When I found out that a post-apocalyptic drama starring Tom Hanks which would pair him on screen with a dog and a robot, I won’t lie to you – I had very little interest. However, upon watching the trailer for the first time, I was incredibly excited for the film. Finch is a success and is another hit for Apple TV+, and I am proud to say this film could be one of my favourite streaming originals of the year!
Finch and the End of the World
Set to the backdrop of a post-apocalyptic wasteland, Finch introduces us to, well Finch – the titular character who has been spending the last decade within a bunker. Following on from the events of a cataclysmic solar event, the UV emitted from the sun is immensely dangerous and has wiped out most of the human race. Throughout the events of the film, Finch builds a robot which will look after his beloved pet, Goodyear when he no longer can. The story is not a sci-fi adventure, but a drama. An emotional one too.
Tom Hanks, perhaps is one of my favourite actors of all time. Starring in favourites such as Toy Story, Forrest Gump and Big – Hanks is definitely one of the most recognisable actors in the modern age of cinema. In the lead role as Finch, Hanks delivers a emotional and impressive performance, as the struggling man who has been forced to adapt to the brand new lifestyle following the apocalypse. I was blown away, if I’m going to be honest about Hanks on screen. We’ve seen him in strong performances before during Saving Private Ryan, and Forrest Gump especially, but Finch is another to add to the list for sure.
Man’s Best Friend, and Jeff the Robot
This film also wouldn’t be the film it is without Goodyear, the star of the film, who is actually Man’s best friend. At the centre of this story, is the heart, for sure. Finch’s main mission is to look after and care for Goodyear, when he is alive, and looking ahead for when he isn’t around to protect Goodyear from the killer sun. Its explained in the film that both Finch and Goodyear are at risk from direct sunlight, and a mere touch would burn both their skin.
Jeff the Robot is one of my favourite new characters of 2021. In what is the most off-beat Borat impression yet, Caleb Landry Jones provides a great insight into the life of a newborn robot, learning how to live in a world as chaotic as the one we’re presented with in Finch. One of my favourite scenes of this film, involves the early moments of Jeff (before he is known as Jeff) where he is learning to nod. Another funny mention is when deciding his name, Jeff wishes to be referred to as William Shakespeare too – I promise, it is very funny indeed
I would argue it is a shame this film is releasing on streaming, and would argue this film would do well if it were given a theatrical release. There is some beauty to a lot of the shots in this film, and I know for a fact in some alternate universe where Universal didn’t sell this film, this could have gone down great within the cinema industry. I also want to point out that Tom Hanks could well earn a Best Actor nominee for his performance in this film… for sure! A truly beautiful performance.
‘Finch’ Review – Final Thoughts
Finch is a beautiful drama set to the backdrop of a post-apocalyptic wasteland. Tom Hanks proves once again he is a flourished actor, by giving one of the best performances of 2021. You don’t want to miss this!
Fancy reading something else? Why not check out: ‘Army of Thieves’ Review – A (Safe) Cracking Film
Finch begins streaming exclusively on Apple TV+. on Friday 5th November. Check out a trailer below:
In “Finch,” a man, a robot and a dog form an unlikely family in a powerful and moving adventure of one man’s quest to ensure that his beloved canine companion will be cared for after he’s gone. Tom Hanks stars as Finch, a robotics engineer and one of the few survivors of a cataclysmic solar event that has left the world a wasteland. But Finch, who has been living in an underground bunker for a decade, has built a world of his own that he shares with his dog, Goodyear. He creates a robot, played by Caleb Landry Jones, to watch over Goodyear when he no longer can.
As the trio embarks on a perilous journey into a desolate American West, Finch strives to show his creation, who names himself Jeff, the joy and wonder of what it means to be alive. Their road trip is paved with both challenges and humour, as it’s as difficult for Finch to goad Jeff and Goodyear to get along as it is for him to manage the dangers of the new world.
