In the Pumpkin Capital of the World, stoic farmer Dinah Little (Golda Rosheuvel) begrudgingly takes in her spirited niece, Charlie (Priya-Rose Brookwell). In the film Grow, Charlie has been sent to live with her Aunt Dinah in the fictional Scottish town of Mugford since her mother disappeared, and the young girl hopes to use the pumpkin contest prize money to help find her mother.
But Charlie isn’t an ordinary child; she has a special knack for connecting with plants that quietly reflects her own longing to feel just as seen and loved.
As the town prepares for the annual pumpkin-growing contest, Charlie sets her sights on winning. With the help of quirky Arlo (Nick Frost), the plot and pumpkins thicken as rival growers pull out every trick to win.
The film takes a bit to find its footing. There is some odd pacing during the first few scenes between Charlie and her aunt, which does work to an extent. It certainly makes clear the awkward dynamic that the entire relationship is built on, though it feels overly stilted and melodramatic at times.
It is with the introduction of Nick Frost’s character that things begin to fall in place. Playing the loveable goofball Arlo, Frost is the heartbeat of the movie. As a result, things loosen up and the film finds its footing.
Family films such as Grow try to move things along easily without things getting too complicated. As such, its plot ends up being a little predictable and formulaic. Still, though the story is simple and the lessons familiar, the film’s warmth, charm, and sincerity make it a delightful, feel-good bundle of cozy comfort.
The film’s comedy, including some absurdist touches, does keep things lively even when the narrative beats feel familiar. A game supporting cast also adds color to the proceedings. Everyone commits to the heightened reality of a town obsessed with pumpkins, which helps sell the somewhat silly premise.
A lot of this is, in part, due to the relationship between Charlie and Dinah. Brookwell and Rosheuvel have a marvellous chemistry together, and seeing them grow alongside one another, and because of each other, is truly sweet.
Earnestly whimsical with a touch of absurdity, this is a fun family comedy that understands the real story isn’t about winning a contest. It’s about two people learning to open up to each other. And a town making room for new arrivals, even ones with strong personalities.
Skilled cinematography by George Geddes captures the autumn setting beautifully. The Scottish locations give the film a storybook quality that enhances its gentle fairy tale vibe. Everything feels warm and inviting, even when the plot turns competitive or narratively repetitive.
The film doesn’t break new ground, and some viewers may find its sweetness a bit cloying, yet Grow’s heart still shines through. Even as the magical realism element of Charlie communicating with plants is never fully explained, it exists comfortably enough as part of the story’s gentle whimsy.
The script and story, credited primarily to Nick Guthe with help from Ruth Fletcher and noted Hollywood and comics scribe Christos N. Gage, work well enough for what it is.
Director John McPhail brings things together nicely, showing a knack for pulling viewers’ heartstrings—combined with quirky characters, vibrant scenery, and fun plant shenanigans—and making a family film done right.
It’s a film that serviceably delivers exactly what it promises: a cozy, warm story about connection and growth.
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Quinn Que
Quinn Que is a storyteller & journalist writing regular interviews, reviews, and features. They've been fascinated with the multidisciplinary arts since a child, particularly film, literature, and television. They love microblogging, so feel free to hit them up on Twitter (X), Substack Notes, or Tumblr about any recent articles or just to shoot the pop culture breeze!