Year: 1972
Runtime: 167 mins
Language: Russian
Director: Andrei Tarkovsky
A psychologist is dispatched to a space station orbiting the mysterious planet Solaris to investigate a doctor’s death and the crew’s unsettling mental disturbances. He discovers that the planet’s ocean acts like a sentient brain, manifesting the astronauts’ repressed memories and obsessions, turning their deepest nightmares into reality.
Get a spoiler-free look at Solaris (1972) with a clear plot overview that covers the setting, main characters, and story premise—without revealing key twists or the ending. Perfect for deciding if this film is your next watch.
In the cold silence of deep space, a solitary research station circles Solaris, a planet whose entire surface is a roiling, alien ocean. The ocean is more than a body of water; it is hinted to be a vast, thinking entity that reflects the inner lives of those who study it. The station’s crew lives under a perpetual hum of instrumentation and a lingering unease, as subtle phenomena begin to blur the line between reality and imagination.
Kris Kelvin arrives as a psychologist tasked with deciding the station’s fate. He carries the weight of a final conversation with his aging father and the lingering echo of a past love, both of which color his perception of the mission. The crew he meets—Dr. Snaut, a pragmatic thinker; Dr. Sartorius, whose curiosity pushes the limits of scientific inquiry; and the late Dr. Gibarian, whose absence still haunts the corridors—are each grappling with the planet’s enigmatic influence in their own way.
The film’s tone is contemplative and almost meditative, bathing the sterile corridors and the endless star‑filled void in a soft, dream‑like quality. Light and shadow play across the characters’ faces as they confront questions of memory, guilt, and what it means to be human when confronted by something that can manifest thought itself. The atmosphere is thick with intellectual tension, inviting the viewer to ponder whether the true mystery lies in the alien ocean or within the minds of those who stare at it.
As Kris Kelvin settles into his role, the station becomes a crucible for introspection. The subtle disturbances that ripple through daily routines hint at deeper undercurrents, suggesting that Solaris may be a mirror for the crew’s hidden obsessions. The story beckons with a quiet promise that the answers—if they exist—are as elusive and profound as the planet itself.
Last Updated: December 04, 2025 at 23:06
Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.
Stories where science fiction explores the labyrinth of human memory and guilt.A collection of movies like Solaris, where sci-fi concepts serve as metaphors for exploring grief, memory, and what it means to be human. If you liked the intellectual and emotional depth of Solaris, you'll find similar journeys here.
Narratives in this thread often involve characters confronting manifestations of their own psyche—be it memories, fears, or desires—triggered by an alien intelligence or advanced technology. The central conflict is internal, a battle with guilt, loss, and the nature of reality itself, rather than an external threat.
These films are grouped by their shared commitment to using the sci-fi genre for profound philosophical inquiry. They prioritize mood, existential themes, and character psychology over fast-paced plots, creating a similarly heavy, thought-provoking, and melancholic viewing experience.
Unsettling stories where tension builds from internal anguish and claustrophobic settings.Discover movies that share Solaris's methodical pacing and atmosphere of profound psychological unease. These films use a slow burn to build a deep sense of dread, isolation, and emotional weight, perfect if you appreciated the tense, introspective vibe of Solaris.
Stories unfold gradually, focusing on the deterioration of a character's sanity or the unraveling of a haunting mystery. The plot is secondary to the immersive experience of a creeping, often inescapable dread, frequently culminating in an ambiguous or bleak resolution that lingers with the viewer.
They are connected by a specific approach to tension: it's not about jump scares, but a pervasive, slow-building dread rooted in psychological distress, grief, or existential horror. The shared elements are a slow pace, a heavy emotional weight, and a consistently melancholic or bleak tone.
Don't stop at just watching — explore Solaris in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Solaris is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.
Read a complete plot summary of Solaris, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.
Track the full timeline of Solaris with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.
Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Solaris. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.
Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Solaris: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.
Discover movies like Solaris that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.
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