Film Analysis: Grow – A Polished Gourd Cultivation Adventure Filled with Perky Charm and Comedic Talent
This upbeat British children's film features five different writers credited for the screenplay, with a pair who provided “extra content”. This could explain why the narrative rhythm progress with such metronomic precision, and the characters feel as if they were developed hydroponically in a lab. 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 through touch.
A Growing Bond and a Prize Pumpkin
Recently introduced, for reasons the otherwise sleek screenplay doesn't clarify, Dinah and Charlie bond with one another over several seasons – which coincides with the duration needed to grow a pumpkin for the local yearly contest. Charlie hopes to utilize the award cash to find her mother, rumored to have run off to pursue stardom in the US.
The ensemble cast is filled with charming comic performances from seasoned UK performers.
Star-Studded Appearances and Villainous Rivals
The mother character eventually appears played by a well-known actress, similar to Rosheuvel, comes from in popular series. Additionally, the lineup features a quirky horticulturist played by Nick Frost, who offers advice on growing pumpkins for the duo. At the same time, Jane Horrocks and Tim McInnerny depict the Smythe-Gherkins, the villainous upper-class neighbors set on winning the competition purely for prestige as they lack need for the monetary reward.
- Nick Frost excels in the role of a bohemian gardener.
- The antagonists bring humorous conflict as affluent competitors.
- Young Dominic McLaughlin stars as Charlie’s pal Oliver.
Youthful Talent and Filmmaking Style
While his Scottish tone appears a bit random in this setting, his subtle performance and comic timing are so adept it’s expected he has been cast for a leading part in a future show. Filmmaker John McPhail keeps a buoyant comedy tone and doesn’t interfere with what is meant to serve as evening family fun during a particular time of year.
