The Fabelmans
The Fabelmans
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this movie.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that The Fabelmans is the sentimental, not-too-dark, at-times funny origin story of filmmaker Steven Spielberg. While the story follows the development of a great talent, it's really about the relationship that Spielberg stand-in Sam (Gabriel LaBelle) has with his parents (Paul Dano and Michelle Williams), who surround him with love, support, and attention. The movie positively portrays Jewish American experiences and traditions, including religious holidays, music, speaking Yiddish, and mourning through Shiva. Also reflected is the shock of the antisemitic bullying and hate speech ("kike") that Sam encounters when his family moves to an affluent Christian community. The movie has a recurring theme of people trying to find control through life's twists and turns (in one scene, a mother drives her children toward a tornado, ordering them to chant "everything happens for a reason"). There's some romance between teens, adults, and a married couple, and the long-term consequences of infidelity are depicted. Language includes "a--hole," "s--t," and a single use of "f--k." Teens share a joint, adults drink, and a powerful character smokes a cigar.
What's the Story?
Written and directed by Steven Spielberg and based on his childhood experiences, THE FABELMANS follows Sammy (Gabriel LaBelle), an aspiring filmmaker who discovers a shocking family secret and uses his talents to help uncover the truth. The cast includes Paul Dano and Michelle Williams as Sammy's parents.
Is It Any Good?
For film fanatics and aspiring filmmakers, Spielberg sharing the pivotal moments of his life through his eyes will likely be spellbinding. And for Jewish families, seeing Jewish culture and experiences positively expressed on the big screen promises to be fulfilling. But standard-issue teens who are just looking for a good watch may not find it in The Fabelmans.
In addition to telling his own story, Spielberg is laying out a primer for film students by making his directorial decisions quite obvious, such as showing when to pan or dolly, when to shoot from above or below, and how to introduce foreshadowing. For those taking notes, it's a gift. For those looking to get lost in the story, it can be challenging at times. The patter of the dialogue and the choreography can feel overly orchestrated, more like the beats of a play with actors precisely hitting their mark or ramping up an argument with deliberate, well-rehearsed effort. Additionally, covering someone's life from childhood through getting that first job takes some time. And Spielberg takes that time. Once the film is past the two-hour mark and Sammy's dad (Dano) says "We've gone too far in our story to actually say 'the end,'" some viewers may groan in acknowledgment that the film still has a ways to go. Still, Spielberg's autobiopic is inpirational, whispering in the ears of young viewers: "Stick to your guns, kid, and you'll go far."
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Spielberg uses The Fabelmans to tell his life story, and the origin of his career path and passion. Do you think he wants to encourage others who might want to follow in his footsteps?
How does The Fabelmans incorporate elements of the family's Judaism? How does it compare with other films with Jewish characters? Why is representation important?
How does Sam demonstrate curiosity, leadership, perseverance, and self-control? Why are these important character traits, and how do you think they've benefitted Spielberg through his life?
How does Sam deal with the people who bully him? What should you do if you see someone being bullied or using hate speech?
How is Mitzi trapped in an era that doesn't benefit her? Why is it important for women to be able to pursue professional goals and creative pursuits?
Movie Details
- In theaters: November 11, 2022
- On DVD or streaming: December 13, 2022
- Cast: Michelle Williams, Paul Dano, Gabriel LaBelle
- Director: Steven Spielberg
- Studio: Universal Studios
- Genre: Drama
- Topics: Brothers and Sisters, High School, History
- Character Strengths: Curiosity, Perseverance, Self-control
- Run time: 151 minutes
- MPAA rating: PG-13
- MPAA explanation: some strong language, thematic elements, brief violence and drug use
- Last updated: December 19, 2022
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