“It’s a conflict between family and passion”: Gabriel LaBelle on playing a young Steven Spielberg in The Fabelmans

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 the 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 chance to chat with LaBelle ahead of the film landing in UK cinemas. He shared what it meant to him to be cast, how he prepared, including time he spent speaking with Spielberg and practising using a Super 8 camera, and his experience of working opposite accomplished stars such as Williams and Dano.

Sarah Bradbury

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

Watch the trailer for The Fabelmans here: