Interview by Paul Salfen
In an exclusive interview with Paul Salfen of AMFM Magazine, director John McPhail (Anna and the Apocalypse) shared his infectious enthusiasm for his latest project, GROW, a family-friendly comedy set to hit U.S. theaters on October 17 via Fathom Entertainment in partnership with Double Nickel Entertainment. The film, described as a joyous and slightly spooky celebration of community and found family, centers on a young girl named Charlie (Priya Rose-Brookwell) and her tough-as-nails aunt Dinah (Golda Rosheuvel) as they navigate a quirky pumpkin-growing contest in the “pumpkin capital of the world.” With a star-studded cast including Nick Frost, Tim McInnerny, Jane Horrocks, and newcomer Dominic McLaughlin, GROW promises to be a Halloween season standout that’s more heartwarming than horrifying.
McPhail’s passion for the project is palpable as he reflects on returning to his comedic roots. “This feels like a proper me film,” he told Salfen. “I started out making comedy, I love comedy, I love making people laugh. To be able to do that in a cinema, that’s the dream.” The film blends big, silly characters with a grounded, unconventional aunt-niece relationship, reminiscent of the heartfelt dynamics in Anna and the Apocalypse. “It’s got that proper, grounded relationship,” McPhail explained, “like Charlie and Dinah, this unconventional mother-daughter kind of coming together and blossoming that grounds the film… You’ve got the magic, and you can let these big, silly, fun fireworks pop off around them.”
The film’s vibrant ensemble is a highlight, with McPhail singling out nine-year-old Priya Rose-Brookwell as a revelation. “Priya is like an absolute gift,” he said. “She was buzzing from the moment she stepped on set… She never laughed, she never cried, she never went and stopped. She was the most professional.” McPhail treated her with the same respect as seasoned co-stars like Nick Frost and Golda Rosheuvel, never simplifying his direction. “I would talk to Priya the same way I would speak to Golda or Nick… I’d walk away sometimes going, ‘John, you just spoke to a nine-year-old like she was 40!’” Her natural talent and chemistry with Rosheuvel and Frost create what McPhail calls “the perfect trio” on screen.
Nick Frost, who plays a role in the pumpkin-growing madness and is set to portray Hagrid in HBO Max’s upcoming Harry Potter series, also left a lasting impression on set. “He was the nicest guy,” McPhail shared. “So funny, so clever, so playful… He never went to his trailer, just wanted an Apple box and sat on set with the camera team, talking about cameras, talking to the crew.” This camaraderie fostered a joyful atmosphere, with McPhail describing the GROW set as “the best I’ve ever had.”
For aspiring filmmakers, McPhail’s advice is refreshingly straightforward: “Just go and make your own stuff… Make the films you want to see.” Drawing from his own working-class background with no industry connections, he emphasized resilience and passion. “If I can do it, anybody can do it,” he said, encouraging directors to create without waiting for a big break.
GROW also carries a nostalgic charm, aiming to evoke the shared family viewing experiences of classics like The Goonies or E.T. “I grew up watching those movies,” McPhail said. “It transports me back to the living room with my parents… I want my films to be that, where kids years later go, ‘Remember watching that with my parents?’” The film balances humor for all ages with a touch of Halloween spookiness—enough to give kids a thrill without overwhelming them. “We had test audiences, and kids were terrified of these little sections,” McPhail laughed, “and parents are laughing, then realize the kids are scared and comfort them… It’s that shared experience.”
Beyond entertainment, McPhail hopes GROW offers audiences an escape. “The world’s going to hell in a handbasket,” he noted candidly. “I just want people to go to the cinema, forget about the mortgage, forget the news… and come out feeling joyous.” While the film subtly weaves in an eco-conscious message, McPhail avoids preaching, focusing instead on delivering “an adventure with some mad people” that leaves viewers uplifted.
With its October 3 release fast approaching, GROW is poised to be a unique Halloween treat—a comedy that celebrates family, community, and the magic of giant pumpkins. As McPhail hinted at his next project, a “hardcore comedy,” fans are already eager to see what this visionary director does next.
Tickets for GROW are available starting September 5 at Fathom Entertainment and participating theater box offices. For more information, visit Fathom Entertainment.
Previous interview with John McPhail:
ANNA AND THE APOCALYPSE: THIS WILL BE YOUR FAVORITE HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL ZOMBIE MASHUP (CAST INTERVIEW)
