The Optimist
Trafalgar Releasing | Release Date: March 11, 2026 CRITIC SCORE DISTRIBUTION
70
METASCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 4 Critic Reviews
Positive:
4
Mixed:
0
Negative:
0

Critic Reviews

Critic scorePublicationBy date
80
Screen RantEmedo AshibezeMar 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
80
Film ThreatJason DelgadoMar 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
75
San Francisco ChronicleMick LaSalleMar 10, 2026
The Optimist could be described as a Holocaust drama, but it approaches that history in an unexpected way. Read full review
63
RogerEbert.comMatt Zoller SeitzMar 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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