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This lively British children's film boasts five different writers credited with the script, with a pair who provided “extra content”. This might clarify why the story beats unfold with such metronomic precision, while the personalities seem as though they were cultivated hydroponically in a lab. Ironically, the setting is a homestead farm where agronomist-owner Dinah decides to go organic motivated by her magical niece Charlie, who feels plants’ emotions by touching them.

A Growing Bond and a Contest-Winning Gourd

Having only recently met, for reasons the otherwise polished script fails to explain, Dinah and Charlie get to know each other across a few seasons – which coincides with the duration needed to cultivate a pumpkin for the local yearly contest. Charlie hopes to use the prize money to locate her mom, said to have left for pursue stardom in the US.

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

Notable Cameos and Antagonistic Foes

The mother character later emerges portrayed by a well-known actress, who, like Rosheuvel, has a background in popular series. Moreover, the cast includes a quirky horticulturist played by Nick Frost, who provides pumpkin-growing tips to Dinah and Charlie. Meanwhile, Jane Horrocks and Tim McInnerny depict the Smythe-Gherkins, the evil local elites set on winning the competition for glory alone since they don’t need the cash prize.

• Nick Frost excels in the role of a bohemian gardener.
• The foes add comedic tension as affluent competitors.
• Young Dominic McLaughlin stars as Charlie’s pal Oliver.

Youthful Talent and Filmmaking Style

While his Scottish tone appears a bit random in this setting, his dry underplaying and comic timing are so skillful it’s no surprise he has been cast for a major role in an upcoming series. Filmmaker John McPhail keeps a buoyant comedy tone and doesn’t interfere with what is destined to be suitable evening family fun for a specific seasonal period.