Finch is a post-apocalyptic sci-fi drama that stands out for its warmth, simplicity, and emotional resonance. Directed by Miguel Sapochnik and starring Tom Hanks, the film tells the story of a dying inventor, his loyal dog, and a robot built to protect what matters most. While the world outside is bleak and unforgiving, Finch is a story about love, legacy, and what it truly means to be human, even if you’re not.

In this review, we’ll explore the film’s detailed plot, its memorable characters, central themes, box office performance, similar movies, reasons to watch, a thoughtful conclusion, and answers to frequently asked questions.

Detailed Plot Summary

The End of the World

The story opens in a world ravaged by a solar flare that has destroyed the ozone layer, turning the Earth into a sun-scorched wasteland. Humanity has all but vanished, and the surface is plagued by deadly UV radiation, extreme heat, and violent storms. Finch Weinberg (Tom Hanks), a robotics engineer, is one of the few survivors. He lives in a fortified underground laboratory in St. Louis, scavenging for food and supplies during the rare moments when it’s safe to venture outside.

Finch’s only companions are his dog, Goodyear, and a helper robot named Dewey. Finch is terminally ill, suffering from radiation poisoning, and knows his time is running out. His greatest fear is what will happen to Goodyear after he’s gone.

Building Jeff

Determined to ensure Goodyear’s safety, Finch sets out to build a humanoid robot, Jeff (voiced and motion-captured by Caleb Landry Jones). Jeff’s primary directive is to care for Goodyear, but Finch also wants him to learn about life, loyalty, and love. As Jeff comes online, he is childlike and awkward, eager to learn but prone to mistakes. Finch begins teaching Jeff everything from basic motor skills to the rules of the road and, most importantly, how to care for a dog.

The Journey West

When a massive superstorm threatens to destroy their bunker, Finch, Jeff, Goodyear, and Dewey are forced to flee in a modified RV. Finch’s goal is to reach San Francisco, hoping the coastal climate will be more survivable and that Goodyear will have a chance at a better life. The journey across a desolate America is fraught with danger—scavengers, extreme weather, and the ever-present threat of Finch’s failing health.

As they travel, Jeff’s understanding of the world grows. He asks questions, makes mistakes, and gradually forms a bond with Goodyear, who is initially wary of the robot. Finch, meanwhile, struggles with his own mortality and the burden of preparing Jeff for a world without him.

Lessons in Humanity

The road trip is filled with both peril and moments of wonder. Finch teaches Jeff practical skills—how to drive, how to read road signs, how to play fetch with Goodyear. Along the way, they encounter abandoned cities, a deadly trap set by other survivors, and the haunting emptiness of a world lost to disaster.

In one poignant scene, Finch shares memories of his childhood and the pain of losing his family. He reveals how Goodyear came into his life, rescued as a stray puppy, and how the dog gave him a reason to keep going. These moments deepen the emotional connection between the characters and highlight the universal need for companionship.

The Final Destination

As they near San Francisco, Finch’s health deteriorates rapidly. He spends his final days teaching Jeff everything he can, from caring for Goodyear to understanding the beauty of simple joys—like seeing the Golden Gate Bridge or feeling the wind on your face. Finch dies peacefully, leaving Jeff and Goodyear to continue the journey.

In the film’s final scenes, Jeff and Goodyear arrive in San Francisco, where the skies are clearer and life seems possible again. Jeff, now more human than ever, fulfills his promise to Finch by caring for Goodyear and honoring the legacy of love and hope that his creator left behind.

Character Analysis

Finch Weinberg (Tom Hanks)

Finch is a classic Tom Hanks character—resourceful, compassionate, and quietly heroic. He is a man defined by loss but sustained by love. His relationship with Goodyear is the emotional core of the film, and his determination to secure the dog’s future gives his final days meaning and purpose. Finch’s interactions with Jeff are both fatherly and instructive, shaping the robot’s understanding of the world.

Jeff (Caleb Landry Jones)

Jeff begins as a blank slate, programmed with knowledge but lacking experience. His journey mirrors that of a child learning about life, trust, and responsibility. Jeff’s evolution from awkward automaton to caring companion is both humorous and moving. By the end, Jeff embodies the best of Finch’s teachings—curiosity, kindness, and the courage to care.

