“Inside Out 2”: A Mature Exploration of Emotions, Highlighting the Essential Role of Anxiety

Director: Kelsey Mann
Rating: 7.5/10

In 2015, “Inside Out” first graced our screens and captured the hearts and minds of its audiences worldwide, from kids to adults, becoming an instant classic with its innovative exploration of human emotions through the lens of the young Riley and the complex relationship between Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust. Fast forward to 2024, and Pixar's much-anticipated sequel, “Inside Out 2,” arrives to expand this emotional landscape further and now introduces new emotions: Embarrassment, Envy, Ennui, and Anxiety. While these new emotions may be uncomfortable to explore, “Inside Out 2” takes a more mature route in displaying these emotions by portraying a more profound exploration of emotional intelligence with slightly different audiences in mind.

The standout aspect of the movie is its bold decision to introduce Anxiety as a pivotal and central emotion, alongside Envy, Ennui, and Embarrassment. The thing is, the movie did not try to shy away from the complexity of these emotions, especially with their exploration of Anxiety, which was portrayed with remarkable depth and sensitivity that everyone can relate to. The narrative begs the question, “Is Anxiety a bad thing?” and the movie answers it with a thoughtful exploration of how Anxiety, just like all emotions, serves a purpose in human emotions. It’s not just about suppressing these feelings but understanding that these uncomfortable emotions---like Envy, Embarrassment, Ennui, and Anxiety---are meant to be felt. Additionally, Pixar’s animation has always been top-notch, and “Inside Out 2” is no exception. The attention to detail is remarkable, from the intricate designs of the characters' dresses to the nuanced expressions that convey their emotional states. These small details enhance the storytelling, making the emotional experiences of the characters more vivid and relatable.

The film’s brave portrayal of Anxiety is particularly praiseworthy. We often view anxiety as a negative emotion, something to be avoided or stamped out. However, “Inside Out 2”, offers a refreshing perspective that Anxiety is a natural part of growing up and an essential component of our emotional repertoire. These emotions teach Riley---and by extension, the audience---that being comfortable with our anxiety and the rest of our emotions is crucial in growing up. This message is especially relevant for teenagers and even adult audiences, who often struggle with heightened emotional states as they navigate through the unstable and overwhelming waters of adolescence.

Even the movie’s clever description of puberty as “messy” resonates deeply with teen and adult audiences. For kids, it might be hard to understand this reference, but this depiction is both clever and relevant, capturing the chaotic and often overwhelming experience of growing up. The film’s ability to communicate and relay that our emotions, even the uncomfortable and messy ones, do not define us but are part of our life journey, is profoundly impactful and relevant. This clever storytelling has allowed the audiences to embrace the complexity of our emotions rather than suppressing them---a message that is both timely and timeless.

While it is worth noting that “Inside Out 2” is targeted at younger audiences, it sometimes misses the mark in connecting with them, especially with the kids. Unlike the first installment, the humor and themes were universally relatable, while the sequel’s jokes and themes have become more mature, often suited better for adult audiences. This shift could be seen as a drawback, it was evident in theaters that some kids missed the jokes while the adults were laughing, and this could alienate younger audiences who may find the content hard to grasp. However, this mature approach is also the film’s greatest strength as it opens up new opportunities for parents to have a meaningful conversation with their kids about these emotions, making it a valuable tool for another emotional education.

When we look at it, anxiety is not inherently bad; it’s a universal experience, and the movie depicted Anxiety with a much broader understanding of the emotion in real life. It’s a scientific fact that there are only two types of people who don’t feel anxious---those with certain psychiatric conditions, or what people call “crazy,” and those who are dead. This perspective underscores anxiety as a neutral emotion and can be used as a motivator and a protector in real life. Anxiety is what makes us care about how we look, how we perform, and how we interact with others. In this light, Anxiety is not a villain but a guide, helping us navigate the complexities of life.

Disney/Pixar

In comparison to its predecessor, “Inside Out 2” does not quite reach the same emotional depths the same way “Inside Out” did. The first installment was groundbreaking in exploring the complex relationship between Joy and Sadness, delivering an emotional punch that resonated very well with audiences of all ages. While the sequel may have not reached the same level of emotional height, the film compensates with its maturity and intellectual depth. The film has somehow captured the charm and ingenuity of the first movie while also delving into more sophisticated and complicated themes, making it an important addition to the franchise.

Although the movie may have lost some of the spark and joy that were characterized by the first installment, the film stands strong on its own merits. But the movie’s maturity and profound exploration of emotions is what makes this a triumphant film. The movie reminds the audiences once again of the importance of not suppressing these natural aspects of ourselves. The movie may have revisited the old themes, but they did it in a manner that feels fresh and relevant, particularly in the way they handle “Anxiety”.

In conclusion, “Inside Out 2” is a clever, entertaining, and deeply thoughtful addition to the franchise that builds on the legacy of its predecessor while carving out its own unique space. The movie may not be as universally accessible and understandable in comparison to the first movie, but its mature themes and profound messages make the movie an important and valuable sequel. By encouraging viewers to embrace their emotions, particularly Anxiety, the film offers a compelling narrative that is about the complexity of human emotions and the importance of emotional balance.

At its heart, the film’s portrayal of Anxiety serves as a powerful reminder that this emotion, though oftentimes unpleasant and uncomfortable to sit with, is actually an essential aspect of growing up. The movie teaches both teenagers and parents that Anxiety is not something to fear about but has to be understood and embraced. This message is crucial in today’s fast-paced, high-pressure world, where emotional well-being is often overlooked and misunderstood.