Review: 'Finch' is a Moving, Poignant Sci-Fi Story

In many ways, "Finch" feels tailor-made to me, converging many of my filmic interests: A post-apocalyptic sci-fi road trip film with an adorable dog and endearing robots. Dogs as companions on-screen often elicit characters' tenderness. "Star Wars" famously anthropomorphized cute, spunky droids, who express emotions and distinct personalities. Or robots can be menacing on-screen, like in "Terminator." Often, robots in film reflect us: Our fears, our desires, who we hope to be.

Tom Hanks stars as the eponymous protagonist in "Finch," the second feature film from director Miguel Sapochnik, who garnered acclaim directing television series, including "Game of Thrones."

The film is set in St. Louis in a future in which solar flares have destroyed the ozone layer, causing scorching temperatures over 150 degrees. Because of this, Finch must remain inside or wear a protective UV suit. Finch embarks on a trip in his modified RV to find a new home with his beloved dog, Goodyear, and two robots, one of whom he built in order to take care of his dog, an incredibly loving act.

Finch must teach new robot Jeff (voiced by Caleb Landry Jones) how to take care of Goodyear and earn his trust. Jeff has "primary directives" taken from Isaac Asimov's Three Laws of Robotics. But the fourth directive, the most salient one, involves protecting Goodyear.

A versatile actor, Tom Hanks effortlessly shifts between comedy and heart-wrenching drama. Giving a wonderful performances as Finch, he delves into each role, making characters feel authentic while exuding his trademark affable charisma. Finch is a scientist who lived in his lab after the apocalypse; he misanthropically warns Jeff about people, imparting the idea that they're unpredictable, therefore dangerous. Finch is affectionate with Goodyear, whom he selflessly protects. Finch risks his life to pull the small robot, Duey, out of a massive storm, saying, "I got you." Finch apologizes as he accidentally hits cars while driving. These small moments reveal his true, compassionate character.

"Finch" also showcases humanity and identity through Jeff. The puppeteers and visual effects team excellently bring Jeff to life. In an abandoned theater, Jeff pauses to gaze at his own reflection in a mirror. A striking upshot of Jeff looking at his hands reveals his self-awareness. Finch suggests the name "Jack," since the robot lifted the RV to change a tire. But he dislikes how it's "a tool's name," leading him to eventually choose "Jeff."

Caleb Landry Jones excellently imbues Jeff with a mélange of naiveté, exuberance, pointed observations, and curiosity. He asks Finch numerous questions and provides comic relief. When Finch puts popcorn kernels on a hubcap, the blistering heat causing them to pop, Jeff is excited and delighted. Jeff looks hurt when Finch gets mad at him. When Finch becomes ill, Jeff gingerly tends to him. Jeff yearns for Finch's approval, as a child wants their parent to be proud of them.

"Finch" exhibits great world-building and environmental storytelling through an establishing shot (showing a decimated city buried under dust) and artifacts (such as books and Finch's map show an existing world). We witness Finch's routine, salvaging food with Duey. Robotic arms at an abandoned store's cash registers subtly indicate futuristic technology. It immediately feels like a lived-in world.

The group must overcome obstacles on their journey, including giant tornadoes, dust storms, and, of course, scorching temperatures. They drive by barren sand dunes that used to contain myriad plants. The name "Duey" alludes to one of the robots (named after Donald Duck's three nephews) in the 1972 eco-sci-fi film "Silent Running," about a man and robots caretaking Earth's last plants. "Finch" is an environmental cautionary tale for how we're destroying the planet.

Finch and Jeff share existential conversations on trust, regret, family, and dreams. Finch finding and creating family with Goodyear, Duey, and Jeff resonated with me as a queer person, as found families can be crucial to many of us.

Near the film's end, a scene filled with such exquisite emotional beauty, simplicity yet tender joy, rendered me a weeping mess. Actually, I sobbed through much of the film. A moving, poignant tearjerker, "Finch" reminds us of the importance of kindness and connection.

"Finch" streams on Apple TV+ on Friday, November 5, 2021.