THE FABELMANS – “Is Steven Spielberg at his most personal – and the result is unsurprisingly glorious”

fabelmans

RATING

DIRECTOR

Directed by: Steven Spielberg

MAIN CAST

  • Gabriel LaBelle as Samuel "Sammy" Fabelman
  • Mateo Zoryon Francis-DeFord as young Sammy Fabelman
  • Michelle Williams as Mitzi Schildkraut-Fabelman
  • Paul Dano as Burt Fabelman
  • Seth Rogen as Bennie Loewy
  • Judd Hirsch as Boris Schildkraut
  • Julia Butters as Reggie Fabelman
  • Keeley Karsten as Natalie Fabelman
  • Sophia Kopera as Lisa Fabelman
  • Jeannie Berlin as Haddash Fabelman
  • Robin Bartlett as Tina Schildkraut
  • Sam Rechner as Logan Hall

SYNOPSIS

It is a semi-autobiographical story loosely based on Spielberg's adolescence and first years as a director.

Young Sammy Fabelman falls in love with movies after his parents take him to see "The Greatest Show on Earth." Armed with a camera, Sammy starts to make his own films at home, much to the delight of his supportive mother.

REVIEW SUMMARY

Without question, The Fabelmans is Steven Spielberg at his most personal – and the result is unsurprisingly glorious. The movie is 3 parts ode to filmmaking, 2 parts family drama, and 1 part coming-of-age romp. Ok, so there is a fair amount of self-indulgence sprinkled into the mix. But hey, it’s Spielberg, and if there’s anybody who has earned the right to give their legacy some nods in a film, it’s him. And while the direction and craftsmanship are naturally A-grade, our legendary director is aided by one heck of an ensemble cast. Michelle Williams alone puts on an acting clinic, completely stealing every scene she is in with her spirited (and at times, pained) performance. Paul Dano, as the conflicted brainy patriarch trying to keep it all together, is right up there with her. The Ying/Yang dynamic between these characters is masterfully played with, as each brings new depth to the other’s internal conflicts. Of course, our lead character, Sammy, is also skillfully navigated by the two actors who portray him (Mateo Zoryon as young Sammy and Gabriel LaBelle as teen Sammy). But, as impactful as literally everyone is here (yes, even Seth Rogen), perhaps the most important “character” in the film is Spielberg’s camera itself. You see, the whole thing could have easily come across as one big TV-like episode of The Wonder Years. Luckily, our director takes every scene, interaction, and moment, no matter how mundane or actionless, and transforms it into something splendidly cinematic. In short, it’s always interesting to look at. So, for the love of cinema, and all that it has to offer, you should probably go take a look at The Fabelmans for yourself! 

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