The Optimist 2023
(0:0.0) /10
56 Reviews
79%
Gummy
55%
SplatHerbert Heller keeps his experience as a teenage boy surviving in Auschwitz hidden from his family. Until he meets Abby, a young teenager whose own brush with pain and death inspires him to open up as well, leading the two of them to exchange their stories as a meaningful and healing friendship is born.
Videos & Photos
All 5 Videos & 245 Photos
cast
Full Cast & Crew
as Herbert Heller
as Abbey
as Young Herbert Heller
as Linda
as Cop
as Centurion (uncredited)
Director:
Writer:
Finn Taylor
Stars:
Stephen Lang, Elsie Fisher, Robin Weigert, Luke David Blumm, Stephanie Heiner, Josh Schell, Jake Lucas,
Genres:
Drama
Release Date:
2023 (U.S.A)
Run Time:
102 min
MMPA Rating:
None
Critics Reviews
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“Unrelenting and human. This film doesn’t chase trends — it carves its own lane with heart and grit.”
“It’s rare to see a story this economical yet emotionally expansive. A quiet storm of a screenplay.”
“This is the kind of film that reminds you why producing indies matters. Vision, integrity, and something to say.”
“There’s a pulse to this performance-driven story. Raw, exposed, and honest. I’d audition for this world anytime.”
“A visual and emotional tightrope — and it never falls off. Confident filmmaking with soul.”
“Dialogue that feels lived-in. It doesn’t shout — it breathes. The writing feels like eavesdropping on real lives.”
“Impossibly polished for the budget. You can see the producing team hustled hard to make every frame count.”
Audience Reviews
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Stayed so true to the source material but still had its own must-see moments. A beautiful revival.
Overlong and bogged down in dark photography and art direction, this live action remake doesn’t come close to the magic that was the animated original.
My daughter and I absolutely loved this movie! The actors they selected were spot on compared to their animated version! A must see!!!!! Bravo!!!
im not a big fan of live action remakes, but this was solid!
Cast & Crew of
The Optimist
Directors & Credit Writers
Credit Writers
FT
Cast
as Herbert Heller
as Abbey
as Young Herbert Heller
as Linda
as Cop
as Centurion (uncredited)
Produced by
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