Solaris (1972): Soviet Sci-Fi Masterpiece Streams Free on Tubi
Andrei Tarkovsky’s iconic 1972 film Solaris, hailed for its psychological and philosophical depth, will be available to stream for free on Tubi from December 29. Discover why this Soviet classic is considered a sci-fi essential.
One of the most influential science fiction films ever made is about to be available for free viewing. Released over half a century ago, this Soviet classic has become a benchmark for the genre, blending psychological intrigue and philosophical depth in a way that’s rarely matched. Its reputation as a standout in cinema history is well-earned, with its unique approach to storytelling and atmosphere.
Redefining Science Fiction
Directed and co-written by Andrei Tarkovsky, the 1972 film Solaris stands apart for its focus on the human mind rather than futuristic gadgets. Tarkovsky, dissatisfied with the Western take on science fiction—think of the likes of 2001: A Space Odyssey—chose to explore emotion and memory. The film stars Donatas Banionis and Natalya Bondarchuk, and is often remembered for its intense, personal narrative. Solaris paved the way for Tarkovsky’s later works, but it’s this film that remains etched in the minds of many for its exploration of grief and the limits of understanding.
The story follows a psychologist sent to a remote space station orbiting the mysterious planet Solaris. His mission: to look into the death of a doctor and the strange mental states of the cosmonauts stationed there. What he uncovers is far from ordinary—the planet’s ocean seems to act as a vast brain, dredging up the crew’s buried memories and obsessions.
Critical Acclaim and Enduring Legacy
Describing the haunting beauty of Solaris is no easy feat, so it’s best to let the critics do the talking. The film has been praised by legendary director Akira Kurosawa, and review site film-authority.com awarded it a perfect score, calling it
“as philosophical as sci-fi gets, Solaris is a meditation, deeply rewarding on a spiritual level…”
Alternate Ending also gave it top marks, noting,
“Perfectly immaculate, using the chilliness of the way the location is framed to offset the profoundly human story being told there.”
Epoch Times described it as
“Easily one of the most important science fiction films of all time,”
while CineVue compared it to Kubrick’s classic, saying,
“Where 2001: A Space Odyssey's final act explored the limitless possibilities of human potential, the heart of Solaris' thesis is the crushing limitation of human psychological experience.”
Solaris’ impact is so significant that even a Hollywood remake in 2002, starring George Clooney and directed by Steven Soderbergh, couldn’t quite capture the original’s magic. The 1972 version, itself based on a 1968 TV adaptation, remains the definitive take, with its blend of drama, mystery, and science fiction.
Details and Cast
Solaris is rated PG and runs for 167 minutes. The cast features Natalya Bondarchuk, Donatas Banionis, Jüri Järvet, and Vladislav Dvorzhetskiy. The screenplay was penned by Stanislaw Lem, Fridrikh Gorenshteyn, and Andrei Tarkovsky. The film’s genre mix—drama, mystery, and sci-fi—ensures it appeals to a wide range of viewers.
From December 29, punters can catch Solaris streaming for free on Tubi, making it the perfect time to see why this Soviet gem continues to fascinate audiences worldwide.