The Fabelmans: On the red carpet with Steven Spielberg, Gabriel LaBelle and Kristie Macosko Krieger

It seems there comes a time in every eminent filmmaker’s career when they turn the camera on their own life, revisiting their personal origin story in one way or another. 2023 has emerged as the time for legend of cinema Steven Spielberg to do just that. The result? The Fabelmans, a fictionalised – or should we say, “fabelised” – version of his upbringing, first forays into the world of cinema and the forces that shaped him as a director.

With an astounding central performance from Gabriel LaBelle as young Sammy, and Michelle Williams and Paul Dano taking on the roles of his contrasting parents (who form an axis of opposing interests of science and art), and meticulously and imaginatively realised sets that joyfully evoke the era and Spielberg’s first experimentations with film, it’s a movie brimming with creative spirit and nostalgia. That said, it doesn’t shy away from tough subject matter, such as antisemitism, the breakdown of his parents’ relationship and the sacrifices that necessarily come with becoming an artist.

The Upcoming had the pleasure of attending the UK premiere at the Curzon Mayfair. LaBelle told us about how being cast as a young, fictionalised version of the revered filmmaker was both a compliment and a huge undertaking, and how he felt stepping onto the set on the first day of shooting.

Kristie Macosko Krieger spoke about the honour of being able to work with Spielberg on a story so close to his heart, the challenge of recreating the era and whispers of Oscar nods – not least for long-time Spielberg collaborator John Williams for the score.

There are further highlights from the premiere below.

Sarah Bradbury
Videos: Filippo L’Astorina

The Fabelmans is released nationwide on 27^th January 2023. Read our five-star review here.

Watch the trailer for The Fabelmans here: