This is meditative, intelligent, science fiction. For many 'science fiction' may be a dirty word when it comes to films, but Solaris uses the genre as a minimalist tool to isolate and explore human emotion and philosophy.

George Clooney plays psychologist Chris Kelvin who goes to space by the request of a crew member at Solaris. Weird things are happening beyond the crew's understanding, but even Kelvin finds himself out of depth when he is confronted with the reincarnation of his deceased wife, played by the stunning Natascha McElhone. The couple's relationship is explored within the movie, both before and after death.

It seems less relevant to discuss the story, as the film is not linear or simple in any conventional form. The story is there to ask us important questions. Suggestions are constantly being made that we choose our own reality, interpret our surroundings, and manifest our own memories. The film examines grief, our mortality and the point of our very existence. One line for me captures it all - "there are no answers, only choices".

Director Steven Soderbergh delivers the gorgeous cinematography for which he is renowned, and beautifully creates a film that is slow, moving, and unafraid of silence.

Solaris allows the audience much time for personal contemplation, set to a subtle soundtrack that is moody and atmospheric. Clooney is magnificant - treating audiences to his usual charisma in the flashback scenes, while playing agonising grief to less flattering camera work.

Solaris is not light entertainment, but with patience and an open mind it certainly provides a memorable experience at the cinema. Definately a film for the big screen - 2003 has just delived the new 2001 Space Odessey. These Hollywood Heavyweights are using their power for cinematic good, pushing the boundaries to create something truly different. Are audiences up to the challenge?