Interview by Paul Salfen
Sometimes even the biggest pumpkins know when to roll over. With Taylor Swift’s in-theater release party claiming October 3, the original debut date for GROW, this spirited family comedy has decided to plant its roots a bit later. Now set to bloom nationwide from October 17-23, GROW offers a joyful, pumpkin-fueled alternative to Halloween horror, directed by Anna and the Apocalypse’s John McPhail. Starring an ensemble cast led by Jeremy Swift (Ted Lasso), Priya-Rose Brookwell (The Lazarus Project), Golda Rosheuvel (Bridgerton), Dominic McLaughlin (Harry Potter), and Nick Frost (Hot Fuzz), this film promises laughter, heart, and a bumper crop of charm.
Welcome to the Pumpkin Capital
Set in the pumpkin capital of the world, GROW digs into a town where pumpkins are epic, rivalries are fierce, and the annual pumpkin-growing contest is the Halloween season’s main event. The story follows Dinah Little (Golda Rosheuvel), a tough-as-nails farmer with a prickly exterior, who reluctantly takes in her abandoned niece, Charlie (Priya-Rose Brookwell). Dinah isn’t one for warm fuzzies, and Charlie’s not one for sitting still, so Dinah throws her into farm life—sleeves rolled up, hands in the dirt.
The town’s pumpkin-growing contest brings out wild stunts, eccentric characters, and record-setting drama. Charlie, however, has a secret weapon: a unique knack for connecting with plants, mirroring her own desire to feel seen and loved. As the competition heats up and rival growers pull every trick in the book, Charlie and Dinah’s unlikely entry faces the fiercest challenge yet. But as their pumpkin grows, so does their bond, revealing that the real prize isn’t measured in pounds but in joy, laughter, and community.
A Harvest of Talent
The cast of GROW is a veritable farmer’s market of talent. Alongside Rosheuvel and Brookwell, the film features Nick Frost, Tim McInnerny (Notting Hill), Jane Horrocks (Absolutely Fabulous), and comedian Alan Carr (RuPaul’s Drag Race UK). The supporting cast includes Joe Wilkinson (Afterlife), Kathryn Drysdale (Bridgerton), Fisayo Akinade (Heartstopper), and Sharon Rooney (Barbie). Adding a magical twist, GROW offers a sneak peek at the new era of the Wizarding World, with Dominic McLaughlin as the newly cast Harry Potter and Nick Frost as the upcoming Hagrid for HBO Max’s anticipated series.
Jeremy Swift on Pumpkins, Rivalries, and Found Family
In a lively chat, Jeremy Swift, who plays a quirky character in GROW, shared some behind-the-scenes flavor. “Just unpack your own fruit,” Swift quips, describing a scene set near a pumpkin field by the Nature Trail, hinting at a quirky backstory involving an “old abandoned spice canister” bought at a bargain after its owners skipped town. Swift’s character seems to thrive in the town’s eccentric energy, even suggesting a music change to “something upbeat” to get the crowd dancing. “Dust. Ha ha ha!” he laughs, capturing the film’s playful tone.
Swift also teases a heartfelt moment where he introduces his new girlfriend, Meg, to a former flame, Lois. “Might be quite tough for you, but I wanted to introduce you to my new girlfriend, Meg,” he says, noting Meg’s suspicious rhubarb obsession—“No one should eat that much.” The exchange is laced with humor and warmth, with Lois bravely wishing them well: “Thanks. You’ve been very brave, Lois. I’ll survive.” Swift’s anecdotes hint at the film’s blend of zany competition and emotional depth, where bitter apples and past rivalries give way to new connections. “It was bitter apples. Two for one,” he jokes, summing up the town’s quirky charm.
Why GROW Stands Tall
GROW is more than a comedy about oversized gourds—it’s a story of found family and boundless love. As Charlie and Dinah navigate the chaos of the pumpkin contest, they discover that growth, whether in pumpkins or relationships, comes from care and connection. With its stellar cast, heartfelt story, and a sprinkle of Wizarding World magic, GROW is poised to be the season’s most exuberant family film. Catch it in theaters October 17-23, and prepare to root for the underdog pumpkin that just might steal the show.
