Finch

Movie Trailer

Release Date
November 5, 2021

Genre
Science Fiction, Drama, Adventure

Cast & Crew

• Tom Hanks as Finch Weinberg
• Caleb Landry Jones as the voice of Jeff
• Seamus (the dog) as Goodyear

Director
Miguel Sapochnik

Other Movies Director is Known For

• Repo Men (2010)
• Directed episodes of Game of Thrones (including “Battle of the Bastards” and “The Winds of Winter”)

Producer
Kevin Misher, Jack Rapke, Jacqueline Levine, Ivor Powell

Writer
Craig Luck, Ivor Powell

Budget
Estimated at $100 million

Production Company
Amblin Entertainment, Misher Films, Walden Media

Running Time
115 minutes

Languages
English

Maturity Rating
PG-13

Content Advisory

• Mild language
• Some peril and thematic elements

Movie Story
Finch is a heartfelt and poignant science fiction drama set in a post-apocalyptic world where a solar flare has devastated the Earth’s environment, leaving it a barren wasteland. The story centers on Finch Weinberg (Tom Hanks), one of the few survivors, who lives in a well-equipped underground bunker with his loyal dog, Goodyear. Finch, a former robotics engineer, spends his days scavenging for supplies while avoiding dangerous weather conditions and other threats.

Knowing that his health is deteriorating due to prolonged exposure to radiation, Finch fears for the future of his beloved dog, Goodyear, who will be left alone after his death. To ensure that Goodyear will be cared for, Finch builds an android named Jeff (voiced by Caleb Landry Jones), designed to be a companion and protector for Goodyear. As Finch transfers his knowledge and life lessons to Jeff, the android begins to learn about the world, human emotions, and the responsibilities that come with caring for another living being.

As the film progresses, Finch realizes that his time is running out, and he decides to embark on a journey across the desolate American landscape to find a safer place for Goodyear and Jeff. Together, the trio faces numerous challenges, including violent storms, treacherous terrain, and the ever-present danger of other survivors. Along the way, Finch teaches Jeff the importance of trust, loyalty, and love, even as his own condition worsens.

The narrative of Finch is driven by the relationships between its central characters—Finch, Jeff, and Goodyear. The film explores themes of survival, companionship, and the legacy we leave behind. Tom Hanks delivers a deeply moving performance as Finch, capturing the character’s vulnerability, determination, and love for his dog. The bond between Finch and Jeff also evolves into a touching father-son dynamic, as Jeff gradually learns what it means to be human in a world that has lost much of its humanity.

Special Effects
The special effects in Finch are integral to creating the film’s desolate, post-apocalyptic setting. The visual effects team effectively portrays the barren landscapes, violent weather phenomena, and the physical deterioration of the world. Jeff, the android, is a standout achievement in CGI, with his design blending mechanical realism with a touch of humanity that reflects his growing understanding of the world. The interactions between Finch, Jeff, and Goodyear are seamlessly integrated, making the relationship between the characters feel authentic and emotionally resonant.

Box Office Performance
Finch was released exclusively on Apple TV+, where it quickly became one of the platform’s most-watched films. While it did not have a traditional theatrical release, the film garnered significant attention due to Tom Hanks’ star power and the film’s emotional, character-driven narrative. Its success on streaming platforms highlighted the growing trend of high-profile releases bypassing traditional cinemas.

Filming Locations

• Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
• Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA

Notable Quotes

• “Do you think we’ll make it?” – Jeff
• “We have to try.” – Finch
• “A man’s best friend. If you can take care of a dog, you can take care of anything.” – Finch

Behind-the-Scenes
Finch was a long-gestating project, originally titled Bios, with several production delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The film marked another collaboration between Tom Hanks and Amblin Entertainment, known for producing emotionally resonant stories. Director Miguel Sapochnik, known for his work on Game of Thrones, brought his expertise in visual storytelling to the film, balancing the intimate character moments with the grand scale of the post-apocalyptic world. Caleb Landry Jones provided the voice and motion capture for Jeff, bringing the android to life with a performance that blends curiosity, innocence, and loyalty.

Awards

• Nominated for a Critics’ Choice Super Award (Best Actor in a Science Fiction/Fantasy Movie – Tom Hanks)
• Nominated for a Satellite Award (Best Actor in a Motion Picture, Drama – Tom Hanks)

Final Verdict
Finch is a deeply emotional and visually stunning film that explores themes of survival, legacy, and the bond between humans and their companions. Tom Hanks delivers a compelling performance as the titular character, and the relationship between Finch, Jeff, and Goodyear forms the heart of the story. The film’s blend of science fiction and drama, coupled with its focus on character and emotion, makes it a must-watch for fans of heartfelt narratives set against epic backdrops.

IMDb Rating
6.9/10