The Physics of Sorrow is a 2019 animated film directed by Theodore Ushev and based on the novel of the same name by Bulgarian writer Georgi Gospodinov. The film tells the story of a man's memories of growing up in communist Bulgaria, his emigration to Canada, and his struggle with the nostalgia and regret that come with lost childhood and a fractured identity.
The film is unique in that it is the first-ever fully animated feature using encaustic painting, a technique that involves applying pigments mixed with hot wax onto a surface. This gives the film a distinctive texture and a dreamlike quality that fits with the surreal nature of the narrative.
Throughout the film, the protagonist's memories unfold in non-linear fashion, with scenes of childhood play, family life, and political upheaval in Bulgaria interwoven with scenes of present-day reflection and regret. Along the way, the film explores themes of nostalgia, identity, and the ways in which personal and political histories intertwine and shape us.
Critics have praised The Physics of Sorrow for its stunning visuals and bold storytelling, with many hailing it as a new milestone in the field of animation. Despite its heavy themes, the film is also noted for its moments of humor and lightness, making it a rich and complex exploration of the human experience.