Directed by
Miguel Sapochnik
Made by
Apple TV+
Discover the intricate plot of Finch (2021). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
Ten years have elapsed since a catastrophic solar flare obliterated the ozone layer, resulting in soaring temperatures of 150 degrees Fahrenheit (70 degrees Celsius) and transforming Earth into a nearly uninhabitable wasteland ravaged by ultraviolet radiation and extreme weather phenomena. Among the scant survivors is robotics engineer Finch Weinberg, who leads a solitary existence alongside his dog Goodyear and a helper-robot named Dewey in a subterranean laboratory located in St. Louis. This lab was once a property of the company where he worked prior to the global disaster. Finch’s excursions to the outside world are limited to scavenging for supplies while clad in a specialized protective suit capable of withstanding heat and UV radiation.
As Finch grapples with an undisclosed illness—hinted at by his reading material on radiation poisoning—he dedicates his efforts to constructing a more sophisticated humanoid robot, intended to take care of Goodyear after his inevitable demise. To equip this new robot, which chooses the name Jeff, Finch imparts a wealth of encyclopedic knowledge, including a guide for the proper care and training of dogs. However, Goodyear remains skeptical of this new companion initially.
With the impending threat of a catastrophic 40-day storm sweeping toward St. Louis, Finch, along with Jeff, Dewey, and Goodyear, embarks on a hasty journey in a heavily modified motorhome towards San Francisco. Due to the urgency of their departure, only 72 percent of the data is uploaded to Jeff, leaving him with the cognitive capacity of a child. Despite his deteriorating health, Finch strives to impart crucial life lessons to Jeff, illustrating how to protect Goodyear. Jeff’s curious nature presents both humorous and exasperating moments, and as he begins to exhibit more initiative, an unfortunate incident leads to Dewey’s destruction. Their escape is further complicated by the pursuit of an unidentified vehicle.
As they near their destination, Finch experiences a significant moment when the UV radiation levels drop sufficiently, allowing him to embrace the sun’s rays without protection. During a tranquil afternoon, he teaches Jeff how to play fetch with Goodyear, an idyllic moment that foreshadows his quiet passing. In the aftermath, both Jeff and Goodyear venture into the now-deserted yet habitable San Francisco, setting out on a quest to locate any surviving humans that may remain.
Track the key events of Finch (2021) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Catastrophic Solar Flare
Ten years prior to the present events, a catastrophic solar flare obliterated the ozone layer. This resulted in extreme temperatures and transformed Earth into a nearly uninhabitable wasteland ravaged by ultraviolet radiation.
Survival in St. Louis
In the aftermath of the disaster, Finch Weinberg, a robotics engineer, finds refuge in a subterranean laboratory in St. Louis. Alongside his dog Goodyear and a helper robot named Dewey, Finch navigates the harsh realities of a world scorched by the sun.
Searching for Supplies
Finch's life consists mainly of scavenging for supplies, donning a specialized protective suit to shield himself from the extreme heat and deadly UV radiation. These excursions are fraught with danger as he ventures into the wasteland.
Constructing Jeff
As Finch deals with his undisclosed illness, he dedicates himself to building a humanoid robot named Jeff. His goal is to ensure Goodyear will be cared for after his inevitable demise, so he imparts extensive knowledge to Jeff during the construction.
Goodyear's Initial Skepticism
During the introduction of Jeff, Goodyear expresses initial skepticism and wariness towards this new companion. Finch understands the need for Goodyear to feel comfortable but remains hopeful that the bond will develop over time.
Impending Storm
With news of a catastrophic 40-day storm heading towards St. Louis, Finch realizes the urgency of his situation. He quickly gathers his companions—Jeff, Dewey, and Goodyear—and prepares to leave their underground refuge.
Journey to San Francisco
Finch embarks on a critical journey to San Francisco in a heavily modified motorhome. Due to the hasty exit, only 72 percent of the data is uploaded to Jeff, leaving him with limited understanding akin to that of a child.
Imparting Life Lessons
Even as Finch's health deteriorates, he takes every opportunity to teach Jeff important life skills. He imparts knowledge on how to properly protect and care for Goodyear, blending humor with serious teaching moments.
Dewey's Destruction
An unfortunate incident occurs during their escape, leading to the destruction of Dewey, Finch's helper robot. This loss deeply impacts Finch and Jeff, as they adapt to their new reality without their robotic companion.
Pursued by an Unidentified Vehicle
As Finch, Jeff, and Goodyear travel towards San Francisco, they realize they are being pursued by an unidentified vehicle. This adds an element of danger to their already perilous journey, increasing the stakes for the trio.
Sunlight Moment
As they approach San Francisco, Finch experiences a brief moment of freedom when UV radiation levels drop. He takes this opportunity to teach Jeff how to play fetch with Goodyear, creating a precious memory.
Finch's Quiet Passing
During a tranquil afternoon, Finch's health deteriorates, leading to his quiet passing. This poignant moment is marked by the connection he has fostered between Jeff and Goodyear, emphasizing love and companionship.
Beginning a New Journey
After Finch's passing, Jeff and Goodyear venture into now-deserted San Francisco. Determined to find survivors, they begin a new journey amidst the remnants of what once was a vibrant city.
Meet the characters that bring Finch (2021) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Finch Weinberg (Tom Hanks)
Finch is a robotics engineer who embodies resilience and determination in the face of overwhelming adversity. As one of the few survivors in a post-apocalyptic world, he is deeply caring yet burdened by a sense of impending loss. His efforts to create a robot to care for his dog reflect his commitment to love and legacy.
Goodyear
Goodyear is Finch's loyal dog and companion, representing the last vestiges of normalcy in his chaotic life. Despite the harsh realities they face, Goodyear's instincts and skepticism towards Jeff highlight a deep bond with Finch. His presence serves as a reminder of loyalty and affection amid the struggle for survival.
Jeff (Caleb Landry Jones)
Jeff is the humanoid robot created by Finch, embodying innocence and curiosity as he navigates the complexities of human emotions. With only a fraction of knowledge, Jeff’s development reflects Finch’s teachings and deepens the exploration of AI and connection. His evolution highlights both the humorous and challenging aspects of integration into Finch's world.
Uncover the settings of Finch (2021), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
Post-apocalyptic future
Set ten years after a catastrophic solar flare, the film unfolds in a post-apocalyptic future marked by extreme heat and UV radiation. Society has crumbled as the ozone layer has been obliterated, leading to nearly uninhabitable conditions. This time period highlights the struggle for survival while grappling with the consequences of climate disaster and technology.
Location
St. Louis, San Francisco
The movie primarily takes place in St. Louis, a city that has become a desolate wasteland due to unprecedented solar flares and extreme weather conditions. As survivors face the harsh realities of ultraviolet radiation, St. Louis serves as a backdrop for Finch's solitary existence. The narrative culminates in a journey to San Francisco, a once-thriving metropolis, now largely abandoned, reflecting the remnants of humanity's past.
Explore the core themes of Finch (2021). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Artificial Intelligence
The film delves into the theme of artificial intelligence through Finch's creation of Jeff, a humanoid robot. This relationship underscores the complexities of love, companionship, and the quest for understanding in a world marked by isolation. As Jeff learns and evolves, the film explores the emotional connections that can exist between humans and machines.
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Loss and Legacy
Loss is a prominent theme as Finch faces his impending death and strives to ensure Goodyear's well-being. His creation of Jeff serves as a means to leave behind a legacy, intertwining the elements of mortality and hope. This theme resonates poignantly as Finch imparts essential life lessons, reflecting on what it means to care for those we love.
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Survival
Survival is at the forefront, as Finch navigates a ravaged Earth plagued by deadly environmental conditions. The journey to find refuge becomes a testament to human resilience, showcasing the lengths one would go to protect those they cherish. The impending storm adds urgency to their quest, encapsulating the relentless battle against nature.
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