🔗 Share this article

This upbeat UK family movie boasts five different writers listed with the script, including two who contributed “additional material”. This could explain why the narrative rhythm unfold with clockwork accuracy, and the characters feel as if they were developed in a controlled environment. Paradoxically, the backdrop is a family-run farm where farm-owner Dinah, an agronomist decides to go organic motivated by her magical niece Charlie, who feels the feelings of plants by touching them.

A Budding Relationship and a Contest-Winning Gourd

Having only recently met, for motives the otherwise polished script doesn't clarify, Charlie and Dinah get to know each other across a few seasons – which aligns with the duration needed to grow a pumpkin for the local yearly contest. Charlie aims to use the prize money to find her mother, said to have run off to pursue stardom in California.

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

Notable Cameos and Villainous Rivals

The mother character eventually appears played by a familiar face, who, like Rosheuvel, has a background in hit shows. Additionally, the lineup features an eccentric gardener played by Nick Frost, who provides advice on growing pumpkins to Dinah and Charlie. Meanwhile, Tim McInnerny and Jane Horrocks play the Smythe-Gherkins, the evil local elites set on winning the contest purely for prestige since they don’t need the cash prize.

• Nick Frost shines as a hippy horticulturist.
• The foes add comedic tension as affluent competitors.
• The youthful Dominic McLaughlin stars as Charlie’s pal Oliver.

Young Actor's Skill and Directorial Flair

Though his Scottish accent appears a bit random in this context, his subtle performance and humor sense are so adept it’s expected he has been cast for a major role in a future show. Filmmaker John McPhail maintains a buoyant comedy tone and doesn’t interfere with what is destined to serve as evening family fun for a specific seasonal period.