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Maze

Maze

The opposite sex is the greatest art form of all.

200097 minRMidcredits score: 47th percentile of all films
Director
Rob Morrow
Starring
Rob Morrow, Laura Linney, Craig Sheffer, Rose Gregorio

Artist Lyle Maze is reconciled to a life without romance thanks to his dual afflictions: Tourette's Syndrome and obsessive-compulsive disorder. But his life takes an unexpected turn when his friend Mike departs on a humanitarian mission, leaving behind his pregnant girlfriend Callie. She leans on Lyle for help, and before long he's Lamaze coach, pinch-hitting father-to-be and in love with Callie.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Maze?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Maze streaming on Prime Video, The Roku Channel (free) and Tubi (free) and to rent or buy on Prime Video.

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Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about Maze?

Maze earns 3 badges, led by Crowd Pleaser and Award Winner.

  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office

Reception

Is Maze worth watching?

Maze's Midcredits score is the 47th percentile of all films, from 1K ratings across 4 sources. 55% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

47th percentile

Better received than 47% of films

45th percentile among Drama46th percentile among 2000s
Acclaim (how much people like it)35th
Approval (how many liked it)59th

57 /100

35th percentile of all films

32nd percentile among Drama35th percentile among 2000s

Critics 48 · Audience 59

Audiences liked it more than critics did.

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 6.6 — solid but not unanimous.

55% liked it

59th percentile of all films

59th percentile among Drama57th percentile among 2000s
55% rated it 7–1045% rated it 1–6

Critics 39% · Audience 44%

On Rotten Tomatoes, a bigger share of audiences approved than critics.

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 2 wins / 0 noms overall

Reach

How many have seen it

37th percentile

1K ratings across platforms

39th percentile among Drama30th percentile among 2000s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 60% in 30 days

Box office

Opening weekend$17K
Domestic gross$26K
Worldwide gross$26K

21st percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

The film is a well-intentioned love story about a man with Tourette syndrome that leans on its lead performances.

Fans praised

  • Rob Morrow's Tourette portrayal is accurate and believable
  • Laura Linney gives a touching and spunky performance
  • Sweet and heartfelt love story with genuine emotional depth

Detractors panned

  • Tourette symptoms are overdone and become a distracting gimmick
  • Slow pacing with dull, uneventful stretches
  • Predictable romance and clichéd script

What stands out

ActingDivisive75

Morrow's Tourette portrayal praised as convincing, Linney's performance universally acclaimed; some detractors find Morrow's acting overdone

Sound and music70

Upbeat, eclectic soundtrack praised as unique and moving

CharactersDivisive65

Believable and sympathetic main characters; detractors call them predictable and clichéd

Emotional impactDivisive65

Sweet and touching to fans; sappy and unearned to detractors

OriginalityDivisive55

Fresh take on Tourette portrayal but follows standard romantic drama beats

Plot and storyDivisive50

Predictable romance trajectory with a clever but unearned ending

CinematographyDivisive45

First-person shaky POV during tics is divisive; some find it effective, others annoying

PacingDivisive35

Very slow pacing with dead spots and dull stretches

Watch experience

What is Maze like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Romantic: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you are in the mood for a love story.

It is gentle, takes its time and leaves you hopeful. Skip it when you want things to move fast.

ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Patience.

What it feels like

Romantic.

The answer rests on this: Moods
RomanticHopeful
Heaviest: throughout
Register
Romantic · 8% of filmsWarm
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film treats its characters and their love story with genuine warmth and sincerity, never mocking Lyle's condition.
The rideThe film maintains a consistent romantic and tender mood, with emotional weight spread across the entire runtime rather than concentrated in one act.
StructureA linear, character-driven narrative following Lyle's emotional journey.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Hopeful.

HopefulFeel-good
Why it leaves you this wayDespite the obstacles, the film ends on an uplifting note, leaving the viewer with a sense of hope and warmth.
How it ends · evidence
Bittersweet ending

Story archetype

where it sits among all films
Monster — 21% of films. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of films. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 10% of films. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 4% of films. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 11% of films. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 9% of films. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 13% of films. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 7% of films. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 22% of filmsPredator — 6% of films. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 6% of films. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of films. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 2% of films. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of films. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of films. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of films. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of films. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of films. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of films. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — under 1% of films. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of films. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of films. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of films. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of films. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 4% of films. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 5% of films. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of films. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — 1% of films. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of films. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 2% of films. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — 1% of films. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of films. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — 1% of films. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 4% of films. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of films. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of films. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of films. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 1% of films. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of films. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — 2% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 2% of films. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 2% of films. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 3% of films. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 3% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 5% of films. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of films. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 2% of films. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of films. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 5% of films. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 2% of films. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).Rebirth
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21%: Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 2% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent under 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 10%: Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% · Mission 5% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage 1%
  • Voyage 4%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent 1%
  • Comedy 11%: Romantic comedy 4% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 1%
  • Tragedy 9%: Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3%
  • Rebirth 13% (this title): Redemption 3% · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2% (this title)
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Rebirth: A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed. · Second chance: A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).

