Film Analysis: Grow – A Polished Gourd Cultivation Adventure Filled with Perky Charm and Humor Expertise
This lively British children's film boasts five different writers credited for the screenplay, including two who contributed “additional material”. This could explain why the story beats unfold with such metronomic precision, while the personalities feel as if they were developed hydroponically in a lab. Paradoxically, the setting is a family-run farm where farm-owner Dinah, an agronomist decides to go organic after being inspired by her magical niece Charlie, who feels the feelings of plants by touching them.
A Growing Bond and a Contest-Winning Gourd
Having only recently met, for motives the otherwise polished script doesn't clarify, Charlie and Dinah 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, said to have run off to become a movie star in California.
The supporting cast is packed with delightful humorous roles from seasoned UK performers.
Notable Cameos and Villainous Rivals
The mother character later emerges portrayed by a familiar face, who, like Rosheuvel, comes from in hit shows. Additionally, the cast includes an eccentric gardener played by Nick Frost, who offers pumpkin-growing tips for the duo. At the same time, Jane Horrocks and Tim McInnerny play the Smythe-Gherkins, the villainous upper-class neighbors determined to win the competition purely for prestige since they don’t need the monetary reward.
- Nick Frost shines in the role of a bohemian gardener.
- The antagonists bring humorous conflict as wealthy rivals.
- Young Dominic McLaughlin stars as Charlie’s pal Oliver.
Youthful Talent and Filmmaking Style
Though his Scottish accent seems somewhat out of place in this setting, his dry underplaying and humor sense are so skillful it’s no surprise he has been cast for a leading part in an upcoming series. Director John McPhail keeps a buoyant comedy tone and doesn’t interfere with what is destined to be suitable pre-bedtime entertainment during a particular time of year.
