smythe-Gherkins, the villainous upper-class neighbors set on winning the contest purely for prestige since they don’t need the cash prize.
- Nick Frost excels as a hippy horticulturist.
- The foes add comedic tension as affluent competitors.
- Young Dominic McLaughlin stars as Charlie’s pal Oliver.
Young Actor's Skill and Directorial Flair
While his Scottish tone seems somewhat out of place in this setting, his dry underplaying and humor sense are so adept it’s no surprise he has been cast for a leading part in a future show. Filmmaker John McPhail maintains a buoyant comedy tone and stays unobtrusive with what is meant to serve as pre-bedtime entertainment during a particular time of year.
