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Inside Out 2 beautifully crafts an emotionally mature sequel, embracing the chaotic complexities of Riley’s emotions through her teenage years. It’s hilarious and heartfelt while being poignantly resonant and incredibly moving. The film is ultimately Pixar at its best, providing such a joyous masterpiece that gave me all the feels and emotions as it tugged on my heartstrings and provided such nostalgia, thanks to the lovable June Squibb. “Inside Out 2” taps into the universal human experience, serving as a powerful reminder of the importance of loving ourselves, especially through a transition of change, and that overall, even emotions need each other. 

FIRST FORAY INSIDE THE MIND

Pixar Studios has once again proved its commitment to crafting exceptional storytelling with the long-awaited sequel to the 2015 phenomenon, Inside Out. After what feels like a long hiatus from the big screen, navigating the challenges of the pandemic and recent box office numbers, Pixar has emerged stronger than ever. The highly anticipated release of “Inside Out 2” marks a significant milestone for the studio, following the delay of their original film Elio due to Hollywood strikes. As their most important release yet, “Inside Out 2” is a triumphant return to form for Pixar, showcasing their continued commitment to pushing the boundaries of animation and storytelling. It’s a film that not only meets but exceeds expectations. While being a masterclass in storytelling, imagination, and emotional depth, solidifying the studio’s reputation as a leader in the animation industry.

The film masterfully brings to life five endearing characters, Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust, which reside within the mind of a young girl named Riley. Allowing it to transcend age boundaries, resonating and empathising with audiences across multiple generations, as we’ve all experienced the paralysing fear, overwhelming anger, and crushing sorrow that comes with growing up. 

Joy’s poignant journey in the first film is a testament to embracing all emotions, not just the happy ones. As she navigates Riley’s memories, Joy comes to understand that Sadness is an integral part of Riley’s emotional landscape. This powerful realisation sets the stage for a universal message transcending age and culture. The film’s timing was impeccable, as it coincided with the formative years of many children who could identify with Riley’s struggles and transformations. The film raised impactful questions about the nature of childhood joy, and now its sequel shows how it evolves as we grow older. The conclusion, marked by the introduction of a new “puberty” button on Riley’s console, ultimately leaves the viewers wondering what lies ahead for this young protagonist. After all, Riley’s 12 now. What could happen?

MIXED EMOTIONS

“Inside Out 2” picks up approximately two years after the events of the original, with Riley (now voiced by Kensington Tallman) thriving in various aspects of her life. She excels academically, leads her hockey team to victory, and has formed strong bonds with her friends. The emotions residing in Headquarters, led by Joy (Amy Poehler), maintain a harmonious balance, making room for Sadness (Phyllis Smith), Anger (Lewis Black), Fear (Tony Hale), and Disgust (Liza Lapira). However, when Riley turns 13 and undergoes the tumultuous changes of puberty, a renovation crew arrives to demolish Headquarters, introducing four new emotions: Anxiety (Maya Hawke), Envy (Ayo Edebiri), Embarrassment (Paul Walter Hauser), and Ennui (Adèle Exarchopoulos). As the emotions navigate their new dynamics and try to find equilibrium, Riley attends a competitive hockey camp and receives unexpected news that shakes her confidence. With Anxiety attempting to take control, Riley’s self-doubt threatens to upend her sense of identity. Can Joy and the other emotions restore balance and save Riley from spiralling into chaos?

The introduction of Anxiety as a primary character was a logical step, as it is an emotion that everyone starts to experience during adolescence. The idea of a “renovation” in Headquarters, symbolised by a crew of workers tearing down and rebuilding the emotional landscape, effectively captures the chaotic nature of teenage life. The story expertly navigates the turbulence of a young person’s teenage years, capturing the intense emotions and struggles that come with this phase of life. The film’s portrayal of panic and anxiety attacks is remarkably realistic, offering a powerful and authentic representation of mental health issues. whilst the ability to evoke emotions, spark relatability, and convey the importance of emotional intelligence and creating a sense of self is nothing short of remarkable.

