"Inside Out 2": Embracing the Unfamiliar Self

Nine years ago, "Inside Out" (2015) left a profound impression on me, earning two distinct labels: "Pixar's best work" and "almost impossible to have a sequel." Balancing the high-concept world of emotions with analytical rigor and dramatic necessity was already a challenge, let alone constructing a moving story arc on top of it. That achievement is what made it great.

Today, I am delighted to report that "Inside Out 2" (2024) lives up to its predecessor. In terms of creativity, aesthetics, understanding of human nature, and emotional impact, it continues the legacy, expanding on the original to explore the complexities of adolescence. This sequel delves into the intricate emotions of entering teenage years, enriching and broadening the film's scope.

The film continues with the "emotions vs. memory" structure, introducing the concept of Sense of Self as the core of our interaction with the world. Thirteen-year-old Riley's external challenges—navigating new and old social circles—mirror her internal struggles with building a belief system and self-identity. If the first film taught us to "embrace all emotions," this one confronts us with "growing up": accepting life's uncertainties and unpredictability. We are no longer confident, timid, selfish, or shy; we embody countless shifting facets.

"Inside Out 2" crafts a familiar yet novel odyssey, with Joy and the original emotions embarking on a final farewell to childhood. With its brisk pacing, vibrant visuals, and multi-threaded narrative from the second act onward, the film might feel overwhelming—mirroring the chaotic essence of adolescence.

Gone are the days of understanding ourselves and the world through simple, absolute emotions. When Joy rides the landslide of negative memories back home, it symbolizes Riley's acceptance of life's incomprehensible, unbearable, and unmanageable experiences. Acknowledging their existence may estrange us from ourselves, yet knowing oneself has always been life's greatest challenge.

I was pleasantly surprised that Pete Docter, the creator of the original "Inside Out," entrusted his brainchild to others. New director Kelsey Mann and returning screenwriter Meg LeFauve (Mann, an industry veteran but first-time feature director; LeFauve, co-writer of the first film) infused the sequel with ingenious double entendres like "Stream of Consciousness," "Sar-Chasm," and "Brain Storm," captivating in their cleverness. The use of diverse media styles—2D animation, paper cutouts, low-res video game graphics—extends the spirit of the original. Both the characters within the film and the creators behind it seem to acknowledge that defining expectations and mastering the emotional realm is impossible.

The new emotions introduced each have charm: Envy and Ennui are voiced delightfully, but the ever-reliable Joy and the scene-stealing Anxiety carry "Inside Out 2." Anxiety, the emotion most familiar to our grown-up selves, feels tailor-made for Maya's voice, her rapid speech and earnest obsession hard to ignore. Anxiety often aims to improve situations or at least avoid harm. Still, it erodes confidence, making us doubt our capabilities as we strive for perfection.

The film's most pivotal scene occurs within a vortex of Anxiety's meltdown, where a single tear from her eye evokes a desire to hug her—and ourselves. Anxiety is an unstoppable force, escalating because it cannot resolve itself. Yet, it is a shield against facing our inner fears and sorrows. But a life of relentless anxiety is exhausting and isolating. In this moment, Joy's advice to her—"let go"—becomes crucial.

Initially, I was disappointed by this crucial line, expecting something more profound from Joy. But after a night's rest and a second viewing, I realized it was the best advice. Anxiety yearns for improvement, but as adults, we know life doesn't always go smoothly, often beyond our control. Joy's unwavering optimism would only be self-deception and stubbornness. True transcendence comes from releasing excessive anxiety, stepping back, and accepting our limitations—recognizing that sometimes anxiety is inevitable and necessary. This acceptance leads to a higher level of peace and joy.

"Inside Out 2," like its predecessor, upholds Pixar's tradition of resisting purely positive narratives, making it even more remarkable within the Disney umbrella. It remains a story for all ages, combining intellect and adventure. The evolving perspectives of the "main characters"—We don't get to decide who Riley is—also resonate with the parents in the audience.