Linoleum keeps audiences on their toes as it sends them on a trippy and intriguing Sci-Fi journey that flies by and truly delivers in the end.
Science Fiction films are always so hit or miss, especially when they throw in a a bunch of twist and turns that will keep audiences on their toes for nearly the entire runtime. It is a bold move to leave viewers wondering what is happening, and questioning if they themselves are seeing the whole picture, for nearly the whole movie. That is exactly what Linoleum does, but thanks to the incredibly talented cast and the powerful and emotional ending, it actually works. Like, really, really works.
About: Cameron Edwin, the host of a failing children’s science TV show called “Above & Beyond”, has always had aspirations of being an astronaut. After a mysterious space-race era satellite coincidentally falls from space and lands in his backyard, his midlife crisis manifests in a plan to rebuild the machine into his dream rocket. As his relationship with his wife and daughter start to strain, surreal events begin unfolding around him — a doppelgänger moving into the house next door, a car falling from the sky, and an unusual teenage boy forging a friendship with him. He slowly starts to piece these events together to ultimately reveal that there’s more to his life story than he once thought.
Twists & Turns Keep Coming
Linoleum is one of those movies that is almost impossible to review with any kind of detail, because everything that is put into this movie is put there for a reason — and it all comes together in the end. For those fans of Donnie Darko, this film gives off similar vibes. Where you can’t help but wonder if you are seeing things through the eyes of someone who has had a mental breakdown, or if you are seeing actual reality.
The longer the movie goes on, the more captivating and interesting it gets. However, it isn’t until the final ten minutes or so when the truth is revealed and trust us, jaws will be left on the floor. With a short-ish runtime of just over ninety minutes, Linoleum breezes through its story in a well-paced, yet still intriguing, tale.
Every Cast Member Shines
The entire cast of Linoleum shines all throughout the film. There is not one person that stands out more than the others, and not one that is pushed aside. Gaffigan’s character, Cameron, is easy to fall in love with from the start. He is a man struggling with his job as well as his marriage, and you can’t help but root for him. On the other hand, his wife (Rhea Seehorn) is clearly going through it as well, and it is easy to love her.
Their daughter (Katelyn Nacon) and her friend Marc (Gabriel Rush) add youthful elements to the story. Their friendship is one that will remind many people of the ones they had in High School. They also bring a lot of the humor to the movie.
Cameron’s doopleganger and Marc’s father, however, is someone that is hard to trust. Although his role is an important one and he plays in incredibly. Gaffigan taking on both of these, very different, roles, and doing such a fantastic job with them, is something that should be applauded.
A Powerful & Emotional Ending
We don’t want to get into the details at all for fear of ruining this beautiful film for those who have not seen it, but the ending is extremely powerful and emotional. Those who have been invested from the start of the movie will likely be wiping away the tears as everything ties together.
All of the pieces are put into the puzzle in a completely unexpected way, but one that makes Linoleum one of the best Science Fiction films in a long time. It is impossible not to adore all of the characters, and be blown away by what is accomplished here.
A bizarre, twisted, and captivating tale, Linoleum is a must watch Sci-Fi film that takes viewers on an emotional journey.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
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About Linoleum
Cameron Edwin (Jim Gaffigan), the host of a failing children’s science TV show called “Above & Beyond”, has always had aspirations of being an astronaut. After a mysterious space-race era satellite coincidentally falls from space and lands in his backyard, his midlife crisis manifests in a plan to rebuild the machine into his dream rocket.
As his relationship with his wife (Rhea Seehorn) and daughter (Katelyn Nacon) start to strain, surreal events begin unfolding around him — a doppelgänger moving into the house next door, a car falling from the sky, and an unusual teenage boy forging a friendship with him. He slowly starts to piece these events together to ultimately reveal that there’s more to his life story than he once thought.
