Released in 1972 and directed by the visionary filmmaker Andrei Tarkovsky, “Solaris” is a transcendent and philosophical science fiction film based on the novel of the same name by Stanisław Lem. Often hailed as one of the greatest achievements in the genre, “Solaris” explores profound themes of memory, love, grief, and the nature of reality against the backdrop of a mysterious planet that manifests and materializes the deepest desires and regrets of the human mind.

Set in a distant future, the film follows psychologist Kris Kelvin (played by Donatas Banionis) as he travels to a space station orbiting the planet Solaris. The scientists on the station have encountered strange phenomena: the planet Solaris seems to be conscious, and it manifests physical “visitors” from the crew members’ memories and subconscious thoughts. Kelvin himself is confronted with the apparition of his deceased wife, Hari (played by Natalya Bondarchuk), whose presence raises existential questions and reopens emotional wounds.