Film Analysis: Grow – A Refined Gourd Cultivation Adventure Brimming with Lively Appeal and Humor Expertise
This upbeat British children's film boasts a team of five scribes listed for the screenplay, including two who contributed “extra content”. This could explain why the narrative rhythm unfold with such metronomic precision, and the characters seem as though they were cultivated hydroponically in a lab. Ironically, the backdrop is a family-run farm where farm-owner Dinah, an agronomist decides to go organic motivated by her gifted niece Charlie, who feels the feelings of plants through touch.
A Growing Bond and a Contest-Winning Gourd
Recently introduced, for reasons the otherwise sleek screenplay doesn't clarify, Charlie and Dinah get to know each other over several seasons – which coincides with the duration needed to grow a pumpkin for the local yearly contest. Charlie aims to utilize the award cash to find her mother, rumored to have run off to become a movie star 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 later emerges played by a familiar face, who, like Rosheuvel, has a background in hit shows. Moreover, the lineup features a quirky horticulturist portrayed by Nick Frost, who offers advice on growing pumpkins to Dinah and Charlie. Meanwhile, 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 shines in the role of a bohemian gardener.
- The foes bring humorous conflict as wealthy rivals.
- Young Dominic McLaughlin stars as Charlie’s pal Oliver.
Youthful Talent and Filmmaking Style
While his Scottish tone seems somewhat out of place in this context, his subtle performance and comic timing are so adept it’s no surprise he was chosen for a major role in a future show. Filmmaker John McPhail keeps a lighthearted humorous vibe and stays unobtrusive with what is destined to be suitable pre-bedtime entertainment during a particular time of year.
