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Sci-fi drama

Linoleum (2023): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Ending

Linoleum (2023) movie poster

Linoleum is a 2023 sci-fi drama directed by Colin West, starring Jim Gaffigan as Cameron, Kent, Rhea Seehorn and Katelyn Nacon. It runs 1 hour 41 minutes and earned $87,786 worldwide. Critics gave it 82% on Rotten Tomatoes and 80 on Metacritic.

Rotten Tomatoes
82%
worldwide gross
$87.8K
Echo Score
75
Metascore
80
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Linoleum (2023) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 41m (101 min)
Director
Colin West
Genres
Sci-Fi , Drama , Comedy
Original language
English
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Linoleum About?

The premise of Linoleum without spoilers. The whole story and the ending explained are in the plot summary further down.

Cameron Edwin, an aspiring astronaut experiencing a midlife crisis, finds his life spiraling when a satellite unexpectedly crashes in his backyard. Driven by this extraordinary event, he begins to rebuild the wreckage into a rocket, hoping to fulfill his childhood dream. However, his obsessive project strains his relationships and plunges him into a series of increasingly bizarre occurrences, including encounters with doppelgängers, falling cars, and a mysterious teenager, blurring the line between reality and delusion.

Linoleum Themes & Keywords

· 3 tags
  • astronaut
  • space sci fi
  • dream
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Cast & crew

Linoleum Cast & Characters

Jim Gaffigan leads the cast as Cameron, Kent, with Rhea Seehorn as Erin and Katelyn Nacon as Nora. Directed by Colin West; 12 actors are credited in all.

From the director

More from Colin West

More films directed by Colin West: Double Walker, Here & Beyond, Pink Plastic Flamingos and The Long Slow Flight of the Ashbot.

Full filmography
Ratings

Linoleum Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Linoleum 82% on Rotten Tomatoes and 80 on Metacritic. Our Echo Score gives it 75/100, strongest in sensory experience (82) and weakest in story & flow (65).

75 /100

Linoleum Echo Score Breakdown

Linoleum delivers a modestly uplifting indie experience that balances earnest emotion with unconventional storytelling. Critics highlight its inventive premise, strong central performances, and imaginative visual touches, while several viewers note pacing irregularities and a bewildering climax. The film’s handcrafted aesthetic and resonant themes encourage occasional repeat viewings, though its abstract narrative may deter some. Overall, the movie offers a rewarding, if uneven, blend of heart and curiosity.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 78

    In terms of art and craft, the film presents a distinct handmade aesthetic and thoughtful production design. Critics point to the homespun visual style and effective use of small‑town cinematography, while a few note occasional contrivance in set pieces. The direction maintains a measured rhythm that supports the thematic ambition. Collectively, the craftsmanship is regarded as a notable strength, despite minor flaws.

  • Character & Emotion 80

    When evaluating character and emotion, reviewers consistently praise Jim Gaffigan’s nuanced performance and the chemistry with supporting actors. The emotional resonance of the protagonist’s mid‑life crisis is described as poignant, and multiple users mention the depth of secondary characters. A small handful cite occasional detachment, but the prevailing view is that the cast delivers compelling, relatable portrayals that anchor the film’s more abstract moments.

  • Story & Flow 65

    Story and flow receive mixed assessments; the premise is described as inventive yet the narrative can feel disjointed. Critics acknowledge ambitious thematic layers and an engaging climax, but many viewers comment on slow pacing and a confusing final twist. While some appreciate the measured buildup to a satisfying resolution, others find the plot overly abstruse. Consequently, the storytelling is seen as ambitious but uneven.

  • Sensory Experience 82

    Sensory experience stands out with a praised ambient score and ethereal sound design that enhance the film’s surreal tone. Visual style, described as quirky and cohesive, complements the narrative’s sci‑fiction elements. Reviewers underline the effective use of color and composition to evoke nostalgia. Negative comments are scarce, making the auditory and visual components a clear highlight of the production.

  • Rewatch Factor 68

    Rewatch factor is moderately strong; the film’s layered plot and unexpected twist invite a second viewing for hidden clues. Several users express desire to revisit the movie, while others feel the confusing ending reduces repeat appeal. The blend of emotional depth and visual intrigue provides enough intrigue for some, yet the abstract storytelling may limit broader rewatch enthusiasm.

Plot

Linoleum Plot Summary & Ending Explained

What happens in Linoleum from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 13 key events and the ending explained. The opening is below; the full summary is a 5-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

Cameron Edwin Jim Gaffigan is a middle-aged astronomer stuck in a quiet, unfulfilling life in small-town Ohio. He once dreamed of space and exploration, but today he hosts a lackluster science-education show on a local station, juggling a fractured home life with Erin Rhea Seehorn, who is divorcing him, their outspoken teenage daughter Nora Katelyn Nacon, and their quiet young son Sam. The weight of disappointment presses on him as he drifts through routine days, always feeling he’s missing something bigger.

Full summary

The whole story of Linoleum, scene by scene, with the ending explained

Read the full summary
Box office

Linoleum Box Office

Linoleum grossed $87,786 worldwide.

2023 box office

Worldwide gross

$87.8K

US & Canada
$87.8K
Videos

Linoleum Trailers & Videos

3 videos: 1 trailer, 1 teaser and 1 clip.

Official Trailer
  • Teaser Out Now on Amazon
  • Clip Garage Rocket
Quiz

How Well Do You Know Linoleum?

10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 10

  1. Question 1: not answered
  2. Question 2: not answered
  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
  7. Question 7: not answered
  8. Question 8: not answered
  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

What is the profession of the film's main character, Cameron Edwin?

Details

Linoleum Also Known As

8 alternative titles, including “Астронавт” and “Linoleum - Das All und all das”.

Also known as
  • Астронавт
  • Linoleum - Das All und all das
  • 油毡
  • Um Sonho Além da Imaginação
  • 리놀륨
  • Linóleum
  • חלומות חלל
  • 再見太空人

Seen Linoleum?

FAQ

Linoleum FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime

Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings and post-credit scenes of Linoleum, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Linoleum?

Linoleum runs 1 hour 41 minutes (101 minutes).

When was Linoleum released?

Linoleum was released on February 24, 2023.

Who directed Linoleum?

Linoleum was directed by Colin West.

More films by Colin West

Who is in the cast of Linoleum?

Linoleum stars Jim Gaffigan as Cameron, Kent, Rhea Seehorn as Erin and Katelyn Nacon as Nora, among 12 credited actors.

How much did Linoleum make at the box office?

Linoleum grossed $87,786 worldwide.

How is Linoleum rated?

Linoleum has 82% on Rotten Tomatoes, 80 on Metacritic, 62% on TMDB and 3.5/5 on Letterboxd.

Does Linoleum have a post-credit scene?

No. Linoleum has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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