Over the weekend, I watched The Fabelmans (2022) and The Family Plan (2023). While I had intended to review the latter, The Fabelmans was such a cinematic experience that it overshadowed any other film I could have watched. Directed and co-written by Steven Spielberg and Tony Kushner, ‘The Fabelmans’ is a deeply personal exploration of Spielberg’s life, from his childhood obsession with filmmaking to his eventual cinematic triumph. Movie lovers, we all know Steven Spielberg, right?
As a creative with a deep appreciation for film, I found The Fabelmans incredibly resonant. Spielberg, one of my favourite filmmakers, masterfully portrays his coming-of-age story through the character of Sammy Fabelman, a young Jewish boy fighting to make movies despite numerous obstacles within his family.
The film beautifully captures the pivotal moment when a child’s hobby evolves into a consuming passion. Spielberg’s portrayal of this transformation is both relatable and insightful.
Recognized for its cinematic brilliance, The Fabelmans garnered numerous awards and Nominations, including the AARP Movies for Grownups Award, a testament to its mature themes and universal appeal.
The film digs deeply into emotional themes, particularly through Judd Hirsch’s standout performance as Sammy’s uncle, who offers candid insights into the sacrifices required for a career in filmmaking, a notion Sammy initially denies but internally struggles with. Hirsch’s limited screen time is maximised with an enthralling performance that earned him a ‘Best Supporting Actor’ Award.
Portraying Sammy’s complex mother, Michelle Williams delivers an outstanding performance that adds depth and drama to the film, showcasing the emotional turmoil within the family. Paul Dano, playing Sammy’s father, brings warmth and love to his role, despite not fully understanding his son’s artistic ambitions. For a moment there, I thought Paul Dano was a younger Crowe Russell with those glasses!
Gabriel LaBelle does it so well as Sammy, balancing the character’s teenage pretentiousness with genuine passion. LaBelle convincingly portrays the internal conflict and emotional explosions of a young filmmaker determined to bring his visions to life.
The film’s climax is both exciting and touching, leaving a lasting impression. In fact, spoiler alert, the final scene is not only one of the best in the film but also incredibly satisfying and humorous. Not to forget the hilarious moments, like the surprising schoolyard confrontation where the bully says to Sammy, “Apologize for killing Christ, you Christ-killing Jew!”😂
While The Fabelmans undoubtedly excel in cinematography and other technical aspects, for a film its calibre, I prefer to focus on the acting performances and story rather than delving into themes, cinematography, or soundtrack. Yeah, that’s the review!
In conclusion, I enjoyed watching ‘The Fabelmans,’ a film that rewards multiple viewings. It paints a vivid picture of family dynamics, including sibling rivalries, school life, and the complexities of childhood, father-son, and mother-son relationships. If you’re interested in any of those, ‘The Fabelmans’ is a must-see.
