Although competitive vegetable growing or more specifically, growing giant vegetables does take place around the world, the event feels very much like a typically ‘British’ pastime. Any competition steeped in tradition will be able to find the comedy and in this case it’s a mockumentary about one vegetable grower and her story to win the coveted prize of heaviest marrow. The subject and setting is humorous before the film has even started. What’s good enough for Wallace & Gromit is good enough for the amateur film crew who ‘stumble across’ a major story worthy of its own documentary.
Set in the world of competitive giant vegetable growing, the community is rocked by scandal when relatively new competitor Caroline has her prized marrow plants stolen. Together with her partner, Paul who fancies himself an amateur sleuth and her overly helpful neighbour Willy, Caroline is determined to find the culprit and still try for the top prize at the competition.
Mockumentaries either produce the biggest laughs or the highest anxiety. The story being told can end up buried in pointless hijinks and derail a plot. Thankfully Swede Caroline manages to stay on course and though it does at moments seem like its veering close to the edge, a quick quip or amusing interview moves the plot steadily along. With the main characters distracted half the time trying to track down the plant thieves, the ‘real’ story is very carefully weaved into the narrative of the over-the-top scandal.
While some of the jokes come across as ridiculous, the best comedic moments are when the actors play of each other, sharing the odd glance at the camera or matter of fact recollecting in the interviews. There are also some throwaway lines delivered by smaller characters i.e. one of the of judges at the competition emphasising the amount of knowledge he as in the field. The naturally awkward moments are never over done and the cast gel well together. But its Jo Hartley as Caroline herself is the literal heart of the film. She might be looked on as the straight character next to the bumbling idiots she hangs around with but Hartley holds her own. Her performance is both endearing and funny, she is the reserved heroine of the film.
Swede Caroline may not be everyone’s somewhat overly ambitious cup of tea, but it will make you laugh and maybe just maybe inspire you to grow your own vegetables. And for those who already do, make sure there’s double the security on your greenhouse.
Swede Caroline will be in UK Cinemas from 19th April.
