Year: 2002
Runtime: 99 min
Language: English
Director: Steven Soderbergh
Budget: $47M
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.
Get a spoiler-free look at Solaris (2002) 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 silent void above the shimmering ocean world of Solaris, a solitary research outpost drifts, its corridors humming with the faint rustle of unseen thoughts. The planet below is rumored to exude an uncanny influence, prompting the crew aboard the station to experience unsettling shifts in perception and behavior. The atmosphere is one of restrained tension, a blend of clinical precision and the eerie, almost poetic bewilderment that comes from confronting something fundamentally unknowable.
Chris Kelvin, a psychologist accustomed to guiding others through the maze of the human mind, receives an urgent summons to the outpost. Though his daily routine on Earth is marked by quiet rituals and a lingering melancholy, the call forces him to leave that familiarity behind and step into an environment where the line between observation and participation blurs. His professional detachment is tested by the station’s oppressive quiet and the subtle, lingering sense that the very air is saturated with unspoken longing.
Among the few remaining crew members is Dr. Gibarian, an old friend whose cryptic messages hint at a crisis that defies ordinary explanation. As Chris begins his inquiry, the station reveals a ghostly echo of his past: a woman named Rheya appears, fashioned from memory and yearning, prompting him to confront the deepest corners of his own psyche. The presence of this figure raises questions about love, loss, and the nature of reality itself, setting the tone for an introspective, haunting journey where the boundaries between mind and cosmos are perpetually in flux.
Last Updated: August 10, 2025 at 11:14
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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