Solaris MPAA Rating: PG-13 Entertainment: +1 1/2 Content: -3

Billed as a love story rich with emotion and mystery, the story takes place in the future on a space station orbiting the unique planet Solaris, which is being studied by a crew of scientists on the station. The movie offers compelling images of outer space while not focusing on the space station, where strange events begin to occur. The lead researcher calls on widowed psychologist, Dr. Chris Kelvin (George Clooney), to come from Earth and sort out the trouble. When Dr. Kelvin arrives, he finds that of the four-member crew, one is missing and another has committed suicide. The remaining two scientists show symptoms of anxiety and paranoia. In the midst of investigating the situation, Kelvin begins to experience vivid interactions with what appears to be his long-deceased wife (Natascha McElhone). He must distinguish what is reality and determine what is best for the crew.

The story has positive themes of forgiveness, loyalty and personal responsibility. The characters work together to search for solutions to their situation and, unlike in many movies, do not rely solely on violence get out of their difficulties. Taking drugs, however, is seen as a way of coping with stress. The relationship between husband and wife is portrayed as affecting all other areas of ones life. In one scene, a father is seen overwhelmed with sorrow as he learns that his wife has aborted their child without consulting him. One discussion explores the nature of God, but no conclusions are reached. The movie contains graphic images of sexual intercourse, and Dr. Kelvin and his wife are shown in a number of scenes unclothed. Disturbingly, bloody corpses and trails of blood are presented in the space station. Seeing the films positive themes and the musings about the metaphysical and the afterlife is interesting but not worth wading through the sexual encounters and nudity.

Preview Reviewer: Blaine Butcher
Distributor: 20th Century Fox