"Take an unforgettable journey."
Finch - Symbolism & Philosophy
Symbols & Motifs
The Golden Gate Bridge
The Golden Gate Bridge symbolizes a destination of hope and a connection to a past that Finch never experienced. It represents an idealized goal and the possibility of a better place, a safe haven from the ravaged world. It is also tied to his personal history and his absent father, making the journey a deeply personal pilgrimage.
Finch has a postcard of the bridge sent by his father, his only communication from him. This postcard becomes the map and the motivation for their cross-country trip. Though Finch doesn't make it, Jeff and Goodyear's arrival at the overgrown but standing bridge signifies the fulfillment of Finch's dream and the start of a new chapter.
The Butterfly
The butterfly is a powerful symbol of hope, resilience, and the planet's potential for healing. In a world believed to be devoid of most life, its appearance signifies that nature is beginning to recover from the ecological disaster.
After Finch's death, as Jeff and Goodyear are in a seemingly desolate area, a butterfly appears. This is the first living creature they've seen besides Goodyear, and its presence marks a turning point, suggesting that the world is not as dead as Finch believed and that a future is possible.
American Pie (Song)
The song "American Pie" represents a connection to the lost world and the culture that has vanished. For Finch, singing it is an act of remembering and a way to hold on to his humanity. It's a piece of the old world that he can share, a complex narrative of a bygone era.
Finch sings "American Pie" in the RV during their journey. He tries to explain its meaning to Jeff, highlighting the difficulty of conveying complex human culture and history to an AI. The act of singing itself is a moment of levity and humanity amidst the grim reality of their situation.
Philosophical Questions
What constitutes a meaningful legacy?
The film explores this question through Finch's singular focus. In a world where all societal structures, wealth, and achievements have been erased, Finch's legacy is not a monument or a fortune, but the continued well-being of his dog. The film posits that a meaningful legacy is not defined by grand accomplishments, but by the love and care we ensure for others, suggesting that the most profound impact one can have is on the life of another being, however small it may seem in the grand scheme.
Can consciousness and humanity be created?
"Finch" delves into the nature of consciousness through Jeff's development. He is programmed with data, but he 'grows' through experience, observation, and his relationship with Finch. The film suggests that true 'humanity'—encompassing empathy, love, and self-sacrifice—is not something that can be simply uploaded but must be learned and nurtured. Jeff's journey from a machine following directives to a sentient being making choices based on care and memory poses the question of whether the essence of being human can be replicated and passed on to an artificial intelligence.
Core Meaning
The central message of "Finch" revolves around the enduring power of love, connection, and hope in the face of utter desolation. It posits that the essence of humanity isn't merely about survival, but about the legacies we leave behind through acts of care and the knowledge we pass on. The film suggests that even when humanity is gone, the values of compassion, loyalty, and love can be taught and can persist. Finch's desperate, selfless act of creating a protector for his dog becomes a testament to the idea that our purpose can be found in ensuring the well-being of those we love, transcending our own mortality. The film is ultimately a hopeful, albeit bittersweet, meditation on what truly matters at the end of the world: not just surviving, but ensuring that the best parts of our nature endure.