More RomComs!
These two lesser-known indie films—Cashback and The Healer—offer quirky, heartfelt stories that fly under the mainstream radar. Both blend drama with elements of romance and fantasy, but they tackle very different themes: one explores time, art, and heartbreak through a comedic lens, while the other dives into faith, healing, and personal redemption. Here's a breakdown of each, including aggregate scores from critics and audiences, followed by my personal take.
Cashback (2006)
Directed by Sean Ellis, this British comedy-drama-romance follows Ben (Sean Biggerstaff), an art student reeling from a breakup who develops insomnia. He takes a night shift at a supermarket, where his vivid imagination leads him to fantasize about stopping time to appreciate beauty—often in artistic, frozen moments.
Aggregate Scores:
- Rotten Tomatoes: 53% Tomatometer (critics), 58% Audience Score. The critic consensus calls out an "unlikable protagonist, messy editing, and gratuitous nudity" that might leave viewers wanting their "cash back."
- IMDb: 7.1/10 (based on over 94,000 ratings).
Critics were mixed, often finding it pretentious or uneven, but audiences lean slightly more positive, appreciating its quirky charm.
My Thoughts: I highly recommend Cashback—it's a clever, visually inventive film with a lot of heart beneath its eccentric surface. The concept of stopping time to admire everyday beauty is poetic and ties nicely into themes of art and moving on from pain. Yes, there are some slower scenes that drag a bit in the middle, and fair warning: there's notable nudity (mostly artistic, non-sexual female nudity in frozen-time sequences), so it's not for everyone or family viewing. But if you're okay with that, it's rewarding and oddly uplifting. A solid indie gem worth seeking out.
The Healer (2016, also known as 2018 release in some markets)
Directed by Paco Arango, this family-oriented drama stars Oliver Jackson-Cohen as Alec, a skeptical young man who inherits a mysterious "gift" of healing from his family. Relocating to a small town, he grapples with his newfound ability, especially when a teenage girl with terminal cancer (Camilla Luddington) enters his life and challenges his disbelief.
Aggregate Scores:
- Rotten Tomatoes: Limited critic reviews (only a handful), generally negative—critics describe it as clichéd, poorly staged, and unrewarding. No official Tomatometer percentage due to low review count, but audience ratings are mixed (100+ verified, with some calling it "enjoyable" and others "contrived").
- IMDb: 6.4/10 (based on about 9,300 ratings).
It's very much a crowd-divider: critics largely panned it for predictability, while some audiences find it heartwarming.
My Thoughts: The Healer was a pleasant surprise for me—I went in with low expectations given the sparse reviews and came away touched. It's a feel-good story about faith, purpose, and human connection, with solid performances and an inspiring message that doesn't feel overly preachy. The pacing is gentle (almost too gentle at times), and it leans into familiar tropes, but the emotional payoff works. I'd absolutely recommend it if you're in the mood for something uplifting and wholesome—perfect for a cozy night in.
Final Verdict: Both films are underrated hidden treasures that prioritize emotion and originality over polish. Cashback brings more wit and visual flair (with caveats for nudity and slower moments), while The Healer delivers straightforward inspiration. If you're tired of blockbuster formula, give these a watch—you might find them as recommendable as I did!
