One of the most enjoyable surprises at this year’s Edinburgh International Film Festival was Grow, a new family feature from John McPhail (Anna and the Apocalypse). Set in a sleepy Scottish town, the film blends supernatural fantasy, off-beat humour and a heartfelt story about finding your place in the world.

A troubled young girl named Charlie is sent to live with her tough, no-nonsense aunt. What begins as a reluctant fresh start quickly takes a strange turn when Charlie reveals her mysterious gift – one that could help her win the town’s fiercely competitive pumpkin-growing contest.

The supporting cast – which includes Nick Frost, Alan Carr, Golda Rosheuvel, Jane Horrocks, Jeremy Swift and Sharon Rooney – lean fully into the film’s eccentric tone. But the real surprise is newcomer Priya-Rose Brookwell, who brings both energy and emotional depth to the lead role and delivers her first leading performance in a feature film.

Grow isn’t just quirky for the sake of it – underneath the comedy and fantasy is a genuine and emotionally grounded story. It feels like a film made for kids, but smart enough that adults can connect with it too. If you like original family films with a bit of magic, keep an eye out for Grow when it reaches wider release.