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Our take
Sammy uses his camera to make sense of his family and his place at school. The Fabelmans is often tender, but the strain in his parents' marriage and antisemitic bullying can be painful. There is some strong language and a brief fight. We would watch together from 13.
Uplifting themes
Creativity, honesty, and seeing people clearly through art are central. The story also shows that families can love each other and still hurt one another Sammy works hard, protects his sisters when he can, and keeps filming even when life gets messy. His parents are loving but flawed, which feels honest
Story (may spoil tone)
Growing up in post-World War II era Arizona, young Sammy Fabelman aspires to become a filmmaker as he reaches adolescence, but soon discovers a shattering family secret and explores how the power of films can help him see the truth.
What we flagged
Details
Violence Sammy's homemade war movies show squibs and fake blood, and a high-scho…
Sammy's homemade war movies show squibs and fake blood, and a high-school fight leaves a bloody nose and bruised faces. Antisemitic bullying turns physical, but there are no gun deaths on screen
Language Family arguments include the s-word and other insults. A studio executi…
Family arguments include the s-word and other insults. A studio executive uses the f-word once during a meeting
Sex / nudity Teen crushes lead to a few kisses and talk about who is a good kisser d…
Teen crushes lead to a few kisses and talk about who is a good kisser during the summer. There is no nudity or sex scene, just shy first-love energy
Drugs / alcohol Parents and relatives drink wine and cocktails at dinner, and party sce…
Parents and relatives drink wine and cocktails at dinner, and party scenes show social drinking. Nobody is shown using illegal drugs
Frightening Opening circus and monster-movie clips may startle very young kids, and…
Opening circus and monster-movie clips may startle very young kids, and marital tension builds quietly. The scariest beats are emotional
Bullying / discrimination At a new school, classmates taunt Sammy with antisemitic slurs and forc…
At a new school, classmates taunt Sammy with antisemitic slurs and force a humiliating apology scene. The film treats that hatred seriously, not as a throwaway joke
Mental health Sammy's mother has panic attacks, and therapy comes up in family talk.…
Sammy's mother has panic attacks, and therapy comes up in family talk. The film shows her distress without detailing methods or self-harm
Grief / bereavement A grandmother's decline and a marriage cracking apart weigh on the fami…
A grandmother's decline and a marriage cracking apart weigh on the family for much of the run time. Characters grieve in quiet, adult ways
Flashing lights We have not confirmed whether this version contains flashing lights.
We have not confirmed whether this version contains flashing lights.
Family watch notes
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Talk after watching
- Sammy keeps filming even when it upsets people he loves. When is art worth that cost?
- How does the family talk (or avoid talking) about antisemitism and panic attacks?
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The Fabelmans
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