By Seth Lukas Hynes
Linoleum
Starring Jim Gaffigan, Rhea Seehorn and Katelyn Nacon
M
4/5
Written and directed by Colin West, Linoleum is a quirky but deeply moving comedy-drama with fascinating layers.
Cameron (Jim Gaffigan) is a middle-aged man in Ohio who hosts an unsuccessful science TV show. When a rocket crashes in his backyard, Cameron decides to finally pursue his astronaut dreams.
Linoleum is an absorbing, subtly surreal slice-of-life drama. The plot has an almost cozy slowness, immersing us in the lives of the main characters as they weather disappointments and stifling expectations. “Rational” is used as a putdown, and “it’s not that simple” becomes a mantra that Cameron must overcome to succeed and be happy.
The suburban American setting of an ambiguous decade, with strange and sometimes sinister elements, has shades of Blue Velvet. The plot seeds clever details, explores the theme of memory through Cameron reconnecting with his senile father, and strikes a healthy balance between chasing your dreams and accepting what you cannot change.
The dialogue is witty but realistic, Gaffigan delivers schlubby charm as Cameron (and brings a wonderful enthusiasm to his science show), and Cameron’s daughter Nora (Katelyn Nacon) forms a touching friendship with Marc (Gabriel Rush), the new boy at school.
The ending may lose you: some will view it as a beautiful conclusion that wraps everything up brilliantly (which is my take-away), while others will view it as a contrived cop-out not far removed from the ‘it was all a dream’ trope.
There’s just one mystery remaining: I have no idea why the film is called Linoleum.
Slow-moving but heart-warming, Linoleum is available to rent or buy on iTunes.
– Seth Lukas Hynes
