Disney Pixar’s “Inside Out” hit theaters in 2015 when my daughter was 6 years old. The film follows a young girl named Riley and explores the complex emotions of growing up. I noticed similarities between the emotions in the movie and those that my daughter experienced, as well as the challenges of being a parent. “Inside Out” touched me deeply, and I found myself shedding tears during certain moments, such as Bing Bong’s death scene. I was skeptical of the the sequel, “Inside Out 2,”, as sequels often fall short of the original. However, I was pleasantly surprised by how well it continued Riley’s story and wasn’t afraid to try new things. As a mother of now a 16-year-old, I could once again relate to the emotions portrayed in the film, both as a parent and as a teenager.
Riley (Kensington Tallman), now 13, is deeply connected with her two best friends Bree and Grace, sharing a core memory with them from their hockey adventures. When the Fire Hawks high school hockey coach invites her to a weekend camp for skill enhancement, emotions stir as Riley’s friends reveal they are moving to a different school. The news comes just as Riley enters puberty and encounters new obstacles. The emotions Joy (Amy Poehler), Sadness (Phyllis Smith), Fear (Tony Hale), Disgust (Liza Lapira), and Anger (Lewis Black) rally at headquarters to support Riley but are soon confronted by Envy (Ayo Edebiri), Ennui (Adèle Exarchopoulos), Embarrassment (Paul Walter Hauser), and Anxiety (Maya Hawk). These new emotions challenge Riley’s core identity, shifting her perception from being a good person to questioning her self-worth.
The arrival of the new emotions leads to chaos, causing the original five to be sent to lockup along with forgotten memories from Riley’s past. Amongst these forgotten characters are a preschool show character with a singing fanny pack, a video game character with lackluster fighting skills, and a dark secret from Riley’s history. While the emotions plot their escape, the new emotions make detrimental decisions for Riley, who is struggling to adapt to high school life as a freshman. Transitioning from middle school to high school comes with challenges, especially during puberty, as Riley strives to fit in with her peers and make an impression on the hockey team, including someone she admires. This internal conflict leads Riley to unintentionally harm her friend Grace during a practice game, triggering a panic attack. Witnessing Anxiety taking over at headquarters is a poignant moment, especially for those who have experienced panic attacks.
Reflecting on my daughter’s teenage experiences, I was reminded of the immense pressures of adolescent transitions in terms of school, relationships, and self-identity. It serves as a touching reminder that the teenage phase, though fleeting, leaves a lasting impact on our lives. “Inside Out 2” beautifully captures the struggles of teenagers, showcasing their awkwardness, doubts, and challenges, while also touching on the emotions of parents trying to support their child’s growth and independence.
The film’s stunning visuals, vibrant colors, and gorgeous animations create a mesmerizing journey through Riley’s mind, from the sea of consciousness to the hall of memories. Although young kids may enjoy the movie’s fantastical elements, some messages may go over their heads, and the intense emotions depicted might be overwhelming for them. Middle schoolers and tweens may find solace in Riley’s story, understanding that strong feelings are normal and seeking support from parents or friends is important during tough times. While Pixar never simplifies its messages, younger viewers might not grasp the intricacies of teenage struggles portrayed in the film. I do wish Pixar added another positive emotion such as Proud or Hopeful as the film does get heavy, even Joy got some of Sadness’ blues!
Overall, “Inside Out 2” is a unique, funny, and heartfelt film that will resonate with both children and adults. The relatable storyline, clever narrative, and emotional depth make it a poignant experience. The film’s message about self-love, gratitude, and the importance of joyful moments is mature and universal and really touched my heart. As a mother, I felt the urge to give my daughter a hug, and as an adult, I remembered all those awkward teenage years. Cringe!
