The Optimist movie review by Movie Review Mom

MOVIE TITLE:  The Optimist

This touching film releases in theaters on March 11, 2026

RATING:   PG-13 (thematic elements, language, emotional intensity)

LENGTH:  1 hour 42 minutes

Movie Review Mom GRADE:  A

FEATURED product related to this film:

If you want to learn more about the Auschwitz Museum in Poland, check out this film on Amazon Prime at https://amzn.to/3LDlIeb

IN A NUTSHELL:

The Optimist is a quiet, character-driven drama that pairs the gruff intensity of Stephen Lang with the emotional authenticity of Elsie Fisher. It’s a story about unexpected friendship, second chances, and what it really means to choose hope when life hasn’t gone the way you planned. This isn’t a flashy film; it’s reflective, grounded, and meant to linger with you long after the credits roll.

I’m grateful that the studio sent me a press screener to review this film because I was especially intrigued by the topic. The story is about a man who was imprisoned in Auschwitz-Birkenau, the famous Jewish concentration camp in Poland, where 1.1 million Jews were murdered. I’m going to Poland and Germany this Fall with some family members. Visiting Auschwitz is on our list of destinations to see. It’s not going to be a “fun” tourist day, but I still want to go. Many years ago, I visited Dachau in Germany, and I’ve never forgotten it. I want my family to experience this.

Set against the majestic landscapes of Northern California and the redwood trees that seem to give us proper perspective about our life, the film centers on the unexpected bond between an ailing Holocaust survivor and a troubled teen. As illness forces him to confront the silence he has kept, even from his own family, he forms a surprising friendship with Abbey (Fisher), a teenager navigating her own emotional fractures. Through their growing connection, Herbert is inspired to finally share his truth, opening a path toward empathy, forgiveness, and renewal…for both of them.

The film was directed by Finn Taylor, who was also the screenwriter.

TIPS FOR PARENTS:

This film deals with mature emotional themes, including grief, regret, strained family relationships, and personal loss. There is some strong language and moments of emotional heaviness that may be too intense for younger viewers. Older teens and adults will be best equipped to appreciate its message and pacing.

• Kids will be bored and might be confused by all of the flashback scenes that tell the backstories of two very different people.
• Some profanity
• We see a room full of naked boys and men, Jewish prisoners, but they all cover their private parts.
• We see a room filled with naked, dead bodies, although all private parts aren’t seen.
• We see bloodied Jewish prisoners in despicable conditions, suffering, starving, wounded, and killed.

THEMES:

• My all-time favorite movie theme is HOPE. This film illustrates the power of hope in a big way.

• Redemption

• The power of optimism

• Intergenerational friendship

• Healing from loss

• Choices

• Identity
• Suffering
• Guilt
• Secrets

THINGS I LIKED:

• Stephen Lang delivers a restrained, deeply human performance that shows vulnerability beneath a hardened exterior. He looks fantastic and did a great job. It was nice to see him in something other than another Avatar movie.

• Elsie Fisher continues to prove she’s one of the most emotionally honest young actresses working today. Her big breakout role was in the film Eighth Grade.  Did you ever see that?

• Luke David Blumm is fantastic in this and has a bright future in film if he wants it.

• The relationship between the two leads feels authentic and earned, although their quick readiness to share their past with one another surprised me. Sometimes, it’s easier to talk to a stranger about life than with our loved ones.

• The ensemble cast includes Leah Pipes, Ben Geurens, Ursula Parker, Slavko Sobin, Stella Stocker, Oskar Hes, and Robin Weigert, Everyone did a terrific job all around.

• The film takes its time, allowing moments to breathe, instead of rushing emotional payoffs.

• A hopeful message without being preachy or unrealistic.

• We get to spend time in Prague. What a gorgeous city! I had the great pleasure of going there for the first time last year. I’ve had friends tell me it’s the most beautiful city in Europe. Considering how many amazing cities there are in Europe, I had very high expectations. I wasn’t disappointed, although it’s hard to choose only one city at the top of my list. I adore Europe and have been there many times, with many more trips planned!
• Keep watching during the final rolling credits to see footage of the real Herbert Curt Heller. So inspirational. After decades of silence, Heller became a beloved educator and speaker, sharing his testimony with thousands of students and community groups and receiving the prestigious Jefferson Award for public service.

THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE:

• Like all Holocaust films, this movie is not easy or comfortable to watch. It’s absolutely insane that some people believe the Holocaust never happened or wasn’t as bad as the Jews claim.

• The pacing may feel slow for viewers who prefer plot-heavy or action-driven films.

• Some supporting characters feel underdeveloped.

FUNNY LINES:

There are a few dry, understated moments of humor, mostly delivered through Stephen Lang’s character, that provide welcome levity, but comedy is not the film’s primary focus.

INTERESTING LINES:

Several lines about optimism versus realism stand out, offering thoughtful insight into how life experiences shape our outlook, and how choosing hope can be an act of courage.

“People don’t show their real selves.” –  Abby   (Elsie Fisher)

“It’s too much.” – Herbert Heller  (Stephen Lang)

“Even between the fences, we still found ways to care for each other. It may seem foolish taking risks for such small gestures, but these little resistances made us feel alive.” – Herbert Heller  (Stephen Lang)

“Auschwitz was a place that offered very few choices. I chose to believe in my father.” –  Herbert Heller  (Stephen Lang)

“That lie kept me alive.” – Herbert Heller  (Stephen Lang)

“You have to decide how you’re going to live your life.” –    (Herbert)     “But what are you supposed to do when you’ve done something unforgivable?” –  (Abby)     “You forgive yourself.” –  (Herbert)

“Someone said that secrets are like a prison.” –  Abby  (Elsie Fisher)

 MOVIES LIKE THIS YOU ALSO MIGHT LIKE:

• Life Is Beautiful:  https://amzn.to/4bLPiIR 

• A Real Pain:  https://moviereviewmom.com/a-real-pain-movie-review/

• Eleanor the Great:  https://moviereviewmom.com/movie-title-eleanor-the-great/ 

WATCH THE Movie Review Mom YOUTUBE REVIEW WITH THIS LINK:

Coming soon!

@MovieReviewMom
@TrinaBoice

Thank you so much for your financial support on Patreon!
Be sure to check out all of the gifts you can receive when you donate to Movie Review Mom on Patreon!
https://www.patreon.com/m/MovieReviewMom