Mental Toughness and The Power to Survive – The Optimist

Mar 11, 2026 by Two Sues On the Aisle

By Two Sues on the Aisle, Susie Rosenbluth and Sue Weston

The Optimist is a historical fiction, exploring the relationship between a Holocaust survivor, Herbert Heller (Stephen Lang), and a troubled teen, Abby (Elsie Fisher), both searching for absolution and acceptance. These kindred spirits create a special peace that bridges the generational divide, finding freedom and healing by facing the truth. The film is set in Northern California, amid the majestic Redwoods, legendary for their ability to survive and support one another. The story opens as Herbert, a toy store owner, is advised by his doctor that it’s time to put his affairs in order. This makes Herbert ready to share the secrets he has kept for over 60 years, but it takes the right person to draw him out.

Plot Summary

Herbert was haunted by memories of his past, which he hid from his family and friends. Although he survived the Holocaust, he was filled with guilt and remorse, having watched his family and friends perish. He was imprisoned in Terezin and Auschwitz, but had been lucky. He created a new life, but he had flashbacks to his past. Abby, an inquisitive and empathetic teen, was able to prompt him to share his experiences. In turn, she shared hers, and together, they found a connection through storytelling, slowly and steadily exposing the events that left them longing for closure.

His Story

Herbert Heller was Jewish, born in 1929 in Teplitz-Schönau, in the Czech Republic. His father was a successful engineer who optimistically believed the war would end without disrupting their lives. Herbert’s older brother felt differently and urged the family to flee. In 1934, the family moved to Prague. Conditions continued to get worse, with Jews forced to wear yellow stars and forbidden to attend schools. They were relocated to the Terezín ghetto in 1942. This was a ‘model’ concentration camp about 40 miles from Prague, where the Nazis attempted to show how Jews were being interned humanely. Families lived together, and Herbert worked as a gardener. Next, the family was sent to Auschwitz, where Herbert was able to survive. In 1945, he escaped from a death march, hiding with friends until the end of the war. After the war, he was reunited with his mother and emigrated to the US. Herbert died in 2021.

The Movie

Herbert is shown as being scrappy and smart. His fluency in German helped, as did his positive can-do attitude. He escapes selection by stating, “I can work,” in German and flexing his nonexistent muscles. Throughout his life, he is plagued with memories of the camps and the Nazis, often seeing their ‘black boots’. Herbert remembers how his father tried to find a way to laugh, which gave him hope, but he also remembers his father being taken away. Although he was successful in keeping these memories hidden, he wanted to bear witness before he died. Abby’s gentle probing was all he needed to start to open up, and his trust and confidence were what she needed to share her secrets.

The Optimist is a study of human relationships, our power to survive, and our need for trusted connections.

The Creation

Producer Jeanine Thomas met Herbert in 2014 and helped him share his experiences with students. The pandemic stalled the development of the film, prompting Thomas to self-finance the film to ensure Herbert’s story would be told. A portion of the film’s profits will be donated to Kavod, which supports Holocaust survivors in the U.S., and the project is also associated with Bring Change to Mind, the mental health nonprofit co-founded by Glenn Close. The film’s score is composed by Jenny Scheinman, granddaughter of Telford Taylor, the head U.S. prosecutor at the Nuremberg trials.

An Emotional Journey

The Optimist takes viewers on an emotional roller-coaster, dredging memories from Herbert’s past, and at the same time allowing Abby to find closure. Sharing their hidden traumas is cathartic. We realize the connection between the physical and psychological. Herbert was able to press forward despite his weakened state because he was driven. Yet, there was one time when he considered ending it all. Their relationship, grounded in truth, doubt, and faith, gave Abby the strength she needed.

It is a story of survival, shown from vastly different perspectives, that recognizes the power of our inner strength.

Two Sues on the Aisle bases its ratings on how many challahs (1-5) it pays to buy (rather than make) to see the play, show, film, book, or exhibit being reviewed.

The Optimist received 4 Challahs

THE OPTIMIST as a nationwide theatrical event on 700+ screens beginning on March 11, 2026

Runtime: 120 minutes