Inside Out 2

Prior to Pixar’s announcement on how they’re shifting creatively to more sequels instead of original stories, it was safe to say I wasn’t sure how to feel about a follow up to what I believe to be Pixar’s magnum opus, thus the news of Pixar’s new strategy made me very apprehensive that this would simply be the first of many cash grabs. It delights me beyond belief that this was anything but that.

Part of the reason I adore the first instalment is for how densely creative the world of Inside Out is. It’s way of creating such neurologically complex ideas and boiling them down into easy to understand, and more importantly fun, creative imaginings is so brilliant. This film just adds onto the creativity of this world in such unique ways. The new emotions are simply phenomenal. Each given their time to shine. Particularly loved Maya Hawke as Anxiety, a truly inspired casting choice, Ayo was also so good as Envy.

Not only does this film add lore to its world through the different emotions but also through various parts of the brain we’d never explored before. The vault was such a fascinating idea - as many have said Riley’s deep dark secret is obviously that’s she’s a lesbian - and the idea of the back of brain being these forced forgotten memories was so genius. What really stood out was the idea of a sense of self. Granted the film follows an extremely similar path to the first and the resolution is almost the reverse of the first film but ending on a similar message. However, I think it justified its existence as it was different enough. The idea that we can’t just pick and choose who we are, all of our memories and events that happen to us are vital in making who we are. It’s an extremely adult idea packaged in a way for everyone to enjoy - classic Pixar.

I think what really blew me away though is just how funny this film is. The screenplay is so witty, and I really was throw off by it being so funny. The first film I always view as deeply emotional, and while this had its moments - “What if this is just what happens when you get older, you feel less joy.” hit fucking deep - it’s far more comedic and it’s thanks to both its script and the brilliant voice acting across the board. Was really wholesome to be in a screen of adults all laughing. 

I honestly think its such a wonderful idea that this film also explores that the emotions themselves are allowed complexity it just adds to the genius of the characters, Joy and Anger have a really beautiful exchange that highlights the emotional nuance which this film is aiming for.

The news stories have been everywhere about how well this has done financially, and I really hope Pixar doesn’t take the wrong lessons away from this, it’s resonating with people because they put story first not simply because it’s a sequel.