Pixar’s latest release, Inside Out 2, builds on the much-loved foundation laid by its predecessor, taking us on another emotional rollercoaster. When the first Inside Out hit theaters in 2015, it captivated audiences by giving us a glimpse into the emotional workings of 11-year-old Riley’s mind. With Joy, Sadness, Anger, Disgust, and Fear at the helm, the film perfectly captured the tumult of growing up and dealing with big feelings. As we step into the sequel, Inside Out 2, the question on everyone’s mind is, does this film live up to the emotional depth and brilliance of the original?
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In many ways, Inside Out 2 continues where the first film left off, with Riley now entering her early teenage years, and new emotions rising to the surface. Puberty is knocking at the door, and with it comes the arrival of additional emotions like Anxiety, a highly relatable character voiced by Maya Hawke. While the sequel doesn’t quite hit the same tear-jerking peaks as the original, it still delivers a moving, humorous, and visually stunning narrative that makes it a worthwhile successor. Let’s break down why Inside Out 2 is still a must-watch, even if it’s not quite the emotional powerhouse that its predecessor was.
Revisiting Riley’s Mind: A New Chapter
The original Inside Out masterfully explored Riley’s journey as she dealt with the challenges of moving to a new city, leaving behind her friends, and adjusting to life in a new school. The film was a poignant reminder of the importance of both joy and sadness in navigating life’s ups and downs. Now, in Inside Out 2, Riley is 13 years old and facing an entirely new set of challenges—puberty, high school, and the pressure to fit in with her peers.
Inside Out 2 opens with Riley on her way to hockey camp, where she receives some unexpected news that throws her high school plans into disarray. As a result, the core emotions in her headquarters—Joy (Amy Poehler), Sadness (Phyllis Smith), Anger (Lewis Black), Fear (Tony Hale, replacing Bill Hader), and Disgust (Liza Lapira, replacing Mindy Kaling)—find themselves dealing with a new addition: Anxiety.
Anxiety, with her wide eyes, untamable hair, and orange hue, quickly takes charge, asserting herself as an emotion Riley will need to navigate the tricky waters of adolescence. As Riley begins to struggle with the pressures of fitting in at hockey camp and making new friends, Anxiety steps in where Joy once held the reins. The dynamic between these two emotions becomes a central theme in the film, as Joy attempts to maintain her role as the dominant emotion, while Anxiety insists that she’s the one Riley needs now.
New Emotions Join the Party
One of the most exciting aspects of Inside Out 2 is the introduction of new emotions that reflect the complexities of teenage life. Anxiety is just the beginning. The film also introduces Envy, a small turquoise-blue emotion voiced by Ayo Edibiri, who quickly allies herself with Anxiety. Envy’s presence in the film highlights the feelings of jealousy and comparison that often arise during adolescence, as Riley looks at her peers and wonders if she measures up.
Another standout new character is Embarrassment, voiced by Paul Walter Hauser, a shy, rose-colored giant who struggles to hide behind his too-small hoodie. Embarrassment’s presence is a humorous yet accurate portrayal of the awkwardness that often accompanies teenage life, particularly in social situations. Whether it’s feeling self-conscious about appearance or worrying about saying the wrong thing, Embarrassment is a constant companion to teenage Riley.
Perhaps the most relatable new addition to the cast of emotions is Ennui, voiced by Adèle Exarchopoulos. Ennui is a navy-colored, phone-obsessed emotion with a chic haircut that represents the indifference and boredom that many teens (and parents) can relate to. While Ennui’s role in the film is somewhat understated, her presence is a clever nod to the sense of detachment that often accompanies the teenage years.
Riley’s Journey: A Fight for Control
The central conflict in Inside Out 2 revolves around Riley’s internal struggle between Joy and Anxiety. Anxiety, believing that she knows what’s best for Riley, begins to take over, pushing Joy and the other emotions aside. As Riley tries to fit in with the older hockey players at camp, she hides her true interests, eats inedible protein bars, and distances herself from her best friends.
The film portrays Riley’s inner battle in a relatable and poignant way. Joy, who once thrived by keeping Riley happy, now finds herself in unfamiliar territory as Anxiety takes charge. The tension between these two emotions is palpable, and their conversations are some of the most compelling scenes in the film. Joy tries to hold on to Riley’s happy memories, even discarding her unhappy ones in a misguided attempt to protect her. Meanwhile, Anxiety, with her constant worry and overthinking, believes that preparing for the worst is the only way to keep Riley safe.
As Riley struggles to balance her desire for acceptance with her need for authenticity, the film mirrors the journey from the first Inside Out, where the emotions must embark on a quest to return to headquarters and restore balance. This time, however, the journey takes them to new, fascinating places within Riley’s mind, including a prisonlike area that holds Riley’s secrets and a section called “The Back of Her Mind,” where Joy has been stashing Riley’s bad memories.
Stunning Visuals and Thoughtful Storytelling
Visually, Inside Out 2 is nothing short of breathtaking. The animation is so detailed that the solid-colored cartoon characters seem almost lifelike at times. The settings within Riley’s mind are as imaginative and richly textured as ever, from the gleaming structure that represents her belief system to the swirling, colorful landscapes of her emotions.
One particularly interesting addition to the film is the introduction of Riley’s system of beliefs. This glowing, overlapping structure in her headquarters symbolizes Riley’s sense of self and plays a crucial role in the storyline. Just as the core memories were essential in the first film, this new element becomes a key part of Riley’s emotional journey in Inside Out 2.
The interactions between the emotions continue to be a highlight of the film, with humor playing a key role in keeping the tone light, even as the film explores deeper emotional themes. Embarrassment’s shy attempts to blend in by pulling his hoodie tighter, Anxiety’s caffeine-fueled overthinking, and Sadness’s continued penchant for flopping down on hard surfaces all provide moments of levity that balance the film’s more serious moments.
The Verdict: Does Inside Out 2 Live Up to the Hype?
While Inside Out 2 may not evoke the same powerful emotional response as its predecessor, it still delivers a heartfelt, entertaining, and visually stunning experience. The film’s exploration of new emotions and its willingness to tackle the complexities of adolescence make it a worthy follow-up to the original. The humor is sharp, the animation is gorgeous, and the film’s message about the importance of balancing emotions resonates just as strongly as it did in the first film.
For fans of the original Inside Out, the sequel may feel a bit familiar at times, but that familiarity is part of its charm. Inside Out 2 revisits the same emotional territory, but with enough new twists and additions to keep things fresh and engaging.
Ultimately, Inside Out 2 is a satisfying continuation of Riley’s emotional journey. It reminds us that growing up is a messy, complicated process, and that sometimes, the emotions we try to suppress are the ones we need the most. Whether you’re a fan of the original or new to the world of Inside Out, this film is well worth the watch.
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