Review of The Fabelmans (2022) by Compi24 — 28 Feb 2023

In a manner similar to Kenneth Branagh's "Belfast" of last year and Alfonso Cuarón's "Roma" a few years before that, "The Fabelmans" finds a filmmaker delving into their past in semi-autobiographical fashion, trying to make sense of their upbringing and what made them who they are.

Here, it's Steven Spielberg in the director's chair and the director's whole soul is on display for the world to see. Reverent, earnest and cheeky, this film leans further away from the usual trappings of the Hollywood biopic, opting instead to tell a coming-of-age tale that's freer in form than expected.

In any event, it's undeniably fascinating to see any filmmaker mulling over the elements of their own life and then applying artistic flair in turn. There's something even more surreal about that filmmaker being the literal person whose last name is most closely associated with the profession of filmmaking itself.

Definitely a solid watch.