The Fabelmans
2022
*****
Director: Steven Spielberg
Cast: Michelle Williams, Paul Dano, Seth Rogen, Gabriel LaBelle, Judd Hirsch, Mateo Zoryan Francis-DeFord, Keeley Karsten, Julia Butters, Sophia Kopera, Jeannie Berlin, Robin Bartlett, Sam Rechner, Oakes Fegley, Chloe East, Isabelle Kusman
This absolutely delightful coming-of-age story chronicles the journey of Sammy Fabelman, a young aspiring Jewish filmmaker, from the early 1950s to the late 1960s. With the support of his complicated but loving family, who are divided into artists and scientists, Sammy aims to find his path and eventually work in film. This heavily autobiographical drama is one of Steven Spielberg's most personal and finest works. It's funny, moving, and poignant, and it perfectly captures the power of cinema. From the first scene, Spielberg is in supreme storytelling mode, and 151 minutes pass in a flash. The performances are brilliant, but Michelle Williams is the clear standout as Sammy's fragile mother. Scripted by Spielberg and Tony Kushner.
