The Fabelmans – Film Review

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.

Few people out there in the world have a passion for filmmaking that burns brighter than the one that was sparked inside of Steven Spielberg‘s heart when he was a small child. It’s hard to think about what life would’ve been like for a young Spielberg, however, because we’re so used to thinking about him as the guy who just makes some incredible movies.

But that’s part of the goal behind his newest feature The Fabelmans, seeing as how it’s a semi-autobiographical film that follows a young boy named Sammy Fabelman who, ever since watching an action film in theatres with his parents when he was a kid, wants to be a masterful filmmaker.

Seeing this film sparked a kind of intense change within Sammy, and he’s never the same after that initial viewing experience. From that point onward, Sammy becomes absolutely fascinated by the idea of filmmaking and after he gets a film camera, his life is truly changed.

He starts to make short movies at home just filming random daily things such as his mother dancing around outside while on a camping trip or just a conversation had at a dinner table. It’s genuinely so uplifting to see the character of Sammy Fabelman so inspired by the craft because we know that Spielberg also felt this way.

It’s a miraculously wholesome movie that will practically leave you smiling the entire way through. But whenever we’re not smiling, we’re shedding tears because The Fabelmans is a surprisingly emotionally wrenching movie at times that’s not afraid to get gritty when it needs to.

With this film, Spielberg really made something quite special that I won’t forget anytime soon. It’s one of those movies that will stick with you long after the credits roll. Gabriel LaBelle does a fantastic job in the role of Sammy Fabelman, making him feel like a real, grounded kid with issues at home but with dreams so big he is salivating at the thought of achieving them.

Paul Dano is also great in a role that I never thought I’d see him in, and Michelle Williams gives the most emotional performance of the entire film as Sammy’s mother. Another surprise standout here is Seth Rogen, who portrays Bennie Leowy. The cast came together to create something truly special.

Even if you’re not somebody who’s hoping to make a film of their own some day, Steven Spielberg’s The Fabelmans has something for you. The truth is, it has something for everybody. The iconic director’s latest is also one of his greatest in many, many years.

The Fabelmans is an astoundingly inspiring, optimistic, and gleeful coming-of-age drama expertly directed by Steven Spielberg in what is easily his most personal film to date.