Grow

From the first scene, Grow draws you into its whimsical world of giant pumpkins and small-town rivalry, and it never lets go. The story of Dinah, a no-nonsense farmer, and her newly arrived niece Charlie - a girl with a mysterious bond to plants - is warm, clever and thoroughly engaging.

What's especially refreshing is how the film uses its central gimmick (a pumpkin-growing contest) not just for fun, but as a metaphor: for growth, for healing, for finding one's place. Charlie's special connection with plants becomes a way of showing how she and Dinah both change and grow together.

And let's not forget: it's just plain fun. The quirky characters, the silliness of giant-pumpkin warfare, the smart little surprises and comedic moments - all make for a feel-good experience that's perfect for a family outing or a cozy movie night. The writers and director have given us something with heart, humor and a real sense of joy. Even my teenager loved it! It's a great film for the entire family!

"It's better to do the right thing than the easy thing." Grow is a heartwarming story about a little girl's dream to win a pumpkin-growing contest. With awesome tales of love, laughter, and the power of persistence, Grow encases Halloween magic with some sweet family elements to make it a blast for all ages.

Grow takes place in the fictional town of Mugford, UK - a small town obsessed with a BIG annual pumpkin contest. The prize would change the lives of anyone in the town, except the Smythe-Gherkins, 50 time annual winners of the challenge. Charlie (Priya Rose-Brookwell) has been sent to live with her Aunt Dinah (Golda Roshuevul) in Mugford since her mother disappeared and decides to put her green thumb to the test by entering the contest. And she will do everything in her power to win so she can use the prize money to find her mom. But with the competition so fierce, does this newcomer even stand a chance?

While Halloween is often celebrated with a bunch of horror films and stories, Grow is a story about family connection and a sweet Halloween film for all ages. Grow is filled to the brim with great actors, like SAG-nominated Golda Roshuevul (Bridgerton), Nick Frost, who will play Rubeus Hagrid in the upcoming Harry Potter TV series, and Jeremy Swift (Higgins in Ted Lasso). It also includes new faces, like up-and-comer Priya Rose-Brookwell, who I predict we will see a lot more of after her first starring role here. As Charlie, she is a perfect example of persistence. She really thinks she will win, even in the face of countless unknowns. The humor in this film is outstanding, with hilarious moments and awesome nods to other movies, like when a gruesomely stabbed pumpkin ends up in the owner's bed in a nod to The Godfather. The set and costume designers have created bright, fun costumes and larger-than-life pumpkins that add vibrancy to the neutral background of the town and farm.

The main message of Grow is that nothing is impossible and, if you keep pushing for your dreams, you can make it to the top. This film includes themes of love, friendship, and persistence. Parents should be warned that Grow includes some scenes with suspenseful moments, including seeing a hooded man attack multiple pumpkins, and a theme of parental abandonment.

I give Grow 4 out of 5 pumpkins and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. Check it out in theatres when it plays a limited run on Fathom Events starting on October 3, 2025. Happy Haunts Everyone!

By Jackson N., KIDS FIRST!

Fantastic family film. My two granddaughters loved it. Will be a holiday tradition in my house. Great cast, wonderful autumn colours. Charlie is a wonderful character so so likeable. I love how many well known faces are in this film and it had laugh out loud moments. Fun for all of the family. All round a fabulous film.

This is me, the 7 year old girl in the comment. My name is Erin. I loved this movie and I loved all the scenery, the acting was brilliant and all the expressions, the pumpkins were delightful and it was a magnificent storyline. I would recommend watching with your family or with some friends, it's awesome I tell ya.

If you're a fan of pumpkins, autumn, charming accents, and uplifting feel-good movies, Grow is a must-see!

Set in a quirky Scottish town filled with eccentric characters, a lively pumpkin competition, and an endearing family farm, this movie delivers all the emotions. It made me laugh, sigh, and even shed a tear.

Charlie Little, a sweet and resilient young girl, is as tough at her core as the pumpkin she nurtures. She possesses a special ability: she can sense and absorb the emotions of the plants she touches. Charlie's Aunt Dinah might seem stern and no-nonsense at first-a hardworking, responsible woman committed to saving her farm-but as Charlie settles in, Dinah's warm and generous heart truly shines through.

This delightful film perfectly blends humor, warmth, and genuine moments that are sure to tug at your heartstrings. Priya-Rose Brookwell shines as Charlie, Golda Rosheuvel brings depth to Dinah, and the entire supporting cast of amusing oddballs offer loads of laughter.

This fun and beautiful film is the perfect blend of sweet, silly, and sincere, and is sure to touch your heart. I love the underlying messages of hope, happiness, and family.

Many thanks to US Pumpkin Distribution, LLC for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.