6.5
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The Optimist
2026·Movie
The Optimist fingerprint
Big heart, calm.
Energy
Calm and low-key
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension3
- Fast Pace2
- Spectacle2
Heart
Deeply moving and wholesome
Much of it is about family and growing up.
- Pathos9
- Wholesome8
- Catharsis8
Humor
Serious throughout
- Wit & Wordplay2
- Situational Comedy1
- Physical Comedy0
World
A real life story, history, and family
- World Immersion7
- Dialogue Centrality7
- Rewatchability6
Craft
Standout performances and characters
- Acting8
- Character Depth8
- Direction7
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography7
- Editing6
- Music Composition6
Energy
NoneCalm and low-key
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
The Optimist is calm and low-intensity. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension3Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Fast Pace2Quick tempo and momentum.
- Spectacle2Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Violence2Physical conflict and intensity.
- Adrenaline1High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Scare1Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
- Bleakness5Grim, stark outlooks.
Heart
HighDeeply moving and wholesome
Much of it is about family and growing up.
Emotionally, it's deeply moving, wholesome, and cathartic. Much of it is about family and growing up.
All heart traits
- Pathos9Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Wholesome8Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Catharsis8Emotional release and payoff.
- Family Dynamics8Relationships and generational ties.
- Melancholy7Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Hopefulness7Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Coming of Age7Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Nostalgia6Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Wonder4Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Romance0Love stories and emotional connections.
Related traits
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Philosophical6Ideas about life and existence.
- Bleakness5Grim, stark outlooks.
- Spiritual5Faith, meaning, and transcendence.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay2Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Situational Comedy1Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy0Slapstick and visual gags.
- Cringe Humor0Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Absurdist Humor0Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Satire & Parody0Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Dark Humor0Humor from taboo or grim topics.
Related traits
- Wholesome8Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
World
MediumA real life story, history, and family
Its world is built around a real life story, history, and family.
All world traits
- World Immersion7Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- Rewatchability6Invites repeat viewing.
- Novelty4Fresh ideas and invention.
- Ambiguity2Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Biographical9Lives of notable figures.
- Historical8Period settings and real events.
- Psychological6Inner worlds and mind games.
- Contemporary Realism5Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Spiritual5Faith, meaning, and transcendence.
Craft
MediumStandout performances and characters
The performances and characters stand out.
All craft traits
- Acting8Performance craft and presence.
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Direction7Vision and command behind the camera.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality6Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Complexity5Layered plots and ideas.
- Intrigue4Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Non-linear Narrative3Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Educational8Informative and instructive.
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
- Philosophical6Ideas about life and existence.
Style
MediumFunctional look and sound
The look and sound stay functional.
All style traits
- Cinematography7Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing6Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition6Score and musical identity.
- Sound Centrality5Sound design as core element.
- Music Centrality4The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Visual Stylization3Distinctive aesthetic signature.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsFamily Movie NightIntergenerationalPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensThought-Provoking
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You want something to laugh atYou want fast pacing
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Based on the GoodWatch fingerprint: our scores for 70+ attributes of every movie. Select a row to see all of them.
About
Herbert 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.
Holocaust Survival StoryBiographical DramaIntergenerational ConnectionEducational & HistoricalEmotionally ResonantGentle PacingHealing Through MemoryPoignant RealismInspirational Tragedy
Actors
Crew
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Written by:
Produced by:
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Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about The Optimist
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is The Optimist worth watching?
70
GoodGoodWatch scoreMostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 70/100 (IMDb 6.5, Rotten Tomatoes 95%, and Metacritic 70). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is The Optimist rated?
NRDisturbing imagery
It's rated NR in the United States. Content advisories: disturbing imagery.
How long is The Optimist?
1 h 42 min
The Optimist runs 1 h 42 min.
Is The Optimist based on a true story?
Yes. It's based on real events or a real person's life.
Do critics and audiences agree on The Optimist?
Critics83
Audiences83
Yes. Critics average 83 and audiences 83 out of 100, so both groups see The Optimist much the same way.
What language is The Optimist in?
EnglishGerman
It was made in English, with some German. Produced in Czechia, United States.
In how many countries can I watch The Optimist?
16
+2
+2GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for The Optimist in 16 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.