There has been much recent discussion about sequels being made to grow up with their original audience. Inside Out 2 fits this observation well, not only because Riley, the main character of the original movie, has become a teenager but also because her emotions have developed and grown.
Just as the audience of the original movie has matured, Riley is no longer a child and is setting off in the movie to prepare for her life’s next chapter in high school.
Inside Out 2 starts off with Riley playing in a hockey championship game with her two new, best friends, who are introduced to us by Joy and the other emotions.
The audience is shown a montage of Riley’s memories, complete with a monologue by her emotions on her growing and how she’s begun to learn more about herself and become her own person.
This introduction is what the movie is all about: growing up, experiencing emotional and physical changes, and trying to find who you are, even when change is scary. Shortly after teenage Riley’s introduction, she makes an error in the game and is put in the box for a short penalty timeout.
This is the first moment in the film where Riley appears to feel something more complex than joy, sadness, anger, disgust, or fear. So, when her mind shuts off that night, the puberty alarm rings loudly, calling forth her feelings of anxiety, embarrassment, envy, and boredom (Ennui).
For 13 years, Joy has primarily driven Riley’s mind and led the other emotions; however, Anxiety very quickly takes control when Riley's best friends tell her that they won’t be attending the same high school.
Despite all three of them going to the same hockey camp, Riley's anxiety about starting a new life alone in high school drives her to change herself quickly to adapt to the high-school hockey players who are playing with the middle schoolers at camp.
In addition, Envy takes a co-pilot role as Riley’s admiration for the star hockey player of her dream high school hockey team takes notice of her.
Pairing Anxiety and Envy together, they attempt to rewrite Riley’s sense of person to copy her older peers and become whatever they like, despite the ramifications on her mental psyche or present friendships.
Many teenagers experience anxiety when introduced to change and social situations. Pressure exists to adapt to society’s standards or fit into a clique to ensure popularity and reliable friends. The movie portrays this well with an overall lighthearted and comedic take.
With relatable storytelling, great character development, and good comedic timing, I give this movie a 9 out of 10.
It’s the perfect complement to the original film.