The Optimist: The Bravest Act Is Truth

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The Optimist: The Bravest Act Is Truth

Mar 2026

1h 42m

History

Drama

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Popcornmeter

95%

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20 Reviews

100%

Popcornmeter

50+ Ratings

Based on a true story, THE OPTIMIST follows Holocaust survivor Herbert Heller and the 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.

Mick LaSalle

San Francisco Chronicle

Mar 12

3/4

Heller’s recollection of concentration camp life is fascinating.

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Randy Myers

San Jose Mercury News

Mar 11

3/4

The intention here is to inspire, and Taylor’s fifth feature accomplishes that admirably. It’s a testimonial of why we should never forget history and why it’s vital to be compassionate and help others in need.

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Matt Zoller Seitz

RogerEbert.com

Mar 11

2.5/4

This movie is a mess, but it has soul.

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Jeffrey M. Anderson

Common Sense Media

1d

4/5

This Holocaust drama based on a true story doesn't shy away from tough imagery, but the focus is on healing and communication, with two exceptional performances.

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Zach Youngs

InSession Film

5d

C

The Optimist is a film worth seeing. It has some very good ideas and a good relationship between its two leads. It just feels as if it can’t get out of its own narrative device enough to really tell its story well

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Stephen Silver

Splice Today

Mar 20

There's a lot of great stuff here, but balancing the two stories is a choice that doesn't quite work.

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Ruth

Mar 16

Poignant true story!

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joann

Mar 16

It was very good movie.. I would recommend it

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Charles

Mar 16

Well written. Well acted. Great pacing. Gripping story. Important message.

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Martin

Mar 15

Great movie,a true unforgettable movie about a Holocaust survivor and coming to terms of the horrors he went through

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jim v

Mar 13

incredible story that is heavy at times but ultimately so uplifting and so needed in these times. can't recommend it enough!

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david s

Mar 12

A film that all should see! Not a dry eye in the audience.

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Finn Taylor

Director

Stephen Lang

Actor

Elsie Fisher

Actor

Luke David Blumm

Actor

Leah Pipes

Actor

Ben Geurens

Actor

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Synopsis

Based on a true story, THE OPTIMIST follows Holocaust survivor Herbert Heller and the 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.

Director: Finn Taylor
Producer: Jeanine Thomas, George Rush
Screenwriter: Finn Taylor
Distributor: Trafalgar Releasing
Genre: History, Drama
Original Language: Polish
Release Date (Theaters): Mar 11, 2026, Limited
Runtime: 1h 42m