Uploaded September 2025 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
Welcome to the pumpkin capital of the world, where giant gourds, eccentric neighbors, and deep-seated rivalries take center stage every autumn. But this October, things are about to grow in more ways than one. 'Grow', the latest film from director John McPhail, is a charming, offbeat family movie with the heart of a classic and the humor of a modern crowd-pleaser.
Written by Nick Guthe, Ruth Fletcherand Christos N. Gage, 'Grow' revolves around the relationship between Dinah Little (Golda Rosheuvel), a no-nonsense farmer whose life is all about soil, sweat, and solitude, until her world is upended by the arrival of her young niece, Charlie (Priya-Rose Brookwell). Abandoned and brimming with energy, Charlie is everything Dinah isn’t. As they butt heads and try to coexist, Dinah introduces Charlie to farm life, early mornings, dirty hands and, of course, the town’s wildly competitive annual pumpkin-growing contest, all with the help of Dinah's friend Arlo (Nick Frost). What unfolds is a story not only about growing the biggest pumpkin, but also about growing trust, understanding, and family in the most unexpected of places.
In our conversation with director John McPhail, he emphasized the joy of crafting a family film that speaks to both kids and adults. McPhail knew that was was important for 'Grow' to work was that it didn’t go over the heads of children, but also didn’t insult the intelligence of the parents watching. That balance shows this isn’t just a movie that you endure with your kids; it’s one you’ll genuinely enjoy. It’s sweet, it’s weird, it’s funny and it’s full of warmth. In many ways, it feels like a modern retelling of 'James and the Giant Peach'.
Charlie’s magical connection with plants feels like a quiet metaphor for her own desire to feel rooted and McPhail leans into that emotional soil with care. The comedy is quirky and fast-paced, but never hollow. Every eccentric character has a purpose, every ridiculous pumpkin stunt is a step toward something more heartfelt.
We also asked McPhail what scares him, and his answer was surprisingly fitting for the tone of his previous films; the unknown, the uncanny, and those moments of change that sneak up on you, just like a mysterious pumpkin growing bigger than anyone ever expected. With that in mind, 'Grow' makes for a perfect Halloween double feature. Let it be the first film of the evening, something whimsical and heartwarming for the whole family. Then, once the kids are tucked in, transition into something a little spookier, like, 'Anna and the Apocalypse' (another McPhail film).
'Grow' blooms in theaters on October 17, 2025.
#johnmcphail #growthemovie #familyfilm #interview #fanboynation #halloween
Welcome to the pumpkin capital of the world, where giant gourds, eccentric neighbors, and deep-seated rivalries take center stage every autumn. But this October, things are about to grow in more ways than one. 'Grow', the latest film from director John McPhail, is a charming, offbeat family movie with the heart of a classic and the humor of a modern crowd-pleaser.
Written by Nick Guthe, Ruth Fletcherand Christos N. Gage, 'Grow' revolves around the relationship between Dinah Little (Golda Rosheuvel), a no-nonsense farmer whose life is all about soil, sweat, and solitude, until her world is upended by the arrival of her young niece, Charlie (Priya-Rose Brookwell). Abandoned and brimming with energy, Charlie is everything Dinah isn’t. As they butt heads and try to coexist, Dinah introduces Charlie to farm life, early mornings, dirty hands and, of course, the town’s wildly competitive annual pumpkin-growing contest, all with the help of Dinah's friend Arlo (Nick Frost). What unfolds is a story not only about growing the biggest pumpkin, but also about growing trust, understanding, and family in the most unexpected of places.
In our conversation with director John McPhail, he emphasized the joy of crafting a family film that speaks to both kids and adults. McPhail knew that was was important for 'Grow' to work was that it didn’t go over the heads of children, but also didn’t insult the intelligence of the parents watching. That balance shows this isn’t just a movie that you endure with your kids; it’s one you’ll genuinely enjoy. It’s sweet, it’s weird, it’s funny and it’s full of warmth. In many ways, it feels like a modern retelling of 'James and the Giant Peach'.
Charlie’s magical connection with plants feels like a quiet metaphor for her own desire to feel rooted and McPhail leans into that emotional soil with care. The comedy is quirky and fast-paced, but never hollow. Every eccentric character has a purpose, every ridiculous pumpkin stunt is a step toward something more heartfelt.
We also asked McPhail what scares him, and his answer was surprisingly fitting for the tone of his previous films; the unknown, the uncanny, and those moments of change that sneak up on you, just like a mysterious pumpkin growing bigger than anyone ever expected. With that in mind, 'Grow' makes for a perfect Halloween double feature. Let it be the first film of the evening, something whimsical and heartwarming for the whole family. Then, once the kids are tucked in, transition into something a little spookier, like, 'Anna and the Apocalypse' (another McPhail film).
'Grow' blooms in theaters on October 17, 2025.
#johnmcphail #growthemovie #familyfilm #interview #fanboynation #halloween
