The Fabelmans

In 1952, Burt and Mitzi Fabelman introduce their young son Sammy to the magic of cinema by taking him to see *The Greatest Show on Earth*. This experience captivates Sammy and sparks his fascination with filmmaking, despite the haunting train crash scene that leaves a lasting impression on him.

After being inspired by the film, Sammy requests a model train for Hanukkah. His excitement leads to disaster when he crashes the expensive toy, leading him to express his desire to see crashes, indicating his struggle to process emotions and his growing passion for filmmaking.

Recognizing Sammy's emotional challenges, Mitzi decides to help him by allowing him to film a re-creation of the train crash using her husband's Super 8 camera. This pivotal moment sets the stage for Sammy's burgeoning interest in film production.

As Sammy embarks on his filmmaking journey, he begins creating homemade movies featuring his sisters, Reggie and Natalie. This creative outlet not only brings joy to Sammy but also showcases his natural talent for storytelling through visual media.

The Fabelman family moves to Phoenix, Arizona, after Burt secures a new job. Accompanied by Burt's friend Bennie, who is affectionately known as 'Uncle' Bennie, the family embarks on a new chapter, adjusting to their new surroundings and experiences.

As he navigates his teenage years, Sammy begins involving his local Boy Scout troop in his films. His creative talents garner praise from his father, who nonetheless wishes for him to choose a more conventional and stable career path.

A family tragedy occurs with the death of Mitzi’s mother, Tina, leaving her emotionally fragile. This sudden loss affects the family dynamics and propels Sammy to contribute emotionally and creatively, as he senses his mother's distress.

In a bid to uplift Mitzi's spirits, Burt surprises Sammy with a film editing machine. As Sammy begins editing their recent vacation footage, he encounters uncomfortable dynamics between Mitzi and Bennie, leading him to rethink his original project.

As Sammy grapples with his family's complexities, he confronts the dynamics of his mother’s relationship with Bennie. This confrontation leads to deeper reflections on love, loyalty, and the challenges encountered within family relationships.

Another significant transition occurs when Burt receives a job opportunity from IBM that requires the family to move to California. This impending change causes friction, particularly with Mitzi, who is resistant to leaving their current home.

While adjusting to life in California, Sammy faces bullying at school from classmates like Logan and Chad. This experience forces him to confront his identity, highlighting the difficulties of adolescence and his desire to fit in.

In a moment of emotional turmoil, Mitzi decides to adopt a monkey, symbolizing her fragile mental state amidst family struggles. The gesture illustrates her attempt to cope with the pressures of parenting and her own unresolved feelings.

As the family continues to unravel, Mitzi and Burt announce their divorce, which profoundly affects all the children. They are left to navigate the aftermath of this announcement while grappling with their own emotions and the future.

Despite the family's upheaval, Sammy remains committed to filmmaking, working on a project intended for prom night. He expresses his aspirations for a Hollywood career to his date, Monica, although their relationship faces challenges as she doubts his passion.

Sammy's journey leads him to a crucial connection with a CBS network executive, opening the door to exciting opportunities in television. This new direction revitalizes his ambitions and reinforces his commitment to pursuing a career in filmmaking.