The Optimist (2026): Cast & Ratings
The Optimist is a 2026 drama directed by Finn Taylor, starring Stephen Lang as Herbert Heller, Luke David Blumm and Oskar Hes. It runs 1 hour 42 minutes. Critics gave it 70 on Metacritic.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 42m (102 min)
- Director
- Finn Taylor
- Genre
- Drama
- Studio
- Jeanine Thomas Production
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is The Optimist About?
The premise of The Optimist without spoilers.
Holocaust survivor Herbert Heller, who at 15 escaped the Auschwitz‑Birkenau death march, has carried the weight of his silence for six decades. When he finally speaks out, he forms an unlikely, life‑saving friendship with Abby, a troubled teen wrestling with her own pain. Together they discover hope and a path toward healing, changing their lives.
The Optimist Cast & Characters
Stephen Lang leads the cast as Herbert Heller, with Luke David Blumm as Young Herbert Heller and Oskar Hes as Hein Heller. Directed by Finn Taylor; 20 actors are credited in all.
- Director Finn Taylor
-
Stephen Lang as Herbert Heller -
Luke David Blumm as Young Herbert Heller - Oskar Hes as Hein Heller
-
Elsie Fisher as Abby
Also Starring in The Optimist
· 16 more- Robin Weigert Ruth
- Slavko Sobin Herbert's Father
- Stella Stocker Herbert's Mother
- Leah Pipes
- Ursula Parker Sabrina
- Lyndsy Kail Vivien
- Jake Lucas Medic
- Ben Geurens
- Molly Noble Annette
- Sean Michael McGrory Young Herbert's Friend
- Stephanie Heiner Linda
- Albie Brown Mandolin Player
- Nicholas Bustamante Luke
- Nate Duncan ER Doctor
- Khrystyna Kutsmyda Red Cross worker at Hospital
- Brady Morales Herbert's Doctor
More from Finn Taylor
More films directed by Finn Taylor, best-rated first: Unleashed, Cherish, Avenue of the Giants and The Darwin Awards.
The Optimist Reviews & Ratings
Critics gave The Optimist 70 on Metacritic.
-
Metacritic 70 Metascore
See on Metacritic
Seen The Optimist?
The Optimist FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date
Runtime, release date, director, cast, ratings and post-credit scenes of The Optimist, each answered in a sentence.
How long is The Optimist?
The Optimist runs 1 hour 42 minutes (102 minutes).
When was The Optimist released?
The Optimist was released on March 11, 2026.
Who directed The Optimist?
The Optimist was directed by Finn Taylor.
More films by Finn Taylor Who is in the cast of The Optimist?
The Optimist stars Stephen Lang as Herbert Heller, Luke David Blumm as Young Herbert Heller and Oskar Hes as Hein Heller, among 20 credited actors.
How is The Optimist rated?
The Optimist has 70 on Metacritic.
Does The Optimist have a post-credit scene?
No. The Optimist has no extra scene during or after the credits.
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