Ever wonder what it is like inside your head, where all your emotions have their own control centres?
For those of us who watched “Inside Out” as we were growing up, we know exactly what it is like. The makers of “Inside Out” successfully personified each core emotion—joy, anger, sadness, disgust, and fear. It is a fun, light-hearted film that taught those of us entering adolescence at its release that all our feelings are valid, that emotions are ever-changing, and that it is okay to make mistakes.
The first film is a masterclass in emotional intelligence, a revelation for us struggling to understand our own complex emotions.
Fast forward to today, and Pixar has hit us right in the feels again with “Inside Out 2” a perfectly timed sequel. While the sequel does not quite capture the same magic as the first movie, it still has its unique charm and shining moments.
The film picks up with Riley entering high school and dealing with a whole new set of emotions—anxiety, envy, ennui, and embarrassment. These new emotions reflect the more complex feelings of adulthood.
It is a brilliant move by Pixar, acknowledging that our emotional landscape evolves as we grow.
Something worth mentioning is Pixar introducing the idea that, as Riley grows up, she starts forming a sense of self and morality, or her belief system as it is called in the movie.
We see Riley navigating her way through losing her sense of self, which everyone who has gone through their teenage years can relate to at one point or another.
The viewer sees anxiety as the main antagonist, but Pixar portrays it in such a way that shows us anxiety does not want to harm Riley—it wants to help her but just does not know how.
This creates an important self-reflection. Anxiety is not the antagonist, it is just our emotions trying to protect us. Because at the end of the day, all of Riley’s emotions want what is best for her.
What makes this sequel so good and unique is that it does not just revisit old themes – it builds and expands on them. It is truly remarkable how well the first film has aged. The sequel builds on the foundation, delving deeper into the variation of emotional health and resilience. The movie is a beautiful reminder that growing up is a continuous process filled with trials and turbulence.
The film’s humour and heart are as sharp as ever, with moments that will make you laugh out loud and scenes that will have you reaching for tissues.
This perfectly timed continuation of our emotional education is almost eerie. It is as if Pixar was waiting for us to grow up before releasing the movie. As we navigate the ups and downs of early adulthood, there is a lot we can relate to in Riley’s experience and a lot more that will pull at our heartstrings. It is like Pixar knew we needed another emotional roadmap just as we were fumbling through another phase of life.
Regardless of whether Pixar was waiting for us to grow up or we just happened to grow up with them, this is an excellent reflection of our shared experiences and growth. This sequel is a beautifully timed reminder that our emotions are complex, ever-evolving, and an integral part of who we are.
