We expect the best from the best. In our heads, we create the image of an infallible genius who will exceed our expectations each time, thus materializing our belief in his outstanding skills. However, despite the predictions and assumptions of many fantastic minds as well, we do not live in a futuristic-dystopian society with superhuman individuals who would relentlessly function as precise machines. All of us, including the greatest ones, are prone to lapses, mistakes, or moments when we simply need to take a step back and get off the pedestal to regain our inner balance. Which of these assumptions (a misstep or an instant of loosening) applies to Steven Spielberg’s new film is hard to say. Yet, whether those were half-fulfilled high visions or a need to slow down, The Fabelmans, in my eyes, will run far behind many of his previously directed movies.

Don’t get me wrong. The Fabelmans is not a bad movie. It is just a type of creation we would expect from a popular streaming platform, not a man who is believed to be one of the greatest minds in contemporary cinematography. We are still impressed by the notable camera move and shooting techniques but it would be a deviation from my personal opinions if a similar statement would be made about the storyline. Its concept appeared in the history of the cinema a few times already and there is little to be discovered in the plot. 

Hollywood loves to spread among its viewers the inspiration of dreaming big and aiming high. And this, undoubtedly, is what this film is striving for. To prove to anyone, who decided to delve into the history of the Fabelman family, that all wishes become reality if one puts both an effort and a strong belief in the entire process. 

Spielberg’s most recent work is therefore based on the formulaic pattern of a commonly known truth, which I personally, as a viewer, would like to avoid in cinema. The classic is often the best solution, but one should distinguish it from the monotonous template. Maybe I simply had excessively high expectations of Spielberg or, this time, he really wanted to step down from the above-mentioned pedestal. Which assumption is the accurate one, you can conclude by yourself. Despite all, The Fabelmans is a movie worth watching even for these wonderful directing techniques.

Written by Agata Zagożdżon