🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Colin West
- Genre: Drama, Sci-Fi, Comedy
- Release year: 2023
- Runtime (length): 1h 41min
- IMDb rating: 6.5/10 (5.8K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 80%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
A sad science show host builds a rocket after space junk lands in his yard, only for reality to get super weird with doppelgangers and timey-wimey stuff that somehow explains everything, maybe.
🍿 Linoleum: Detailed Plot Synopsis
Midlife Crisis and a Dream
Cameron Edwin is the host of a struggling children’s science TV show called “Above and Beyond,” which airs in an undesirable late-night slot. Despite his current reality, Cameron harbors a lifelong dream of becoming an astronaut. He feels a growing disconnect with his professional life and his impending divorce from his wife, Erin.
A Crash and a Rocket Project
Cameron’s life takes a bizarre turn when a vintage space-race era satellite crashes directly into his backyard. Seeing this as a sign and an opportunity, he decides to pursue his astronaut dream by attempting to rebuild the fallen satellite into a functional rocket ship in his garage. This ambitious project becomes his focus amidst his personal turmoil.
Surreal Events Unfold
As Cameron works on his rocket, strange and increasingly surreal events begin to occur. A doppelgänger who looks exactly like him moves into the house across the street and takes over his TV show. A car inexplicably falls from the sky. These bizarre occurrences add to Cameron’s confusion and make him question the nature of his reality.
Connecting the Threads
Amidst the strangeness, Cameron attempts to navigate his strained relationship with his wife and connect with his daughter, Nora. Nora befriends Marc, the teenage son of Cameron’s doppelgänger, leading to their own intertwined storyline. Cameron tries to make sense of the unfolding events and the people around him, feeling a growing sense that these pieces are connected to a deeper, unresolved part of his life.
⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Cameron (Jim Gaffigan): The host of a failing children’s science show who pursues his astronaut dream while his perceived reality begins to unravel.
- Erin (Rhea Seehorn): Cameron’s wife navigating their strained marriage and the increasingly bizarre circumstances surrounding her husband’s life changes.
- Nora (Katelyn Nacon): Cameron and Erin’s teenage daughter who forms an unlikely friendship with the mysterious new boy in town.
- Sam (Mike Gaffigan): Cameron’s aging father whose health declines as Cameron attempts to build a rocket, connecting to Cameron’s past aspirations.
- Marc (Gabriel Rush): A quiet and unusual teenage boy, son of the new neighbor, who develops an unexpected bond with Nora.
- Cameron’s Double (Jim Gaffigan): A younger, seemingly more successful version of Cameron who takes over his television show and becomes the new neighbor next door.
- Mysterious Woman (Elisabeth Henry): An enigmatic older woman who appears repeatedly and seems subtly connected to the film’s unfolding strange occurrences and the central mystery.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Dr. Alvin: “I’m suggesting that perhaps the universe in our heads is more real than reality itself.” – Said by a doctor character, encapsulating the film’s central theme of subjective reality and perception.
- Unknown (Voiceover): “Open your eyes, Cameron…” – Potentially the film’s opening line, urging the main character to perceive his reality, foreshadowing the film’s twist.
💰Box Office
- Budget: None
- Domestic Gross: $87,786
- Worldwide Gross: $87,786
💥 Linoleum Reviews
Personal Review
Wow, *Linoleum* really got me. I went in expecting a quirky Jim Gaffigan comedy with maybe some light sci-fi, but man, it was so much more. The first half felt a bit slow and confusing, with all the strange things happening around Cameron. I was honestly scratching my head thinking, ‘Where is this even going?’ But I was intrigued enough by Gaffigan’s performance and the sheer oddness of it all to stick with it. Then the ending… the ending absolutely floored me. It ties everything together in such an emotional and unexpected way that it made me tear up. It completely re-contextualizes the entire film, and I immediately wanted to watch it again to catch all the clues I missed. It’s a beautiful, sad, and hopeful story about life and love.
- Who would enjoy:
- “Viewers who appreciate character-driven dramas”
- “Fans of films with unconventional narratives and twists”
- “Audiences interested in themes of memory, aging, and life reflection”
- “Fans of Jim Gaffigan looking to see him in a dramatic role”
- “People who enjoy thought-provoking, slightly surreal independent films”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Mild profanity and crude comments”
- “Scenes depicting potential bullying”
- “Themes related to aging, memory loss, and illness (may be triggering for some)”
- “Surreal and potentially confusing events and imagery”
Professional Reviews
- Inspired by User Reviews: “Linoleum begins as a quirky suburban dramedy but evolves into something truly unexpected. Jim Gaffigan delivers a surprisingly nuanced performance as the dreaming protagonist navigating a crumbling life. While the early pacing can feel slow and the surreal elements initially confusing, the film rewards patience with a deeply moving and revelatory final act that re-contextualizes everything that came before. It’s a unique cinematic experience that lingers long after the credits roll.
- Inspired by User Reviews: “Colin West’s Linoleum is an ambitious puzzle box of a film, blending midlife crisis drama with surreal sci-fi undertones. Jim Gaffigan is commendable in a dramatic role, but the narrative feels disjointed for much of its runtime. The film hints at deeper themes and mysteries, introducing doppelgangers and falling cars, but struggles to maintain a consistent tone. While the late-stage twist attempts to tie it all together, it may feel either predictable or unsatisfying depending on your mileage, making the journey feel longer than the payoff.
- Inspired by User Reviews: “Defying easy genre labels, Linoleum offers a melancholic yet hopeful look at life, dreams, and memory. Jim Gaffigan is excellent, showcasing dramatic range beyond his comedic persona. The film’s deliberate pace and perplexing events build a sense of disquiet and curiosity. While some elements feel less polished than others, and its marketing as pure sci-fi is debatable, the emotional core and the surprisingly profound conclusion make this a worthwhile watch for those open to a film that plays with narrative structure and perception.
Audience Reactions
The surprising and emotional twist ending was a common highlight that re-contextualized the whole movie.: Many viewers praised Jim Gaffigan’s strong dramatic performance and the film’s unique, thought-provoking narrative that lingered after viewing. The emotional depth of the conclusion resonated strongly, despite initial confusion.
Overall Consensus: A well-acted, surprisingly emotional indie drama that defies genre expectations, with a polarizing twist ending that viewers either loved for its poignancy or found confusing/predictable. Praised for its unique approach but sometimes criticized for its slow pacing.
Awards
- Sloan Science on Screen Award (None)- 2022
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “The legitimate rocket engine prop used in the film was a real backup engine made for the Apollo missions, acquired from a warehouse specializing in vintage aerospace and industrial props.”
- “Director Colin West personally drove a box truck packed with aerospace props, including the rocket engine, from Los Angeles to upstate New York for the shoot and then drove them back afterwards, highlighting the independent nature of the production.”
🖥️ How to Watch Linoleum?
To watch ‘Linoleum’, check major digital platforms such as Prime Video, Apple TV, Vudu, and Google Play for options to rent or purchase the film. Availability on subscription streaming services may vary, so consult popular platforms like Netflix, Hulu, Max, or Peacock for current listings. Physical copies like Blu-ray and DVD might also be available from online retailers or local stores.
🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed Linoleum, you might like these similar films:
- Donnie Darko (2001): Features a suburban setting, surreal events, a blend of sci-fi and drama, and a focus on subjective reality and a complex narrative structure that becomes clearer at the end.
- Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004): Explores themes of memory, perception, love, and reality through a non-linear and visually creative structure centered on subjective experience.
- The Father (2020): A powerful drama that depicts the disorienting experience of altered reality due to cognitive decline, focusing on the protagonist’s subjective perception of time and relationships.
- The Notebook (2004): A sweeping love story that spans a lifetime, using a framing device related to memory and narration which, while different in tone and genre, shares a core theme of enduring love overcoming the challenges of age and cognitive decline.
- Synecdoche, New York (2008): A complex and ambitious cult classic exploring life as a constructed reality, featuring a protagonist engaged in a large, all-consuming creative project that mirrors his life and relationships.
🛒 Linoleum Related Products
- Cosmos by Carl Sagan: A classic exploration of the universe, our place in it, and the history of scientific discovery, written by the legendary astronomer and science communicator.
- Linoleum Movie Poster Print: High-quality print of the official movie poster, featuring the distinctive imagery and autumnal aesthetic of the film.
- Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (Digital): A critically acclaimed film exploring themes of memory, relationships, and subjective reality with a non-linear structure and a blend of melancholy and quirky humor.
- Jim Gaffigan: Quality Time (Stand-Up Special): One of Jim Gaffigan’s popular stand-up specials, showcasing his signature observational humor about food and everyday life.
🎧 Soundtrack
Linoleum features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
- “Linoleum Theme” – performed by Mark Orton
- “Above and Beyond” – performed by Mark Orton
- “The Rocket” – performed by Mark Orton
- “Erin and Cameron” – performed by Mark Orton
- “Building the Future” – performed by Mark Orton
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
While ‘Linoleum’ contains elements that might initially suggest sci-fi or comedy, it is primarily a drama with surreal elements. The strange occurrences serve a deeper, metaphorical purpose related to the protagonist’s internal state and memory, rather than being literal science fiction events. Many viewers describe it as a poignant character study or a psychological drama with a unique structure.
SPOILER ALERT: The ending reveals that the surreal events depicted are the result of the protagonist, Cameron, experiencing advanced memory loss (likely Alzheimer’s or dementia). The different characters and timelines shown represent distorted or merged memories of his life, particularly his relationship with his wife, Erin. The film portrays the experience of navigating a reality fragmented by memory loss and the enduring power of love.
The film stars Jim Gaffigan as Cameron Edwin, in a leading dramatic role that differs from his usual comedic work. Rhea Seehorn plays his wife, Erin. The cast also includes Katelyn Nacon as their daughter, Nora, and Gabriel Rush as the teenage boy, Marc, among others.
The title ‘Linoleum’ is open to interpretation, but it is likely symbolic rather than literal. It may represent the mundane, patterned surface of everyday life that covers deeper complexities, memories, or the non-linear nature of time and memory depicted in the film. Like a patterned floor, elements might seem repetitive or out of place until the whole design is understood.
‘Linoleum’ has received generally positive reviews, particularly praising Jim Gaffigan’s dramatic performance and the film’s unique concept and emotional depth, especially in its final act. Some viewers found the pacing slow or the surreal elements confusing before the twist is revealed. Its reception suggests it’s a thought-provoking film that resonates strongly with those who appreciate character-driven dramas with a non-traditional structure.
🔥 Bonus Content
Mastodon – Cut you up with a Linoleum Knife
Remember that ridiculously awesome song from the Aqua Teen movie? You know, the one about cutting you up with a linoleum knife? It’s seriously catchy in the most absurd way!
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