The Fabelmans
The Fabelmans

The Fabelmans

2022Movie151 minEnglish

Growing up in post-World War II era Arizona, young Sammy Fabelman aspires to become a filmmaker as he reaches adolescence, but soon discovers a shattering family secret and explores how the power of films can help him see the truth.

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Insights

IMDb7.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes93%
Metacritic84
Google Users87%
Director: Steven SpielbergGenres: Drama, Coming-of-Age

Plot Summary

Growing up in post-World War II Arizona, young Sammy Fabelman discovers a passion for filmmaking that helps him come to terms with his family's secrets and challenges. As he hones his craft, he navigates the complexities of his parents' marriage, his own budding identity, and the power of cinema to reveal and shape truth.

Critical Reception

The Fabelmans received widespread critical acclaim, praised for its heartfelt storytelling, Spielberg's masterful direction, and strong performances, particularly from Michelle Williams and newcomer Gabriel LaBelle. It was lauded as a deeply personal and moving reflection on family, art, and memory.

What Reviewers Say

  • A deeply personal and autobiographical film from Steven Spielberg.
  • Praised for its emotional resonance and exploration of family dynamics.
  • Michelle Williams and Gabriel LaBelle received particular acclaim for their performances.

Google audience: Audiences found 'The Fabelmans' to be a touching and masterfully crafted film that offers an intimate look into Steven Spielberg's childhood. Many viewers appreciated the emotional depth and the exploration of the power of cinema.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for 7 Academy Awards including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actress (Michelle Williams), Best Supporting Actor (Judd Hirsch), Best Original Screenplay, Best Production Design, and Best Original Score. Also won Best Motion Picture – Drama at the Golden Globe Awards.

Fun Fact

The character of Bennie Loewy, played by Judd Hirsch, is based on Spielberg's own family friend, who was a real-life influence and had a significant impact on Spielberg's childhood.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

4 reviews
badelf

badelf

The film is eminently watchable. The acting and directing are, of course, excellent. The script, however, meanders aimlessly like Moses in the desert. Where's the point? What are the important take-aways? These questions and more are not an...
CinemaSerf

CinemaSerf

Gabriel LaBelle is great in this generally entertaining and interesting tale of a young lad ("Sammy") growing up in post-war America who has a penchant (and eye) for film making. Growing up in an happy environment with mother "Mitzi" (Miche...
tensharpe

tensharpe

“The Fabelmans” is a movie loosely based on the true story of Steven Spielberg’s own childhood. Produced after the death of his mother Leah Adler and using the fictional family name of the Fabelmans the movie focuses primarily on the iconic...
Peter McGinn

Peter McGinn

I saw several negative reviews before I watched this, and I assumed there was an element of grading someone a bit more harshly when they have achieved wild success or, heaven forbid, if they do stellar work in one genre such as sci-fi or ad...