Just as with the 2015 original, Inside Out 2 really knows how to pack a punch emotionally.
Pixar proves that a sequel can be just as great and emotionally powerful as the original with Inside Out 2 which brings the laughs and yes the tears (you would have to have a heart of stone not to be moved by the ending) in a thoughtful way.
While the original saw Riley (whose mind and emotions we delve deep into) adjusting to a house move and new life, here she faces a bigger challenge as she turns 13 and having to deal with puberty. This means that headquarters normally run by Joy is now being taken over by a new emotion: Anxiety who has help in the form of Embarassment, Envy and Ennui to suppress Joy as apparently her, Anger, Fear, Disgust and Sadness aren’t sophisticated enough for the quickly growing Riley. From here, the film heads in to familiar territory as they journey through hinterlands of Riley’s mind while learning a lesson in painful memories.
The whole film fizzes with energy and director Kelsey Mann ensures there is plenty of warmth to it but it also feels more grown up – with even adult members of the audience being able to take something away from it in terms of coping with the pressures of life.
The scene in which Riley pushes herself so hard to be part of the winning hockey team is heartbreaking to witness as is seeing the internal turmoil portrayed through Anxiety frozen with terror, inside a dense, fluorescent-orange forest of looping thoughts. It is emotionally powerful. It shows us all the damage that can be caused by putting ourselves under too much pressure and the impact it makes on our decision making.
What also works about this film is the way it sensitively deals with ideas of being true to ourselves and peer pressure without coming across heavy handed, providing great comfort to those who have ever felt like Riley.
As always, the attention to detail in the animation and the vibrancy of the colours is mesmerising to watch while the cast provide plenty of fun with their characterisations that keep the audience enthralled – although it would have been nice for the newer emotions to be more integrated into the story.
There is enough here to charm and comfort, making it a great sequel for all ages to enjoy and take something away from.
By Emma Clarendon
Inside Out is available to watch now on Disney Plus.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