Cashback 2007

After a heart-wrenching split from his first girlfriend Suzy, portrayed by Michelle Ryan, Ben Willis, an aspiring artist and played by Sean Biggerstaff, finds himself grappling with insomnia. To distract himself from his emotional turmoil, he takes a night job at a local supermarket, a setting that introduces him to an array of eccentric characters who color his nocturnal world. During this time, he becomes enchanted by his co-worker, Sharon Pintey, brought to life by Emilia Fox.

As Ben immerses himself in his thoughts, he allows his imagination to drift into a surreal space. One intriguing daydream involves the ability to pause time, letting him traverse a world where everything is on hold, reminiscent of a film’s “pause” feature. In these fantasies, he pictures female customers in the supermarket completely still, giving him the chance to sketch them without their awareness.

Through a series of flashbacks narrated by Ben, we delve into his past—as a child, he was always captivated by the elegance of the female form. One vivid memory unfolds where a Swedish boarder gracefully walks past him, unabashedly unadorned, as she moves between the shower and her room. It’s an encounter that imprints on young Ben’s mind, accentuated by another playful moment where his friend, Sean Higgins, introduces him to his parents’ stash of adult magazines.

As Ben’s journey unfolds, Sharon becomes his date for a workplace birthday bash. It’s here that he unexpectedly reunites with Suzy, who expresses a desire to rekindle their romance. However, Ben, determined to move forward, turns her down. Unfortunately, this moment sparks anger in Sharon, who misinterprets the situation and feels uneasy about Ben’s past connection with Suzy.

To complicate matters, Ben’s colleagues, Barry Brickman and Matt Stephens, play a practical joke on him by impersonating a gallery owner interested in his artwork, leading to a spontaneous appointment. Surprisingly, the encounter becomes a turning point—upon displaying his art, the gallery owner expresses genuine interest, paving the way for Ben to hold an exhibition. Sharon attends this event and is moved not only by Ben’s newfound success but also by his artistic renderings of her, which help mend her earlier frustrations.

Through art, imagination, and unexpected twists of fate, Ben navigates the chaotic dance of young love, creativity, and personal growth in a world that feels both vividly surreal and painfully real.