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This upbeat British children's film boasts a team of five scribes credited for the screenplay, including two who provided “extra content”. This could explain why the story beats unfold with clockwork accuracy, while the personalities seem as though they were developed in a controlled environment. Ironically, the setting is a family-run farm where agronomist-owner Dinah chooses organic methods motivated by her gifted niece Charlie, who feels plants’ emotions by touching them.

A Growing Bond and a Prize Pumpkin

Recently introduced, for reasons the otherwise polished script doesn't clarify, Dinah and Charlie bond with one another over several seasons – which coincides with the time required to cultivate a pumpkin for the annual village competition. Charlie hopes to use the prize money to find her mother, rumored to have run off to become a movie star in the US.

The supporting cast is packed with charming comic performances from seasoned UK performers.

Star-Studded Appearances and Villainous Rivals

The mother character later emerges portrayed by a familiar face, similar to Rosheuvel, has a background in popular series. Moreover, the lineup features an eccentric gardener played by Nick Frost, who provides pumpkin-growing tips for the duo. At the same time, Jane Horrocks and Tim McInnerny 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 as a hippy horticulturist.
• The foes bring humorous conflict as affluent competitors.
• The youthful Dominic McLaughlin plays Charlie’s school friend Oliver.

Youthful Talent and Filmmaking Style

While his Scottish tone seems somewhat out of place in this setting, his dry underplaying and comic timing are so adept it’s expected he was chosen for a major role in an upcoming series. Director John McPhail keeps a lighthearted humorous vibe and stays unobtrusive with what is destined to be suitable evening family fun for a specific seasonal period.