Goodyear

Goodyear is more than just a dog; he is Finch’s last connection to the world he lost. Loyal, intelligent, and wary of strangers (especially robots), Goodyear represents hope and the enduring power of love. His gradual acceptance of Jeff is a testament to the film’s message about trust and new beginnings.

Dewey

Dewey, the helper robot, is a minor but memorable character, providing comic relief and highlighting Finch’s ingenuity. Dewey’s fate is a reminder of the fragility of life in a harsh world.

Themes

Humanity and Legacy

At its heart, Finch is about what it means to be human. Through Finch’s efforts to teach Jeff about love, loss, and loyalty, the film explores the idea that our true legacy is not what we build, but whom we touch and what we leave behind.

Companionship and Connection

The film is a meditation on loneliness and the need for connection. Finch, Jeff, and Goodyear form an unlikely family, proving that love and loyalty can transcend species—and even the boundaries between human and machine.

Mortality and Hope

Finch’s impending death looms over the story, but the film is ultimately hopeful. It suggests that even in the face of extinction, acts of kindness and care can create ripples of meaning that outlast us.

Trust and Growth

Jeff’s journey from naïve robot to responsible guardian mirrors the process of growing up and learning to trust others. The film celebrates the importance of learning, adaptation, and the willingness to embrace change.

Survival and Sacrifice

Set in a world where survival is a daily struggle, Finch is also about sacrifice—Finch’s willingness to risk everything for Goodyear, and Jeff’s determination to fulfill his creator’s final wish.

Box Office Collection

Finch was released on Apple TV+ in November 2021, bypassing a traditional theatrical release due to the pandemic. While exact box office figures are not available, the film was widely watched on the streaming platform and received positive attention for its heartfelt storytelling and Tom Hanks’ performance. The movie’s popularity contributed to Apple TV+’s growing reputation for quality original films.

Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Finch, you might also like:

• Cast Away: Another Tom Hanks survival story about isolation and hope.

• A.I. Artificial Intelligence: Explores the relationship between humans and sentient machines.

• Chappie: Follows a robot learning about humanity in a harsh world.

• The Road: A post-apocalyptic journey focused on a father and son’s bond.

• I Am Legend: Centers on a lone survivor and his dog in a ruined world.

• Wall-E: An animated tale about a robot seeking connection and meaning.

Why You Should Watch Finch

• Emotional Core: The film is a moving exploration of love, loss, and legacy.

• Tom Hanks’ Performance: Hanks delivers another deeply human, relatable portrayal.

• Unique Sci-Fi Perspective: Blends post-apocalyptic drama with warmth and humor.

• Stunning Visuals: The desolate landscapes and robot design are both beautiful and haunting.

• Universal Themes: Its messages about hope, companionship, and growth resonate with all ages.

Conclusion

Finch is a rare sci-fi film that prioritizes heart over spectacle. It’s a story about the end of the world that is, paradoxically, full of life. Through the eyes of a dying man, a loyal dog, and a learning robot, the film reminds us that our humanity is measured not by our survival, but by our capacity to love, teach, and care for one another—even when the world seems lost.

Whether you’re a fan of Tom Hanks, a lover of thoughtful science fiction, or simply in search of a story that will make you laugh, cry, and reflect, Finch is a journey worth taking.

FAQs

Q: What is the main plot of Finch?

A: Finch is about a robotics engineer who, facing the end of the world and his own mortality, builds a robot to care for his beloved dog after he’s gone. Together, they embark on a journey across a devastated America in search of hope and safety.

Q: Who stars in the film?

A: Tom Hanks stars as Finch, with Caleb Landry Jones providing the voice and motion capture for the robot Jeff.

Q: Is Finch suitable for children?

A: While the film deals with themes of death and survival, its tone is gentle and hopeful, making it suitable for older children and families.

Q: What makes Finch different from other post-apocalyptic movies?

A: Unlike many films in the genre, Finch focuses on relationships, emotional growth, and the small acts of kindness that define humanity.

Q: Is there a happy ending?

A: The film ends on a bittersweet but hopeful note, with Jeff and Goodyear finding a new beginning after Finch’s passing.

Q: Where can I watch Finch?

A: The film is available to stream on Apple TV+.