At first glance, “Inside Out 2” is a children’s movie, but many of the situations shown resonate with young adults. The movie shows that as kids grow older, their emotions become more complex emotions and it is important to learn how to handle them.
The movie begins with the original five emotions from the first film. Joy, Sadness, Anger, Disgust and Fear have learned to work together for the best interest of Riley since the original “Inside Out” movie. Just after Riley and her emotions have found a new normal, Riley hits puberty and the emotions’ Headquarters gets a remodel. With the remodel comes the
introduction of four new emotions: Ennui, Embarrassment, Envy, and Anxiety. The emotions, both new and old, need to learn how to work with each other for Riley’s well-being.
With each new emotion, Riley responds to situations that happen to her in a similar way to how viewers respond to their daily life. Riley struggles with panic attacks, peer pressure and managing friendships. Envy contributes to Riley’s need to fit in, while Embarrassment takes over when Riley acts in a way he thinks is awkward. Ennui, the emotion for boredom, doesn’t play much of a role in Riley’s mind as she is impartial to what is happening. She only takes control when necessary, usually when the other emotions do not know what to do to help Riley.
Anxiety take a bigger role in Riley’s mind, taking control over the other emotions in many situations, the same way it might take over in a young adult’s mind. Anxiety thinks everything she does is in the best interest of Riley. She over-analyzes every situation for the worst outcome and overreacts in the way she thinks is best. Oftentimes when a situation doesn’t go how Anxiety plans, she panics and causes Riley to have a panic attack. When Riley realizes she might get cut from her hockey team, she panics because it means a lot to her to play.
The idea that anxiety can take over mind and make lose control of any given situation is something I relate to as I am sure others my age can as well. I liked that the filmmakers took a mature topic and put a youthful spin to it. I felt emotional at the end of the film when Anxiety got support from the other emotions and she learned how to take a step back and not over think. I thought back to how I could also benefit from learning how to deal with my own emotions.
“Inside Out 2” did a great job at connecting with many age groups. The movie has the feel for a kids’ movie and will definitely entertain a younger audience, but the themes shown throughout the movie are ones young adults can relate to which makes the movie enjoyable for everyone.