The film’s exploration of these themes is both relatable and engaging, showcasing the importance of embracing and validating all emotions. The film encourages open and honest communication within families, emphasising that every feeling has value and should be expressed without judgment. 

Riley’s transition into adolescence presented a rich tapestry for filmmakers to explore, and Pixar’s meticulous approach to storytelling shines through in their methodical research and attention to detail. As the teenage brain undergoes significant changes, the studio expertly captures the tumultuous emotions that accompany this period of growth. Regarding research, the filmmakers turned to the ultimate authorities: teenage girls. Nine dynamic young women, known as Riley’s Crew, were selected from referrals by organisations and studio team members. The diverse group of 13- to 16-year-olds regularly screened the film and Pixar provided them with notebooks to take notes, followed by virtual meetings where they asked targeted questions to ultimately help shape the film we see today. The introduction of new Emotions adds a fresh dynamic to the core five, creating a thrilling narrative as they navigate the complexities of adolescence. The intensity and passion of these formative years are expertly conveyed, making for an engaging and relatable cinematic experience.

Speaking of, Anxiety takes her role very seriously, using her unique strengths to anticipate and prepare for any challenges that may arise. Voiced by standout Maya Hawke, her emotion is a bundle of frazzled energy. “Inside Out 2” explores the coming-of-age transitioning period with the birth of new emotions. Four exactly that we all deal with every day once we enter the adolescence period of our lives. When the arrival of new emotions catalyzes personal growth and self-discovery this relatable portrayal explores the universal experiences we all encounter during this pivotal life stage. As Riley navigates the challenges of growing up, her core emotions – Joy, Sadness, Fear, Anger, and Disgust – are confronted by the introduction of Anxiety, Envy, Embarrassment, and Ennui. These newcomers assert that their sophisticated emotional nuances are better suited to meet Riley’s evolving needs, prompting a fascinating struggle for dominance within her mind. The film masterfully captures the all-too-familiar sensation of anxiety taking over our thoughts and emotions. One particular moment in the film left me breathless and moved to tears. It was a poignant reminder that this movie is not just for children, but for anyone who has ever struggled with anxiety.

GO TEAM!

In the latest instalment of the beloved franchise, the voice cast returns with a fresh lineup of emotions, including our core emotions Amy Poehler as Joy, Liza Lapira as Disgust (taking over from Mindy Kaling), Tony Hale as Fear (Taking over from Bill Hader), Lewis Black as Anger, and Phyllis Smith as Sadness. This time around, Joy is thrilled to tackle the exciting challenges of adolescence alongside Riley, a bright and curious teenager. As Joy’s top priority is Riley’s happiness, she’s determined to preserve her sense of self and help her navigate this new chapter with ease. With a sunny disposition and a knack for creative problem-solving, Joy is always looking out for Riley’s best interests.

Anger’s unwavering dedication to fighting for what’s fair is truly admirable. While his passion can sometimes lead to impulsive reactions, Director Kelsey Mann and Pixar’s expert handling of this fiery emotion allow him to grow and adapt in the face of challenging circumstances. In turn, Anger provides such visual comedy which Black is brilliant at. Fear plays a crucial role in Riley’s life, safeguarding him from potential dangers both big and small, from unexpected hockey pucks to minor mishaps. As Riley enters her teenage years, Disgust’s keen sense of what’s uncool becomes more refined, keeping her safe from situations that might be uncomfortable or unpleasant. The additions of Hale and Lapira bring a refreshing dose of opinionated humour and brutal honesty to the story. Both actors expand and elevate their characters and rather remarkably are indistinguishable from Hader and Kaling from the first film. Sadness however was just getting the hang of things before a group of new Emotions arrived. Everyone understands how important her role is in Riley’s life, so Sadness is feeling
more comfortable in her melancholy shoes these days.

Meanwhile, the character designs, which were painstakingly recreated using Pixar’s cutting-edge technology, reveal the vast expanse of Riley’s inner world.

