The Optimist

Name: The Optimist
Genre: Drama
Released: March 11, 2026
Duration: 102 min
Rating: 70

2026

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Generally favorable reviews based on 4 Critic Reviews

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Movie Details & Credits

Trafalgar Releasing | Release Date: March 11, 2026 | Not Rated

Summary: Holocaust survivor Herbert Heller forms an unlikely friendship that transforms two lives. At 15, Herbert escaped the Auschwitz-Birkenau death march, carrying the weight of silence for six decades. When he finally breaks that silence, he forms a life-saving bond with Abby, a troubled teenager confronting her own pain. Together, they discoverHolocaust survivor Herbert Heller forms an unlikely friendship that transforms two lives. At 15, Herbert escaped the Auschwitz-Birkenau death march, carrying the weight of silence for six decades. When he finally breaks that silence, he forms a life-saving bond with Abby, a troubled teenager confronting her own pain. Together, they discover hope, healing, and the transformative power of being truly seen. Based on a true story.… Expand

Genre(s): Drama

Rating: Not Rated

Runtime: 102 min

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Critic Reviews

Screen Rant Emedo Ashibeze

Mar 11, 2026

Stephen Lang’s career has been defined by authoritarian roles, with physically grounded performances and command-heavy dialogue. It is surely surprising to see Avatar's fearsome Colonel Miles Quaritch be so vulnerable and tempered, with the spring in his step dampened by age. Even though this is not his first biographical role (he previously portrayed Stonewall Jackson in Gods and Generals), this is arguably his most restrained and moving performance. Read full review

Jason Delgado

Mar 6, 2026

There’s a lot of heavy stuff to deal with in Avenue of the Giants, but it still provides a majestic and hopeful feeling by the end. It feels as if one’s walking through the redwoods in Marin County that the title references — daunting but impressive. Read full review

Mick LaSalle

Mar 10, 2026

The Optimist could be described as a Holocaust drama, but it approaches that history in an unexpected way. Read full review

RogerEbert.com Matt Zoller Seitz

Mar 11, 2026

Despite Lang and Fisher’s exemplary teamwork, “The Optimist” never overcomes its clunky plot or its inclination to teach rather than dramatize. Read full review

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