Cashback

Following a painful breakup, a young art student named Ben develops insomnia and begins to obsessively observe the world around him, particularly the women he encounters. To cope with his condition and his artistic block, he takes a job as a night cleaner at a large department store. There, he forms unusual connections with his colleagues and finds a unique way to express his creativity by capturing moments of beauty and sensuality in the mundane, leading him to confront his past and his feelings for a former flame.

Cashback received mixed to positive reviews from critics. Many praised its unique visual style, its exploration of themes like love, loss, and artistic expression, and the performances of its lead actors. However, some critics found the plot to be slow-paced or the narrative somewhat self-indulgent.

• Praised for its artistic and visually striking cinematography.

• Applauded for its unique approach to themes of love, art, and insomnia.

• Criticized by some for a slow narrative pace and occasional pretentiousness.

Google audience: Google users generally responded positively to "Cashback," appreciating its artistic merit, the romantic storyline, and the innovative visual approach. Many found it to be a thought-provoking and stylish film, though a segment of viewers found it a bit too slow or niche.

Nominated for an Academy Award for Best Live Action Short Film (for the original short film version).

The original short film version of "Cashback" was released in 2004 and gained enough attention to fund the feature-length version.