Well Go USA Entertainment has released the official trailer for The Optimist, an inspiring historical drama based on a true story and written and directed by Finn Taylor (Unleashed).
Starring Stephen Lang (Avatar), Elsie Fisher (The Bear), Luke David Blumm, Leah Pipes, Ben Geurens, Ursula Parker, Slavko Sobin, Stella Stocker, Oskar Hes, and Robin Weigert, the film arrives on Digital platforms November 17, 2026, followed by Blu-ray and DVD releases exclusively through Amazon on December 22, 2026.
The Optimist tells the story of Herbert Heller (Stephen Lang), a Holocaust survivor who has carried a secret for more than six decades. When he forms an unexpected friendship with Abby (Elsie Fisher), a perceptive teenager dealing with emotional struggles of her own, the two develop a meaningful bond that helps them confront the past and find healing together.
The film has already earned recognition on the festival circuit, winning the Kadima Jury Award at the 2024 Miami Jewish Film Festival and the Audience Award at the 2024 Spokane International Film Festival. Lang was also honored with the Best Actor Award at the 2024 Sedona International Film Festival for his performance.
Watch the official trailer below.
Cast
- Stephen Lang
- Elsie Fisher
- Luke David Blumm
- Leah Pipes
- Ben Geurens
- Ursula Parker
- Slavko Sobin
- Stella Stocker
- Oskar Hes
- Robin Weigert
Crew
Writer & Director
- Finn Taylor
Film Details
- Title: The Optimist
- Distributor: Well Go USA Entertainment
- Genre: Historical Drama
- Digital Release: November 17, 2026
- Blu-ray & DVD Release: December 22, 2026 (Amazon Exclusive)
- Runtime: 102 Minutes
- Rating: Not Rated
Synopsis
Based on a true story, The Optimist follows Holocaust survivor Herbert Heller, who has carried a secret for sixty years. When he meets Abby, a thoughtful teenager struggling with her own challenges, an unexpected friendship develops. As Herbert opens up about his past, both discover courage, understanding, and a path toward healing.
