Finley

The 1978 horror film 'Finley' is a low-budget, cult classic directed by and starring Edward Power. Based on the movie's premise, it revolves around the main antagonist, a sinister ventriloquist's doll called Finley, and a group of unsuspecting college students. The story commences with the introduction of a group of eight college students who receive an invitation to live in a large, old house belonging to a man named Mr. Finley for the summer. Mr. Finley has since passed away, leaving behind his prized possession, Finley – a creepy ventriloquist's doll. The students are unaware of the dark history and ominous atmosphere that surrounds the doll and the house. Upon arrival, the students soon discover that Mr. Finley was a kind and benevolent man who had a unique relationship with his doll, Finley. He was often seen conversing and even performing with Finley in public. The students also notice that Mr. Finley had been a recluse towards the latter part of his life, with very few visitors and a general aura of isolation. As the summer unfolds, the students begin to uncover the dark secrets surrounding Finley. According to the students' digging, Mr. Finley's relationship with Finley had grown increasingly intense, to the point where it was clear that Mr. Finley had developed a morbid obsession with the doll. Some of the students start to suspect that Mr. Finley's death might have been a result of the doll's influence. As the group settles into their new living arrangement, they begin to experience inexplicable occurrences and supernatural events. Doors slam shut on their own, and eerie noises are heard coming from within the walls. The students are baffled, attributing these incidents to the old house being a "haunted" mansion. However, a more sinister explanation unfolds as the body count begins to rise, and it becomes clear that Finley is the one responsible for the carnage. The doll, seemingly sentient and malevolent, starts targeting and killing the group one by one, often using its ventriloquist skills to lure its victims into a trap. As the remaining students realize the horrifying truth about Finley, they are forced to confront the fact that they are being hunted by a seemingly supernatural force. Panic sets in, and the students are left with no choice but to fight for their lives. Throughout the film, Edward Power utilizes suspense and terror to keep the audience on the edge of their seats. 'Finley' features a low-budget aesthetic, often incorporating long takes and close-ups to add to the unsettling mood and create an atmosphere of unease. In the film's climax, the remaining students make a last-ditch effort to escape the house and survive the wrath of Finley. Using creative tactics, they attempt to outsmart the doll, ultimately trapping it in a shed. Though the students manage to outwit Finley temporarily, the outcome is far from certain, leaving the audience with a dark and unsettling sense of foreboding. While 'Finley' may not have achieved massive commercial success upon release, it has since become a cult classic among horror enthusiasts. The film's low budget is evident, but it also adds to its charm and has contributed to its eerie and unsettling atmosphere. 'Finley' is a testament to the power of low-budget filmmaking and the enduring impact of a well-crafted, chilling horror story. As a result of its cult status, it has garnered a loyal fan base that continues to appreciate the film's simple yet effective approach to storytelling. The film's central theme of an inanimate object coming to life and wreaking havoc on unsuspecting victims has made it a staple of late-night horror television broadcasts, with many fans eagerly awaiting each screening.