Finch (2021)

Finch (2021)

7/10

Starring

Tom Hanks

 

Directed by Miguel Sapochnik

 

Finch is one of those movies that just flows effortlessly with time. The calculated casting of Tom Hanks in the titular role is a prime example of casting director magic that often goes unnoticed but deserves applause. His exceptional acting gives the movie the emotional range needed to carry it from start to finish.

In hindsight, this movie could have benefitted from more diversity, rather than sticking to the familiar script of many science-fiction films we've seen before. A touch of originality could have elevated it further.

The post-apocalyptic vision of the future presented in Finch—and humanity’s possible reaction to it—is something we’ve encountered in countless other stories. The ozone layer is depleted, the Earth becomes inhospitable, and the remaining humans devolve into survivalist "animals," killing each other for resources. Finch takes a more solitary approach to this bleak future, focusing on one man’s experience. When you think about it, this scenario feels like one of the more plausible outcomes if humanity were faced with a future of food scarcity and a collapse of infrastructure.

The movie gives off I Am Legend vibes, following Finch (Tom Hanks) and his loyal dog, Goodyear, as they scavenge for food in abandoned places long forgotten by other humans. Finch’s bond with Goodyear is at the heart of the story, and his love for his dog borders on fatherly devotion.

But Finch has a problem—he’s dying. His biggest fear is that Goodyear will be left alone, with no one to care for him. As a former engineer, Finch devises a plan to save his beloved companion. Locked in his old workplace, he begins constructing a humanoid robot designed to care for Goodyear after he’s gone. This robot, named Jeff, becomes Finch’s solution to ensuring his dog’s survival.

We see hints of advanced AI technology in this future world. Finch has already created several robots to make his life easier, but Jeff is different. Jeff’s primary directive, above all else, is to care for Goodyear.

With worsening weather threatening their survival, Finch, Jeff, and Goodyear set out on a journey westward to the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. Along the way, Finch teaches Jeff everything he needs to know about caring for the dog and avoiding potential dangers that could jeopardize their mission.

For me, Finch is well-suited to its digital release format on Apple TV. It’s a movie that’s easy to follow and enjoy as we root for Finch to find a miracle—some form of civilization where he can feel at ease, even if only for a little while.