Cashback

The movie "Cashback" is a 2006 British romantic comedy-drama film written and directed by Sean Ellis. It stars Sean Biggerstaff, known for his role in Harry Potter as Oliver Wood, as Ben Willis, an insomniac art student who develops an interesting ability to stop time and increase his perception amidst his sleepless nights.

After a dramatic and sudden breakup with his girlfriend Suzy, played by Michelle Ryan, a heartbroken Ben Willis finds himself battling insomnia. This unpredictable life event has unintentionally brought about a silver lining; it has given Ben, an aspiring artist, a lot of alone-time to reflect and focus on his art. To consume those restless hours, he takes up the night shift at a local supermarket 'Sainsbury's’. Ben's sleeplessness does not only provide him with new employment but also graffitis over his mind's canvas a newfound power – an arsenal for his artistry. He discovers that he can freeze time–at least in his mind.

Biggerstaff's character Ben uses this artistic function of his insomnia to draw the world from his perspective, often viewing his frozen-in-time colleagues and customers as still life. His supermarket colleagues include an ensemble of quirky characters: cheeky troublemakers Barry and Matt, intellectual checkout clerk Sharon, and the night manager Jenkins, played fantastically by Stuart Goodwin.

Amid these humorous and peculiar midnight happenings, Ben’s life takes another unexpected turn as he meets the stunning Sharon, portrayed by talented actress Emilia Fox. Sharon, existing within his colorless world, manages to infuse a myriad of colors palettes into Ben’s life. She symbolizes a world where hope and happiness are attainable, even in the most unconventional circumstances.

Much of “Cashback” sees Ben narrating his perceptions and philosophies of life, love, beauty, and time, interlaced with flashbacks from his rather unconventional and funny childhood. These sequences also feature Ben’s younger self, who seems to have had a similar knack for discovering hilarity and art in everyday contexts.

The artistry and beauty captured by Ashley Rowe’s cinematography cannot escape notice. Rowe promenades the viewers through beautifully illustrated scenes straight out of Ben’s sketches, capturing the surreal and seemingly caught-in-time moments with stunning precision. These scenes appear to be living sketches breathing life into Ben’s art and insights. The ambiance of the film is further bolstered by an emotive and supplementary score by Guy Farley. Its soft harmonies crescendo and decrescendo with the film's many emotional twists and turns, enhancing its overall narrative thrust.

However, the story is not just about Ben's extraordinary ability or his hauntingly charming love story. It touches on various aspects of human nature and relationships. It questions the concept of time, and how it impacts our lives and the decisions we make. It also sheds an interesting light on the various ways individuals cope with heartache, loneliness, and the fear of replaced love. There are multiple instances through the film that blur the lines between reality and magic realism that make for an engaging watch.

"Cashback" unfolds like a time-lapsed watercolor painting. It starts with melancholic blues and greys until it gradually introduces brighter hues of hope, love, and self-acceptance. It boasts an inventive to storytelling, memorable performances, and unique insight into life's various aspects, imparting it with durability and relatability.

Through its journey, the film courses between comedy, drama, and elements of the surreal, often masterfully blending sentiment with humor. Sean Ellis’s directorial prowess shines through, making the movie more than just a tale of love and art. It takes an observational, humorous, poetic, and often philosophical exploration of beauty, time, love, and the mundanity of life.

In sum, “Cashback” is a special film, an elegantly pondered piece on life seen through Ben’s eyes. For viewers who appreciate deeper meanings and unique storytelling, the film offers a transcendent and unconventional exploration of the world, poignant in its simplicity and pervading calm. The combination of an intriguing story, strong performances, and a beautiful soundtrack makes it a must-see.