The first third of the movie sets the tone with clever humour, introducing the personalities of the new emotions in a playful way. Ennui, a character who’s perpetually glued to her phone, brings a relatable yet challenging presence to the team. Throughout the film Ennui is often seen lounging on the couch or slouching to one side, exuding a sense of detachment and lethargy. Her design was carefully crafted to convey this feeling of disengagement and lack of energy. What’s more, Ennui was the last emotion to receive an official colour, adding an extra layer of depth to her character. Exarchopoulos gives such a board and lethargic vocal performance that I fell in love with.

The talented artists at Pixar have once again brought their unique vision to life, creating characters that are both visually striking and emotionally resonant. The Emotions were designed to embody specific colours and shapes, reflecting their distinct personalities. From Joy’s sunny disposition and star-shaped form to Anger’s bold red colour and sharp rectangular shape, each Emotion has its own distinct identity. Sadness is blue and teardrop-shaped, Fear is purple and cowering, and Disgust is green and angular. The new Emotions were also designed to honour the visual canon of the original film while introducing fresh personalities. Anxiety is orange and electric, with tense and shaky movements that betray her constant energy. Embarrassment is pink and soft, evoking his shy nature and desire to hide. Ennui has the posture of a limp noodle, which conveys her lack of enthusiasm. Envy is small but packs a punch, with a teal colour and mushroom shape that sets her apart from the rest of the cast.

THE LIFE OF RILEY

“Inside Out 2” is a stunning achievement in animation, showcasing Pixar’s unparalleled mastery of visual storytelling. The film’s vibrant colours and imaginative landscapes are a treat for the eyes, while the meticulous attention to detail in every aspect of production design is a testament to the studio’s dedication to craftsmanship. As expected from Pixar, the animation quality is breathtakingly beautiful, further solidifying its reputation as an industry leader. The studio’s expertise is also evident in their meticulously crafted designs throughout the movie. The innovative depiction of complex concepts like belief systems, brainstorming, overthinking, and sarcasm is a standout feature. The filmmakers’ artistic vision is brought to life through thoughtful attention to detail, making the world of Inside Out 2 a fascinating and immersive experience.

Building upon the success of the original film, the sequel’s world is designed to be both familiar and new, with a focus on expansion and enhancement. The contrast between the real world and the mind world is striking, with Headquarters serving as the hub of the mind operation. The sleeping quarters for the Emotions are a delightful addition, showcasing the attention to detail in even the smallest aspects of the film’s design. Each Emotion’s bunker reflects its unique personality and colour scheme, with props adding a touch of whimsy and humour. The Film is still rooted in the familiar setting of San Francisco with her loving family, the film takes a bold leap outside the city limits, offering a fresh and vibrant backdrop for Riley to pursue her passion for hockey and navigate a dynamic web of relationships with both old friends and new acquaintances.

Composer Andrea Datzman’s exuberant and soulful soundtrack perfectly complements the film’s narrative, evoking a wide range of emotions and creating a deeply relatable experience. With its thoughtful balance of humour, drama, and adventure, Inside Out 2 is a movie that truly comes alive through the power of emotion. Datzman’s score also plays a crucial role in connecting the audience to Riley’s inner world, expertly capturing the nuances of her teenage perspective. By skillfully weaving together a deliberate blend of melody and harmony, the music perfectly encapsulates Riley’s thoughts, feelings, and emotions, allowing viewers to intimately connect with her journey.

FINAL THOUGHTS

In conclusion, “Inside Out 2” is a masterpiece that will resonate deeply with audiences of all ages. This beautifully crafted film is a powerful exploration of the human experience, offering a poignant reminder that it’s okay to not be okay. The story masterfully weaves together universal themes of self-acceptance, empathy, and perseverance, reminding us that our emotions are what make us who we are. With its witty humour, engaging narrative, and deeply resonant emotions, “Inside Out 2” is a cinematic experience that will leave you feeling seen, validated, and moved. This film is a testament to the enduring power of storytelling to capture the complexities of growing up and to offer a message of hope and acceptance. If you’re looking for a film that will inspire you to love and accept yourself and others just as you are, look no further. With its iconic cathartic moments and timeless themes, this sequel is a triumph for Pixar and a reminder that even the most challenging emotions are an essential part of our journey to self-discovery. “Inside Out 2” is an absolute must-see and the Major Emotion Picture of the year.