The British film industry has delivered another charming, family-friendly offering with 'Grow', set to sprout in Australian cinemas from January 15. Directed by John McPhail, this feel-good movie leverages its exceptional ensemble cast to elevate a whimsical plot about a girl with a very green thumb.
A Plot Rooted in Quirk and Heart
At its core, 'Grow' follows Charlie Little (Priya-Rose Brookwell), a girl in the foster care system after her mother's mysterious departure for Hollywood. Authorities place her with her estranged aunt, Dinah (Golda Rosheuvel), a stern farmer struggling to keep the family farm afloat in a town boasting itself as the 'Pumpkin Capital of the World'.
The dynamic between the reluctant guardian and the hopeful child echoes films like 'Hunt for the Wilderpeople', setting the stage for an emotional journey. Charlie discovers the town's annual pumpkin growing competition, which offers a substantial cash prize. She sees it as her ticket to America to find her mother.
The Cast That Makes the Garden Grow
Where 'Grow' truly flourishes is in its casting. The film is led by Bridgerton's Golda Rosheuvel and comedy favourite Nick Frost, who plays a local eccentric offering Charlie assistance. They are supported by a delightful array of British talent including Jeremy Swift (Ted Lasso), Jane Horrocks (Absolutely Fabulous), Tim McInnerny (Blackadder), and Joe Wilkinson (After Life).
This depth of acting talent is crucial, as the film asks audiences to accept its central conceit: Charlie possesses the telepathic ability to communicate with plants, specifically her prized pumpkin, 'Peter'. The script doesn't dwell on explaining this power, banking instead on the cast's charm and the story's heart to win over viewers.
More Than Just a Pumpkin Story
While the pumpkin competition—and the sabotage efforts of rivals like the aristocratic Smythe-Gherkins and a shady agro-chemist—provides the plot's engine, 'Grow' branches out into richer themes. It offers a thoughtful, environmental commentary on modern farming practices.
Perhaps more importantly, it dedicates significant time to Dinah's emotional arc as she slowly opens up to her niece and confronts her own past. Rosheuvel delivers a performance that gives the film its substantial emotional weight, transforming it from a simple quirky comedy into a genuine tale of found family and healing.
Rated PG, the film is ideally suited for families with younger children, who are less likely to question the fantastical elements and can simply enjoy the uplifting narrative and humour. For Australian audiences seeking a warm, funny, and distinctly British cinematic escape this January, 'Grow' is ready for harvest.
