Synopsis
Tom Hanks stars in Finch, a post-apocalyptic science fiction drama film directed by Miguel Sapochnik, released in 2021. The plot centers around a humanistic tale set on a dying world, and focuses not on the world’s destruction but rather the intricate connections and relationships between a man, a robot, and nature. It combines emotional depth with the strong will to survive and advanced technology.
Finch features a world set in the future severely scorched by UV radiation due to the destruction of the ozone layer and solar flares, rendering Earth’s surface largely uninhabitable. It undergoings extreme weather which has led to mass social collapse and extinction. One of the few survivors, a former robotics engineer Finch Weinberg, along with his dog Goodyear and a helper robot Dewey, live in an abandoned underground laboratory located in St. Louis.
Finch is terminally ill and suffers from the consequences of prolonged exposure to radiation. He is acutely aware of his limited timeframe, especially in relation to the future sustenance of “Goodyear,” his sole companion. To aid himself in the process, he begins building an advanced humanoid robotic system which is designed to take care of Goodyear. This robot, which eventually names itself Jeff, is pre-installed with elaborate manuals on how to take care of pets including animals, survival strategies, ethics and much more.
The real heart of the story begins Finch discovers a superstorm is Enroute which is predicted to wipe out the shelter. With the clock ticking, he resolves to travel west towards San Francisco as the hype around Finch’s developed climate seems less extreme. He decided to travel in his customized RV, loaded with Goodyear, Jeff and Dewey, which made this an incredibly dangerous road trip across a devastated America.
The combination of these factors made this trip quite difficult and added to the already tense situation. The relationship between Finch and Jeff also developed rapidly. Jeff for starters was overly literal while being naive, proving to be quite clumsy. On the shows we see a child-like AI attempting to Navigate the complexities of the world. The endless effort of the character’s dynamic strained into a father-son resemblance blooms as the bond between the two strengthens resembling that of a bond that blossoms slowly.
The journey is filled with obstacles: staying alive in the harsh, life-threatening weather, evading threats from other survivors (albeit portrayed off-screen in a peculiar way throughout the film), and coping with Finch’s declining health. There are some breathtaking moments filled with serene stillness: the watching the remains of the world as it is, listening to classical music coming from the radio, or simply staring at the horizon. These poignant moments emphasize the difference between human weakness and the relentless advance of technology.
One of the film’s emotional climaxes occurs when Dewey, the original robot, is blown up by a trap while scouting a supermarket. This event significantly impacts both Finch and Jeff, showcasing the risks of their reality, as well as the vulnerability of even their artificial companions.
In the end, we can see Finch succumb to his illness. During a heartbreaking scene, he hands the metaphorical keys to the kingdom over to Jeff; it is in this moment that the audience can tell he is emotionally and intellectually mature enough to handle the responsibility. With arms wide open, Jeff formerly the recipient of creator’s wish becomes Goodyear’s new custodian overcoming an empathetic, loyal, and caring metamorphosis along the way.
The film does a 360 turn and ends on an uplifting message! As Jeff and Goodyear traverse towards San Francisco, plant life and nature itself are in the process of reclaiming the area and marks the turning point for any form of sustained recovery the planet would achieve.
Cast & Crew
Tom Hanks portrays Finch Weinberg – Hanks’s mastery of movies is often demonstrated when he plays a central character who single-handedly drives the narrative of a film, which in this case is no different. The character called Finch, is infused with stillness, humor, vulnerability, and unyielding strength, and so much more. One can feel the depth of the emotions Hanks is trying to express in a role that is more nuanced than eye catching and brash.
Caleb Landry Jones as the voice and body performance of Jeff – Even though Jones does not physically appear, he performs Jeff’s character through motion capture with great animation, Jeff is transformed through Jones’s endearing and animated performance. His voice transitions from a monotonous mechanical drone to a warm, human-like rhythm, signifying the development of Jeff’s emotions.
Goodyear is portrayed by Seamus (the dog) – There is more to Goodyear that meets the eye. As the story unfolds, one comes to understand that he serves as the emotional core. Finch’s drive is catalyzed by Hanks’s presence and the powerful bond that is silently shared by Goodyear, Finch, and Jeff speaks volumes.
Director: Miguel Sapochnik – Sapochnik is known for his works in Game of Thrones (his episodes “Battle of the Bastards” and “The Winds of Winter” are really well acclaimed), and here he uses his insane attention to nuanced atmosphere and tension in a new narrative. He has guided the emotions instead of actions to portray the story which is a very different style from what a sappy action packed direction is usually accompanied with.
Writers: Craig Luck and Ivor Powell – In the script, they employ the traditional “road movie” structure with significant character-driven development rather than intricate plots, integrating elements of speculative sci-fi and philosophical contemplation.
Cinematography: Jo Willems – Finch’s visuals are striking side by side with other films. Cinematography captures both the wide shots of a deserted Earth and the intamite close up of Finch’s exhausted face, yielding a strong sense of desolation paired with quiet beauty. The interplay of light and shadow within the landscapes creates a narrative of a world that is lost, but still faintly hopeful.
Music: Gustavo Santaolalla – The Oscar-winning Addison transforms the tone of the film with a warm, ghostly score while maintaining balance and Unity. The music underscores profound emotional moments, but without drawing focus, adding weight to the key parts of the film.
IMDb Ratings and Critical Reception :
Finch sits at a rating of approximately 6.9/10 on IMDb, noting that the audience has responded relatively well to the movie. Both critics and viewers have recognized the performance made by Tom Hanks, highlighting the ability to capture the audience’s emotion through what essentially felt like a solo performance throughout the film. Landry Jones’s character Jeff also received attention as he managed to bring mock charm to an otherwise dry robot character without falling into stereotype territory.
Some critiques highlight the film’s lack of an interesting conflict and how the plot itself does not offer anything beyond basic predictability. Still, these ‘flaws’ are frequently juxtaposed with appreciations towards the film’s portrayal of humanity’s emotional depths, the contemplative nature of its pacing, and the complex interactions between AI and humans.
Finch unfolds as a character-centric film rather than a narrative centered on action and events. It offers a deep look into legacy, companionship, and humanity’s unwavering hope even as extinction looms.
Conclusion
The contemplative [film title] is uniquely characterized by its emotional impact and narrative simplicity, distinguishing it within the science fiction genre. Rather than focus on action, it emphasizes interspecies relationships, highlighting the bond between creator and creation. With a stellar performance by Tom Hanks complemented by strong direction and compelling visuals, Finch poignantly meditation on love, legacy, and life on Earth.
Finch delicately delivers a powerful message amid the din and chaos of life. In a world seeming beyond saving, the film highlights the importance of leaving behind something constructive.
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