‘Inside Out 2’ – The emotional roller coaster of adolescence
“Inside Out 2” directed by Kelsey Mann, is an animated film that explores the tumultuous emotions experienced during adolescence. Set two years after the events of the original film, this sequel delves into the psychological complexities of growing up as Riley, voiced by Amy Poehler, turns 13 and undergoes dramatic changes. emotionally and psychologically. The five emotions Joy, Sadness, Disgust, Anger and Fear help Riley cope with new things in summer hockey camp. As a result, a new group including Anxiety (Anxiety), Envy (Jealousy), Ennui (Depression) and Embarrassment (Embarrassment) joined the group.
As the emotions attempt to control Riley’s mood, conflict arises, leading to Anxiety’s team taking over and expelling the original emotions from Riley’s mind headquarters. These dismissed emotions must then find their way back to restore balance to Riley’s personality.
The film deals with the theme of teenage crisis, addressing problems that young people often encounter. The introduction of new emotions marks a significant change in Riley’s mental state as she struggles with friendships, academic pressures, and self-image. By delving into the characters’ inner turmoil, the film depicts a tumultuous period that helps shape each person’s personality. As Riley grows up, she seeks to explore and engage with the world, leading to moments of separation from her family, conflicts with others, and even giving up her hobbies to make new friends. Both Joy and Anxiety aim to help Riley become her best self, but they take different approaches. Joy believes that Riley should always maintain a positive outlook, while Anxiety focuses on making prudent choices in the present to prevent future regrets. This conflict raises an important question: Should we accept ourselves as we are or conform to society’s expectations?
Instead of delivering epic lessons, Inside Out 2 resonates with viewers through intimate moments. In one scene, Joy admits that happiness is not always possible and that maintaining a positive mindset can be challenging. In another, she ponders, “Maybe growing up means feeling less joy every day.”
This animated film serves as a parable about the human desire to fit in and be accepted. It encourages viewers to accept life’s imperfections and learn from mistakes.
The film’s animation style brings each emotion vividly to life on the big screen. Compared to the first film, Inside Out 2 introduces more characters to reflect the complex psychology of adolescence. The animation is highly detailed, demonstrating new concepts such as the Tree of Identity, the Belief System, the River of Desire, and the Ironic Abyss. The film received praise from critics for both its storytelling and animation techniques. The film is considered less surprising than its predecessor but is deeply touching and has many mature layers. Digital Spy noted that “Inside Out 2” approached the early teenage years with humor and creativity, resonating with a wide audience. Total Film added that the sequel maintains the lively, colorful spirit of the original.
To enhance emotional authenticity, Pixar assembled a group of nine girls aged 13 to 19 who visited the studio every four months, providing feedback on drafts of the film, according to Discussion Film. Director Kelsey Mann also consulted with psychological experts to determine the new characters introduced in the sequel.
The original “Inside Out”, released in 2015 and directed by Pete Docter, was both a critical and commercial success. The film won the 2016 Oscar for Best Animated Feature and grossed $858.8 million worldwide.
