Watch Two-Bit Waltz

As a coming-of-age indie film, Two-Bit Waltz follows 17-year-old Maude (Clara Mamet) as she navigates the rocky waters of adolescence in a quirky and offbeat way. The movie features an ensemble cast, including William H. Macy and Jared Gilman, with Mamet not only starring in but also writing and directing the film. Throughout Two-Bit Waltz, we see Maude struggle to fit in with her peers and deal with the pressures and expectations placed on her by her parents, played by Macy and Rebecca Pidgeon. She is an introspective girl who is as much uncomfortable in her own skin as she is withdrawn around others.

While the film's core themes may be typical of a coming-of-age story, the style is anything but. Two-Bit Waltz is full of quirks and oddities, from Maude's conversations with her cat, to the bizarre characters she meets along the way, including an eccentric dance teacher played by Macy.

The movie is, at times, surreal, and its whimsical style can be a bit much for some viewers. However, for those who appreciate unconventional storytelling, Two-Bit Waltz is an imaginative and engaging film.

One of the movie's strengths is its use of humor to balance out its more serious moments. It's not afraid to be ridiculous, and the moments of absurdity lend the film a lightness that makes it all the more enjoyable.

At its core, though, Two-Bit Waltz is a story about growing up and coming to terms with the disappointments and uncertainties of life. As such, it doesn't shy away from its darker, more melancholic aspects. Maude's struggles with mental health and her parents' failing marriage are depicted with poignant honesty.

The film's cinematography also deserves mention. The camera work is often intimate, positioning the audience as voyeurs into Maude's life. But at other times, it's almost fantastical, with dreamlike sequences and fantastical settings.

The soundtrack, too, is a highlight. The film employs an eclectic mix of styles, from classical to punk, which complement the story's shifting moods and tones.

If there's a drawback to the film, it's perhaps that some of its narrative threads feel undercooked or unresolved. But given the film's idiosyncratic style, this may be a deliberate choice rather than a failure.

In the end, Two-Bit Waltz is a charming and distinctive film that earns its place as an indie cult classic. With its unconventional storytelling, emotive performances, and memorable humor, it's a reminder that coming-of-age stories don't have to be formulaic or predictable.

Two-Bit Waltz is a 2014 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 21 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.0.