Inside Out 2 takes us back into the mind of Riley (Kensington Tallman), who is now a teenager with some newly developed emotions. The OG emotions must learn how to coexist with the new arrivals.
I recently rewatched Inside Out and was completely enraptured by it. This film is so smart and witty and I think it should be required viewing for every human. Emotions are hard, and we all process them differently. This film is a helpful tool for kids and adults alike to better understand the emotions that help us navigate life.
When I heard that this sequel was going to feature Anxiety (Maya Hawke), I was intrigued. How would an animated children's movie be able to portray such a complex emotion with nuance and depth? Honestly, I shouldn't have doubted Pixar — they nailed it.
Just like in Inside Out, we are reminded of the truth that there are no "bad" emotions, even the ones that don't feel great. Each of our emotions helps us in some way. Following the pattern of the first film, we are once again introduced to each emotion and learn how they are contributing to Riley's life. These emotions work together to keep Riley safe, bring her joy, connect to friends, and so much more.
Since the last film, we learn that Riley's memories have begun to form beliefs. Early in Inside Out 2, we are taken into the place where her beliefs are formed, and that moment is magical! The score does a phenomenal job of centering us in this moment and creating awe. The visuals are absolutely beautiful, and the film lingers in that space for long enough for us to take it all in.
This is one of the examples of Pixar's ability to create magic. While nothing magical happens in this film, there are plenty of things to be in awe of. Honestly, watching this film has helped me be more impressed by our brains and how they work. There's so much complexity within each of us; the way we are wired is absolutely amazing. It's not just the things we create that are magical, but we are magical in and of ourselves (even in our most complex moments).
Okay, back to Anxiety. What impresses me most about Inside Out 2 is that Anxiety isn't made into a villain. Instead, she is an emotion with a purpose. Just like can happen with any emotion, when Anxiety gets out of control, it can have harmful results. But it's not bad in and of itself.
What a powerful message, especially in a time like this when I feel like so many of us are dealing with anxiety in different forms and levels. Low-grade anxiety is simply the norm these days. Our minds and bodies are on overdrive trying to keep us safe as everything around us seems to be increasingly unsafe.
Throughout the film, there are little moments where characters show ways to process anxiety, like grounding techniques. I love that these aren't made into a big deal but are modeled for us to absorb naturally. Anxiety isn't something that's going to go away any time soon, but it is something that we can work with and even learn to use positively in our lives.
I couldn't think of a more relevant topic for adults and kids today. I think Inside Out 2 can be yet another tool that parents can use to help their kids and pre-teens as they are processing big feelings.
What makes this film so impressive is that it does all of this important emotional work while also being a fun movie to watch. Our beloved characters from the first film have to go on a brand new adventure filled with new parts of the brain to explore. We see the sar-chasm, the vault of secrets, and the stream of consciousness, which are all so fun and creative.
Inside Out 2 is a fitting sequel to the first film that delivers on creativity and fun. Characters grow and learn important lessons while on an adventure that is fun to watch. Most importantly, this film can also be a tool to help us better understand our emotions and how those help us relate to the world. And I think that is a great use of Pixar's immense powers.
Before you go… check out some other great articles about Inside Out 2.
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