The Optimist: The Bravest Act Is Truth

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The Optimist: The Bravest Act Is Truth

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1h 42m

History

Drama

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92%

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13 Reviews

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Fewer than 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.

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Mick LaSalle

San Francisco Chronicle

2d

3/4

Heller’s recollection of concentration camp life is fascinating.

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Randy Myers

San Jose Mercury News

3d

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

4d

2.5/4

This movie is a mess, but it has soul.

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Dominic Dante Rembert

MovieJawn

21h

The Optimist is an important film that can make you sympathetic to the struggle of others and look inwards to any buried traumas of one's own.

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Rachel Wagner

Rachel's Reviews (YouTube)

1d

it feels somewhat generic at this point

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Jared Mobarak

Hey, Have You Seen ...?

2d

7/10

Taylor’s script succeeds in bridging the gap by stripping his present-day leads of age and impact to simply exist as victims with the capacity to see their pain in the other’s face and recognize they aren’t alone.

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jim v

2d

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

2d

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

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Rebekah

3d

This is a powerful movie. Sad and hopeful. It moved me immensely. The horrors and beauty of humanity and the the power of connection. I loved it.

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Karen M

3d

Excellent story of compassion as fighting through fears and how story can help others if we are willing to share.

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Emma T

@Emmatime 2d

A tear-jerker but so important to see especially in these times.

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Stephen C

@bob25009 3d

Based on a true story in 1 hour and 42 minutes.

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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