Written by: Sybill Emmanuel (October 15, 2025)

Beyond simply growing pumpkins, Grow is about welcoming life’s unpredictability and being resilient.

The film begins with Charlie Little, a spirited girl abandoned at an orphanage. The tide soon turns when her grumpy aunt, Dinah, reluctantly takes her in. Their relationship, initially stunted, grows into an unlikely bond—pun intended.

The beginning of cohabiting was rough, though. Dinah, a farm owner, seems like she was not a fan of being around fellow humans. This was accentuated by her insufferably lazy employee, Boris. On the other hand, Charlie did not welcome all of the new house rules and hard work she was expected to partake in at the farm.

Dinah also felt unfairly saddled with her free-spirited sister’s responsibilities. What she did not realize was that Charlie would become a blessing to her and the farm.

Despite the early difficulties, Charlie’s attitude toward her new home started to shift once it became clear that she was gifted in nurturing plants. She got news of the town’s annual pumpkin grow contest and was instantly hooked.

The heaviest pumpkin grown by a town’s resident will be entered into the coveted winner’s list. Discouraged by her aunt, as one family held the winning title for many years, Charlie pressed on with an unfailing optimism only found in children. Dinah eventually gave in and recruited the help of an old friend and fellow farmer.

The three of them would go on into a whirlwind journey marked by betrayal, disappointment, and despair, but also friendship, joy, and community.

The cast was filled with recognizable faces from mainstream shows such as Bridgerton, The Lazarus Project, and Harry Potter. The showmanship was reflected in the natural approach to acting in the film. The overall production was also well executed, with beautiful, bright, and warm colors prevalent on the screen, reminiscent of autumn.

Just in time for the fall, this film is meant to be watched as a family with pumpkin lattes and soups within arm’s reach. It is a warm comedy with touches of suspense that will keep you guessing throughout. What I like about it is that it has something for children and adults alike to learn, be entertained, and inspired.

Believers seeking faith-based themes will appreciate the reflected actions of showing up for those in need, fairness winning over malice, and hope that the tide will turn, even in the middle of despair.

One note is that the film was marketed as “counterprogramming to Halloween horror.” Although it was indeed far from the usual horror films found in theaters during the Halloween season, it did have a Halloween reference to trick-or-treating, where the main characters were seen partaking in the secular tradition. For parents who are against this practice for their children, that is something to keep in mind.

I would personally not have this as a dealbreaker for not going to watch the film with your little ones, as it has a lot more to offer. Maybe a preemptive chat beforehand would be appropriate for those who choose to do so.

Releases: October 17, 2025 (Theatrical)

Running Time: 107 Minutes

Rated PG (thematic elements, some suggestive references and brief language)

Links for Grow

Website: www.growthemovie.com