Cashback

“Cashback” is a truly thought provoking tale that seems to successfully bridge the gap between a coming-of-age buddie movie, a romantic comedy, a cerebral sci-fi arthouse film, and a porno.

Sean Biggerstaff, Emilia Fox, Shaun Evans, Stuart Goodwin, Michelle Ryan, Michael Dixon

Greetings from the Toronto Film Festival, eh? I’m pleased to report that the festival was worth dusting of the passport. The beautiful but very wet city boasted its Taste of Toronto festival and it’s Virgin Festival, and several roving bagpipers the same weekend as the Film Festival kickoff weekend. Very festive to say the least!

“Cashback” is a very personal story from England about how art student Ben Willis (Sean Biggerstaff) develops hopeless insomnia over his recent break-up with Suzy (Michelle Ryan) and takes a job at an all night supermarket to cope with the extra hours he spends not sleeping. At work, Ben imagines himself stopping time so he can appreciate the still life through an artists eye and in the process falls for his favorite muse, Sharon (Emilia Fox) the laconic checkout girl.

Beautifully shot and creatively directed with more nudity than a French beach, “Cashback” is definitely more thumbs up than down. However, it seemed that Mr. Biggerstaff had great difficulty showing any emotion – perhaps because the character hadn’t slept in 4 weeks. At first it was charming in the way that it’s charming when retail support staff ignores you. Luckily, this movie’s supporting staff more than made up for its somnolent anti-hero with their quick repartee, charming relationships, and hilarious antics.

“Cashback” is a truly thought provoking tale that seems to successfully bridge the gap between a coming-of-age buddie movie, a romantic comedy, a cerebral sci-fi arthouse film, and a porno. Bravo to director Sean Ellis for his bold and refreshing style of story telling. Hopefully we’ll be seeing more of him – as long as his investors get their cash back from this one.

Rating :
Reviewer : Clare Bath