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This lively British children's film features five different writers listed for the screenplay, with a pair who provided “additional material”. This could explain why the story beats unfold with such metronomic precision, and the characters seem as though they were developed hydroponically in a lab. Ironically, the setting is a family-run farm where agronomist-owner Dinah decides to go organic motivated by her magical niece Charlie, who feels the feelings of plants by touching them.

A Growing Bond and a Contest-Winning Gourd

Having only recently met, for reasons the otherwise polished script fails to explain, Charlie and Dinah bond with one another over several seasons – which aligns with the duration needed to cultivate a pumpkin for the annual village competition. Charlie hopes to use the prize money to locate her mom, rumored to have run off to pursue stardom in California.

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

Notable Cameos and Villainous Rivals

The maternal figure eventually appears played by a well-known actress, who, like Rosheuvel, comes from in hit shows. Moreover, the lineup features an eccentric gardener portrayed by Nick Frost, who provides pumpkin-growing tips to Dinah and Charlie. Meanwhile, Jane Horrocks and Tim McInnerny play the Smythe-Gherkins, the villainous upper-class neighbors set on winning the competition purely for prestige as they lack need for the cash prize.

• Nick Frost shines as a hippy horticulturist.
• The foes bring humorous conflict 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 context, his dry underplaying and comic timing are so adept it’s no surprise he has been cast for a major role in a future show. Filmmaker John McPhail keeps a buoyant comedy tone and doesn’t interfere with what is destined to be suitable pre-bedtime entertainment for a specific seasonal period.