TIFF 2022: The Fabelmans Review

This will be one of many reviews during this year’s Toronto International Film Festival, to keep up with our latest coverage, click here.

When you ask the general public to name the first filmmaker that pops into their head, odds are they’re going to say Steven Spielberg. Spielberg has become synonymous with the profession of filmmaking and cinema in general. Throughout his storied career, he has created countless classics that push the boundaries of cinema and contain a magical escapist quality that few filmmakers have been able to replicate. Whether he’s creating whimsical childhood classics, such as ET or Raiders of the Lost Ark, or more serious auteur-driven work, like Schindler’s List, audiences can always count of Spielberg to push the boundaries of cinema and craft something wholly unique. 

That being said, Spielberg’s output throughout the 2010s was uncharacteristically unremarkable. While his films were competently made and were successful from an awards and commercial standpoint, they lacked passion and singularity. It felt like Spielberg was becoming a shell of his former self. Lincoln, Bridge of Spies and The Post all had artistic merit, but didn’t contain any of the qualities that makes Spielberg a one of a kind filmmaker, while The BFG and Ready Player One were misguided attempts at recapturing his glory days. Fortunately, his adaptation of West Side Story revitalized his career and proved to naysayers that Spielberg is still capable of producing movie magic when he’s given the right material.

Spielberg follows up West Side Story with his most personal film to date. The Fabelmans is a semi-autobiographical recounting of Spielberg’s own childhood, focusing on his dysfunctional family dynamic, and the moments that lead him to fall in love with art of cinema. Over fifty years into his expansive career, Spielberg crafts one of his finest achievements to date. Most audiences have grown up with and learned to love cinema through Spielberg’s films, so watching the man who crafted several influential classics, make his love letter to the artform that he’s contributed so much to, feels like a truly special moment.

From the opening frame, Spielberg invites audiences into his own world, crafting an authentic and vulnerable family portrait that is both grounded in realism, and full of wide-eyed magic and a genuine love of life. Spielberg often sticks to directing and relies on writer Tony Kushner to work on the screenplay, but this time around the pair worked closely to ensure that it was an accurate portrait of his life. The script is incredibly well written, surprisingly funny and extremely wise, while still brimming with youth.  Through impressive cinematography from legend Janusz Kaminski and an emotive score from regular collaborator John Williams, The Fabelmans is an immersive recounting of Spielberg’s childhood.

Spielberg assembles an impressive cast who are more than capable of delivering authentic, powerhouse performances. Newcomer Gabriel LaBelle has big shoes to fill playing one of the most recognizable figures in the film industry, but fortunately he knocks it out of the park. His performance spans years of Spielberg’s life, and he does a great job portraying the growth Spielberg underwent during his formative years. The supporting team includes standout performances from Paul Dano, Judd Hirsch and David Lynch to name a few, but it is Michelle Williams who will be the talk of the town come awards season. Her performance is showy and the role gives her the opportunity to demonstrate what she is capable of as an actress. She displays a range of emotions and brings a layered and morally complicated character to life.

Overall, The Fabelmans is a truly outstanding coming-of-age odyssey that ranks among Spielberg’s finest achievements and will leave fans of his in complete awe.

still courtesy of Universal Pictures

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Tristan French