Jim Gaffigan Takes Off Into the Unknown in This Quirky Sci-Fi Dramedy

Read Time:2 Minute, 54 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Linoleum
–

Genre: Comedy, Drama, Sci-Fi
Year Released: 2022, 2023 Digital
Runtime: 1h 41m
Director(s): Colin West
Writer(s): Colin West
Cast: Jim Gaffigan, Rhea Seehorn, Katelyn Nacon, Gabriel Rush, Amy Hargreaves, Michael Ian Black, Tony Shalhoub, Roger Hendricks Simon, Elisabeth Henry, West Duchovny, Twinkle Burke
Where To Watch: On digital April 17, 2023

RAVING REVIEW: In Colin West's quirky film, LINOLEUM, audiences are treated to an endearing story of Jim Gaffigan's character, Cameron Edwin, a TV host aspiring to become an astronaut. This imaginative movie has garnered praise at renowned events like SXSW and the London Film Festival, appealing to a wide range of viewers. Buckle your seatbelts because this isn’t the classic movie-going experience.

Cameron Edwin (played by Gaffigan) once dreamt of exploring outer space but ended up hosting a children's science show called Above & Beyond (think WATCH MR. WIZARD, or MR. WIZARD’S WORLD), which has seen its better days. His marriage to Erin (Rhea Seehorn) is on shaky ground. When a space satellite crash-lands in his backyard (convenient? Yes, but that’s okay,) Cameron's life takes an unforeseen turn as he begins to obsess over building a rocket in his garage.

As Cameron's fixation intensifies, it takes a toll on his relationships with his wife and daughter (Katelyn Nacon), and that’s really when everything kind of beautifully goes off the rails. The following events are odd but serve such a purpose that I’m okay with them being there. These strange events prompt Cameron to question his knowledge and explore all these connections to why everything is happening.

Jim Gaffigan delivers an outstanding performance with a unique twist, and Rhea Seehorn's portrayal of Erin is equally impressive. The story within the story is a fascinating aspect for me. Katelyn Nacon (Nora Edwin) and Gabriel Rush (Marc) offer substantial support for the film, giving a secondary story that well counters the main narrative. West's storytelling ability ensures that even the occasionally disjointed style and structure contribute to the movie's overall impact.

A quirky sci-fi dramedy, the film evolves into a thought-provoking journey where life is shown through a distorted lens of metaphors. Despite a modest budget, the film works within its limitations, offering a world where the oddities you see on screen fit.

Ed Wu's cinematography instills a nostalgic and ageless atmosphere; you’re almost unsure of when you are timewise, allowing the fantastical components to emerge organically and without skepticism. LINOLEUM’S ending is an emotionally charged finale that mixes the surrealness of the movie with a satisfying conclusion for the character's arcs (even if you have to piece that together yourself.)

This innovative sci-fi drama reaches emotional depths that resonate with audiences even when you don’t realize how much. Perfect for those seeking a meaningful connection with the story and its characters, LINOLEUM provides a revitalizing and memorable experience.

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[photo courtesy of 101 FILMS]