Finch

Finch’s story concludes with a mix of tragedy and hope. After spending his final days taking care of his loyal dog, Goodyear, and building a robot, Jeff, Finch begins to show signs of his declining health, eventually coughing up blood. Despite efforts to survive, he chooses to spend his last moments inside the RV, playing with Goodyear one final time before quietly passing away. While it’s never explicitly stated what caused his death, clues throughout the film suggest he may have fallen victim to radiation poisoning, especially since Finch had been self-diagnosing himself with radiation-related illness after reading about ionizing radiation and UV exposure. This implies he might have succumbed to the long-term effects of the hazardous environment he lived in.

After Finch’s death, Jeff, the robot, completes maintenance on the RV, cares for Goodyear, and then, unexpectedly, notices a butterfly fluttering near the vehicle. The butterfly’s appearance is significant; it symbolizes hope and renewal. Throughout the film, such small signs hint that the Earth is slowly healing and that life on the planet is beginning to return. The presence of a butterfly, an animal rarely seen in the wasteland, suggests that the environment might no longer be entirely hostile, and that nature could be reclaiming its space. This inspiring image leaves viewers with a sense of optimism—that amid destruction and despair, there is still a possibility for renewal and the planet’s future recovery.

Goodyear remains Finch’s only true companion—his bond with the dog stemming from shared trauma and survival. Finch never had much family or close friends, and his past reveals a life marked by loss, hardship, and distrust of humans. The dog’s mistrust of robots and outsiders initially stems from these experiences. Yet, by the end, Goodyear begins to trust Jeff, seeing that the robot genuinely cares for him. Their final journey to the restored Golden Gate Bridge, where messages of loved ones are left behind, signifies a hopeful future. The scene underscores the message that even in a bleak, ruined world, there is potential for comfort, connection, and renewal—affirming that life, and hope, can persist against all odds. The film’s ending ultimately reminds us that hope can bloom even in the most desolate circumstances.

Last Updated: June 25, 2025 at 08:59