Grow Review – A Refined Gourd Cultivation Adventure Filled with Perky Charm and Humor Expertise

This lively British children's film features five different writers listed with the script, including two who provided “additional material”. This might clarify why the story beats progress with clockwork accuracy, while the personalities seem as though they were developed hydroponically in a lab. Paradoxically, the setting is a family-run farm where agronomist-owner Dinah decides to go organic motivated by her magical niece Charlie, who feels the feelings of plants by touching them.

A Growing Bond and a Contest-Winning Gourd

Recently introduced, for reasons the otherwise sleek screenplay fails to explain, Dinah and Charlie get to know each other 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 locate her mom, said to have run off to pursue stardom in the US.

The supporting cast is packed with delightful humorous roles by veteran British actors.

Star-Studded Appearances and Villainous Rivals

The mother character eventually appears portrayed by a well-known actress, who, like Rosheuvel, comes from in popular series. Moreover, the lineup features an eccentric gardener played by Nick Frost, who provides pumpkin-growing tips to Dinah and Charlie. At the same time, Jane Horrocks and Tim McInnerny depict the Smythe-Gherkins, the evil local elites set on winning the competition purely for prestige since they don’t need the monetary reward.

  • Nick Frost shines in the role of a bohemian gardener.
  • The foes bring humorous conflict 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 comic timing are so skillful it’s no surprise he has been cast for a major role in a future show. Director John McPhail keeps a lighthearted humorous vibe and doesn’t interfere with what is meant to serve as pre-bedtime entertainment for a specific seasonal period.

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

Troy Smith
Troy Smith

A passionate travel writer and local expert, sharing her love for Italian culture and hidden gems around Lake Como.