13% of films fit this archetype

Why this archetypeLyle Maze, isolated by Tourette's, finds love and connection with his best friend's pregnant girlfriend, opening his life to new possibilities.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 27% of filmsSelf — 22% of filmsPower — 7% of filmsMorality — 16% of filmsSurvival — 15% of filmsSociety — 9% of filmsIdeas — 5% of filmsRomantic love — 15% of filmsMarriage — 2% of filmsFamily bonds — 21% of filmsParenthood — 2% of filmsFriendship — 9% of filmsLoyalty — 4% of filmsIdentity — 14% of filmsComing of age — 5% of filmsAging — under 1% of filmsSelf-worth — 7% of filmsAmbition — 7% of filmsPurpose — 9% of filmsMemory — 3% of filmsObsession — 3% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 2% of filmsCorruption — 3% of filmsGreed — 3% of filmsClass — 3% of filmsOppression — 4% of filmsFreedom — 5% of filmsJustice — 13% of filmsDuty — 2% of filmsRevenge — 4% of filmsGuilt — 3% of filmsRedemption — 6% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — 1% of filmsSacrifice — 4% of filmsBetrayal — 5% of filmsDeception — 9% of filmsSurvival — 17% of filmsWar — 1% of filmsViolence — 4% of filmsMortality — 2% of filmsGrief — 6% of filmsTrauma — 7% of filmsMental illness — 1% of filmsAddiction — 1% of filmsIllness and disability — under 1% of filmsCommunity — 14% of films. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 5% of filmsPrejudice — 3% of filmsDisplacement — 1% of filmsFaith — 3% of filmsTradition vs change — 2% of filmsFame — 3% of filmsLegacy — 4% of filmsFate — 1% of filmsFree will — under 1% of filmsTruth — 4% of filmsHope — 5% of filmsNature — 2% of filmsArt — 4% of filmsTechnology — 1% of filmsSelfRomanticlove
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27% (this title): Romantic love 15% (this title) · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% (this title) · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22%: Identity 14% (this title) · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% · Memory 3% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7%: Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16%: Justice 13% · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15%: Survival 17% · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% · Trauma 7% · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: Community 14% · Isolation 5% · Prejudice 3% · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% · Tradition vs change 2% · Fame 3% · Legacy 4%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Bonds

Romantic love · 15% of filmsIdentity · 14% of filmsFriendship · 9% of films
Celebrates its theme: Affirms its theme — this is good and worth having.Intimate stakes: Consequences reach a person or a household.Single lead
How it treats its themeThe story centers on Lyle falling in love, navigating the complexities of romance while living with Tourette Syndrome, and the loyalty between friends is tested.
StanceThe film affirms the possibility of love and human connection even in the face of challenges, treating its primary theme of romantic love with warmth and hope.

The world

ContemporaryUrbanDomesticRealistic
Orchestral modernExperimentalSupportive music · original score · Bobby Previte
SettingAn artist's loft and domestic spaces in a contemporary city.
MusicReviews praise the music as incredible and atmospheric, supporting the film's emotional tone.

Content guide

Is Maze okay for kids?

R

Maze is rated R: “Rated R for language and nudity” (MPAA). As of August 31, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at mild (22/100), sexual content at moderate (58/100), language at intense (67/100), drug and alcohol content at mild (22/100) and frightening material at mild (22/100). Its violence, language, drug and alcohol content and frightening material have too few votes to rank.

Overall
Moderate · all five categories
not ranked
Violence & Gore
Mild
too few votes to rank (3 votes)
Sex & Nudity
Moderate · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 70%
Profanity
Intense · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
too few votes to rank (3 votes)
Alcohol & Drugs
Mild
too few votes to rank (3 votes)
Frightening / Intense
Mild
too few votes to rank (3 votes)

Point along a line to see a well-known title at that level.

Too few votes to rank this title overall (35 votes across 5 categories; ranking needs 10 in at least three).

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other films that have them.

What content warnings does Maze have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Maze?

Cast

Rob Morrow
as Lyle Maze
Laura Linney
as Callie
Craig Sheffer
as Mike
Rose Gregorio
as Helen
Robert Hogan
as Lyle's Father
Gia Carides
as Julianne
Betsy Aidem
as Lydia
Keenan Shimizu
as Korean Market Employee
Sheila Zane
as Lenna
Lanny Flaherty
as Drunk

Crew

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What are movies like Maze?

Movies like Maze include Falling in Love (1984), The Idea of You (2024) and 5 to 7 (2014). Of the 12 closest matches, most are forbidden-love stories, and most are films set in New York.

Balanced: every group counts the same, and production only breaks ties.

6 of these 12 share its story type: second chance. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with Maze?

3.9K other films share the rarest tag below, relationship: forbidden love. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.