Synopsis
Miguel Sapochnik directed and released Finch in 2021 with Tom Hanks starring in the titular role. The movie unfolds in a post-apocalyptic world where a man, his dog, and a robot traverse a desolate landscape in search of refuge and purpose.
Finch is a quiet and emotional film reflecting the universal themes of hope, responsibility, love, and the emotional ties that can bloom even between dissimilar beings. The movie is devoid of destruction and despair and instead seeks to address what remains of humanity in a world fundamentally altered.
An immense solar flare has struck the world, and the intense solar disharge melts the ozone later, rendering Earth almost uninhabitable. The world is supremely hot, and food has become scarce. The Earth is plagued with violent weather conditions, and a vast majority of the population has disappeared, resulting in lifeless cities lying in ruins.
Finch Weinberg, a robotics engineer, is one of the few known survivors in a barren wasteland plagued by harsh environments. Living in what used to be St. Louis, he resides in an abandoned tech facility. His only companions include a small helper robot and a loyal dog named Goodyear. Suffering from a mysterious illness due to radiation exposure, he is aware that he does not have much time left.
Given his robot friend’s rudimentary capabilities, he sets out to craft a humanoid robot that possesses the capacity to care for Goodyear posthumously. The robot is named Jeff and is designed to be more than a mere servant; he is to be bestowed the capability to learn, grow, and foster relationships. Finch commands Jeff with ample knowledge, including the primary directive of protecting Goodyear at all hazards.
As a massive storm system approaches, threatening to annihilate what remains of their shelter, Finch, Goodyear, Jeff, and the helper robot set off in a modified RV on a cross country trip toward the American West. Finch aims to reach his purported safe haven of San Francisco.
Obstacles such as the rolling heat, damaged roads, scarce supplies, and uncharted dangers turn the journey into an emotional voyage of discovery. For Jeff, combining all these factors is akin to the realization of a child. He begins to develop his own persona, learning from Finch not just to survive, but to extend compassion, hope, and learning. He actively forms his own understanding of the world.
Goodyear, who is initially Jeff’s skeptic, starts to accept and warm up to him. These encounters depict through the film the gradual, yet determined, consistent, and genuine efforts that help build trust through time.
Finch’s failing health motivates him to pass on his wisdom and lessons to Jeff to ensure that he is as ready as possible for a world without Finch. The relationship between the man and the dog, as well as the machine, becomes increasingly complex and layered, transforming simple moments into poignant and sacred memories.
Jeff’s transformation from a mere machine into a symbol of learning, compassion, and continuity is witnessed as the journey ends. This, accompanied by the fundamental understanding of love and legacy, is achieved through moments of grace and silence rather than grandiose battles, reinforcing the idea that simple yet impactful encounters leave a mark that transcends action.
Cast & Crew
Finch Weinberg, a character portrayed by Tom Hanks, is the only human present for most of the film. True to form, Hanks adds dimension to the character, and as always, his performance brings depth, authenticity, and warmth to the role. Portraying Finch, he demonstrates a sincere and believable empathy. Quiet moments and subtle expressions reveal the tremendous burden of isolation and impending mortality the character endures.
Caleb Landry Jones voiced and performed the motion capture for the robot, Jeff. His performance encapsulates Jeff’s shift from being purely mechanical to a more sentient and thoughtful creature. Jeff’s character is unique and endearing due to the interplay of charm, curiosity, innocence, and an emerging understanding of the world around him.
The film is directed by Miguel Sapochnik, who is mostly known for his work on major episodes of Game of Thrones. Here, Sapochnik shifts gears to deliver an intimate, emotionally-driven story with a deep focus on character-driven atmosphere.
The screenplay was written by Craig Luck and Ivor Powell. The story focuses on simplicity and emotional depth, humanity, and emotional depth, lacking in heavy sci-fi elements or complex world-building.
As empty cities, vast deserts, and skies stretch beyond the horizon, the cinematography elegantly captures the post-apocalyptic wistful beauty. Also, the visual storytelling is paired with a gentle, moving score by Gustavo Santaolalla, which amplifies the emotion of the film even more.
Important themes explored in Finch include:
The film highlights the importance of Human Connection. With a world in destruction and machines all around him, Finch longs for a true connection. Not just with his dog, but with the robot he decides to build. It serves a strong reminder of how the ability to forge bonds is a unique trait of humanity.
Legacy and Responsibility is also a key theme. Goodyear is of the utmost concern for Finch, and his welfare is Finch’s concern. In a profound act of selfless love, he builds Jeff. Central to the narrative is the notion of bequeathing elements of responsibility, knowledge, and love to the subsequent artificial or human generations.
Trust and Growth is a key theme as well. A thoughtful, emotional character, Jeff starts his life as nothing more than a programmed entity. His metamorphosis exemplifies the promise innate in learning, adaptation, and empathy. His journey is one of Becomin, as opposed to Exist.
Hope in Desolation: The characters continue to make progress in a world that appears to be empty of life and possibilities. Their journey conveys the message of enduring resilience and optimism: the unwavering faith that something still exists which is worthy of the effort.
IMDb Ratings and Reception
Finch has a score of approximately 6.9 to 7.0 out 10 on IMDb which suggests that both audiences and critics have offered a fair share of positive feedback. The film itself has been released on a major streaming platform and has become a go to for viewers looking for a calm, emotional, character driven film.
Tom Hanks’s performance drew the praise of critics and is said to be one of the film’s biggest strengths. The emotional tone, visual design, and pacing received praise for being contemplative and moving yet not melodramatic.
Some viewers were disappointed that initially, they did not find the heavy dose of action or a sci-fi spectacle. Many viewers welcomed the film’s focus on emotional narratives and character development. However, the film strongly appealed to those wanting a hopeful, introspective story set in a harsh world.
Conclusion
Finch is an emotionally resonant film that explores love, friendship, and kindness through human and non-human characters. In the midst of harsh desolation, there lies some warmth and humanity. It follows the unlikely trio of a man, a dog, and a robot, and demonstrates how compassion and connection, even in the most ambiguous and unpredictable situations, can guide perseverance through the most difficult journeys.
Finch is a subtle and remarkable addition to the science fiction genre. It is complemented with Tom Hanks’s striking performance and a deeply sentimental narrative. It demonstrates the power of empathy, care, and the strong instinct to safeguard cherished beings by showing rather than telling.
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