Ben Willis (Sean Biggerstaff) has gone through a difficult breakup with what he calls his “first real girlfriend,” Suzy (Michelle Ryan). He has found that his life has less meaning and that he has eight hours of free time that he no longer knows what to do with. As he moves closer to depression, he realizes that he needs to find something to fill his time (and make some extra cash). He begins working the night shift at a grocery store where his mind runs rampid. As he makes new friends and finds new ways to pass the desolate time, his mind falls deeper and deeper into this pit of insanity, and his thoughts become more vulgar and interesting.
Nudity is the unique key to Sean Ellis’ Cashback. Nudity presents itself strongly throughout the entire film and is, in every way, the guiding light of the film. Nudity, however, was not used in the same way that it is often used in Hollywood; it is much less sexual than I have ever seen, and it presents itself as beauty more than anything else. Sean Biggerstaff’s Ben narrates the story as it moves along. He expresses his appreciation of the naked body and his understanding of how magnificent each body is, regardless of its flaws.
Along with his understanding of nudity, the construct of time is something else that Ben has a unique take on. His time spent at the grocery store has become a challenge, as time feels like the enemy and he must find ways to nudge it forward. Ironically, the way Ben combats this issue of time is to pretend it stands still. He imagines all of the things that he can accomplish by making time temporarily stop. He imagines the women in the store nude and he talks of his appreciation of each and every one of them. Both his appreciation of the human anatomy and the concept of time overlap and create a narrative that reaches audiences and allows them to find new ways to understand the world around them. He understands the taboo nature of his thoughts, but they help him pass the time. His appreciation manages to jump from him to his audience and open new doors for them.
The story ultimately runs slowly, but it mirrors the seemingly bottomless pit of time that Ben encounters on a daily basis. The story, in general, is not overly engaging, however, the thoughts and the outlook on life presented by Ellis through Ben is enlightening and enjoyable. What the film lacks is made up for in Ben’s beautiful take on the world. The bits of comedy that are sprinkled throughout the film add a bit of simplicity and lightheartedness to the deep and meaningful take on Ben’s mileu. This is one of the most unique films I have ever seen, but it is cohesive and transcending, making it enjoyable. Ellis does an electrifying job creating Cashback and reaches audiences on many levels, opening the viewers’ eyes to the beauty around them.
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