Based on Steven Spielberg's actual youth and the beginning of his love for filmmaking, this coming of age story is an homage to cinema and what makes films so beautiful and captivating.

It deals with serious themes throughout (unbalanced family dynamics, mental illness, anti-semitism, lack of purpose...) but still brings humour and hope and wonder into the mix.

The photography is absolutely stunning and there are some shots that are out here with the best I have ever seen.

It's also fascinating to see the creation of such an iconic filmmaker.

Michelle Williams and Gabriel Labelle deliver outstanding performances.

The main flaw that justifies this rating (I had planned on giving it an 8 or 9) is the ending that drags and breaks the pacing without adding much value to the story.