Solaris

Year: 2002

Runtime: 99 min

Language: English

Director: Steven Soderbergh

Budget: $47M

Sci-FiDramaMysteryRomance

A psychologist is sent to a space station orbiting the planet Solaris to investigate the strange behavior of the crew. As he delves into the mystery, he confronts unsettling truths about their psychological states and his own past. A recurring figure from his memories appears, blurring the lines between reality and illusion and leading him on a poignant exploration of love, loss, and the nature of the human mind.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Solaris yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – Solaris (2002)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Solaris (2002). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:55

Main Characters – Solaris (2002)

Meet the key characters of Solaris (2002), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:55

Major Themes – Solaris (2002)

Explore the central themes of Solaris (2002), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:55

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Philosophical Sci-Fi Movies Like Solaris

Slow-burning space stories that explore the deepest questions of human existence.If you liked Solaris for its deep questions about memory and reality, you'll find similar contemplative journeys here. This list features movies like Solaris that use science fiction to explore existential themes, human psychology, and the mysteries of consciousness in a slow, atmospheric style.

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Narrative Summary

These narratives often place characters in isolating, extraordinary situations—like a distant space station or an alien encounter—that force them to confront fundamental truths about themselves and humanity. The plot is driven by internal conflict and philosophical discovery rather than external threats, often unfolding at a deliberate pace to allow for deep introspection.

Why These Movies?

They are grouped by their shared commitment to using the sci-fi framework for existential exploration, their melancholic and introspective tone, their high emotional weight, and their complex, often ambiguous conclusions that leave viewers pondering long after the credits roll.

Movies About Grief and Memory Like Solaris

Stories where love transcends death, blurring the line between memory and reality.For viewers who appreciated Solaris's exploration of love beyond death and the psychological torment of grief. These movies, similar to Solaris, deal with characters haunted by memories and confronting simulacra of lost loves, creating a dreamlike, emotionally heavy narrative about coping with immense loss.

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Narrative Summary

The core narrative involves a protagonist grappling with a devastating loss. A supernatural, sci-fi, or psychological element then materializes a version of the departed loved one, creating a profound moral and existential dilemma. Is this manifestation a gift, a curse, or a trick of the mind? The journey revolves around accepting loss versus clinging to a painful illusion.

Why These Movies?

They share a heavy emotional weight centered on grief, a theme of love persisting beyond death, a complex exploration of memory and simulated reality, a melancholic tone, and a pacing that allows the full weight of the character's emotional turmoil to settle on the viewer.

Unlock the Full Story of Solaris

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.

Solaris Summary

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.

Solaris Timeline

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.

Solaris Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Solaris that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

More About Solaris

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.

Similar Movies to Solaris

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.