The Fabelmans is an upcoming Drama / Coming of Age film by Hollywood Legend Steven Spielberg and it possibly would be his last directorial venture. The film stars Michelle Williams, Gabriel Labelle, Julia Buttlers, Paul Dano, David Lynch, Seth Rogen and Judd Hirsh. The premise of the film is extremely simply but enthralling as well: “It is a semi-autobiography loosely based on Spielberg’s early life, as told through an original story of the fictional Sammy Fabelman, a young aspiring filmmaker.” The film premiered at the Toronto Film Festival, that took place in September and the critics absolutely adored the film. The variety that Spielberg has in his films is rarely seen in any director’s filmography, I mean that man made Jurassic Park and Schindler’s List in the same year.
A lot of people were questioning whether West Side Story would be the last film of Spielberg but he had one story which was very close to his heart that he had to tell before his retirements from films. Spielberg in my opinion is the greatest filmmaker alive at this moment, there is no one who comes to close to his greatness. The Fabelmans is believed to be his last directorial venture however, no official comments have been made. So, does The Fabelmans deserve to be the end of a legacy that will remain unmatched? The Fabelmans because of the big releases like Black Adam and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever had a limited release and it obviously didn’t release in India but now that the film is on digital, I’ve gotten the opportunity to see it and see experience what Spielberg has in store for us one last time.
Rating – ★★★1/5
The Fabelmans Review: A Beautiful Family Story?
The Fabelmans for the most part tells the story of Steven Spielberg’s childhood and how he discovered the art of filmmaking. Before I say anything else let me just say that this film packs Paul Dano’s best performance of the year. Yes, he it is better than his iteration of the Riddler in this year’s The Batman. It is so understated but it is just like that he is so warm and kind. He looks like any Jewish father. His identity as Paul Dano has vanished and that is the best kind of acting. Without prosthetics, simply by actions.
Michelle Williams is also good in the film but I found her performance to be a bit inconsistent and a little loud but I guess that is what the job description was so she did what was required of her. Seth Rogen has a limited role and he plays it well. Our protagonist Gabriel LaBelle is also amazing in the film. He is very charming and there is a hint of Spielberg reflected in him. He is great in emotional moments and comic parts. I’d like to see more of his work. As this is such a personal story for Spielberg the film does feel crafted with love.
If you’re someone who is pursuing filmmaking in any sense then this film will be extremely relatable to you. There are a lot of jokes and gags in the film. However, there is one thing that you might’ve not anticipated and that is this is more of a family story than a single protagonist. The entire family is explored quite well. The pole apart father and mother and how their difference and the mother’s secret devastates the family, all is well explored. The screenplay is a little confusing when it comes to the time between events.
The film is technically flawless of course. There are a lot of minor subplots which don’t necessarily make sense in the longer run but they’re entertaining and help in character development. I like despite being set in the late 50s the mother’s character is nuanced and not at all misogynistic or conforming to norms. I like how Sam’s identity as a Jew also comes into the plot as it does result in some fascinating scenes. I love the film’s end as it is truly unexpected and funny. There are a lot of themes explored and it is mainly about Family vs Art.
I love the conversation between Sam and his mother where she tells him that he doesn’t owe his life to anyone, not even her. This is very different and lovely outlook to see. I would’ve liked to see one thing though, there is not enough drama in the film. As the doesn’t have a major secret and I mean there is a revelation but you see it coming so, what I would’ve liked was to have more powerful scenes in the film. There are some but I would’ve wished for more. Some that really makes your heart wreck.
There is a lack of drama, this is maybe because Spielberg is presenting a real story and he has not changed a lot of things from his life. There is always that obsession of not changing too much from the real story as we believe it will somehow sully the characters in front of the audiences. However, there is one thing to remember that it after all a film and it has to be more dramatic. It has to be more than a coffee table discussion. Fabelmans is not a coffee table discussion but I only wish it was more dramatic and emotional.
Verdict
The Fabelmans is heartwarming and cozy family drama that no one should miss. If you’re a Spielberg fans or pursuing filmmaking then this film is a must watch. Is this Spielberg’s best film ever?- No. It is not. However, is it a good film?- Yes. definitely. It is one of the best films that 2022 has to offer and this is something that you can definitely watch with your whole family. I wish Spielberg doesn’t retire but what can you do. The man has been entertaining us 48 years now. However, if he chooses to make more films then that will be amazing. Check out The Fabelmans this week. I’ll rate it 3.5 out 5 stars.
The Fabelmans is available for purchase on Digital.
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