‘Inside Out 2’ Review: Pixar Crafts a Brilliant, Emotional Sequel

Pixar has a knack for bringing inanimate objects to life: they gave toys feelings in Toy Story and cars feelings in Cars. With Inside Out, they took their creativity a step further by giving emotions their own personalities and feelings, resulting in Inside Out 2 being one of their best in recent years.

Pixar’s relationship with the box office has been an emotional rollercoaster since the start of the pandemic. Films like Turning Red were released exclusively on Disney+ with no theatrical release, while Lightyear underperformed taking just $226 million. However, none have had as significant an impact as Inside Out. Beloved by audiences worldwide, including my own child, her excitement for its sequel has been shared by families worldwide, and this enthusiasm was reflected in its record-breaking $295 million opening weekend, making it clear that Inside Out remains a Pixar favorite.

Inside Out 2 continues to follow Riley, now 13 years old (played by Kensington Tallman replacing Kaitlyn Dias), she is thriving in her new life in the Bay Area. Along with her close friends Bree (Sumayyah Nuriddin-Green) and Grace (Grace Lu), they share a passion for ice hockey, and together they head off to Hockey camp.

Riley’s emotions, working together to guide her through life, are once again brought to life by Joy (Amy Poehler), Anger (Lewis Black), Fear (Tony Hale, stepping in for Bill Hader), Disgust (Liza Lapira, replacing Mindy Kaling), and of course Sadness (Phyllis Smith).

Puberty has hit, introducing Riley to a host of new, more complex emotions: Anxiety (Maya Hawke), Envy (Ayo Edebiri), Ennui (Adèle Exarchopoulos), and Embarrassment (Paul Walter Hauser). As Riley faces the dilemma of choosing between her old friends and the allure of the cool crowd, her childhood emotions are cast aside to become ‘suppressed emotions.’ Anxiety steps up to lead this new team, desperately trying to mold Riley into someone prepared for the challenges of high school.

Inside Out 2 marks a triumphant return for Pixar, nailing what the studio does best: blending perspectives that captivate both kids and adults.

With Anxiety taking the lead, constantly anticipating every potential scenario, Riley’s identity starts to shift. In her efforts to impress the older kids, she gradually transforms into someone unrecognizable to her friends—and ultimately, to herself.

Inside Out 2 marks a triumphant return for Pixar, nailing what the studio does best: blending perspectives that captivate both kids and adults. Under the guidance of new director Kelsey Mann, and with a script crafted by Inside Out writer Meg LeFauve alongside Dave Holstein, the film maintains a tonal continuity with Pete Docter’s original storytelling, adeptly building on the foundation laid by Docter.

Inside Out 2 perfectly captures the tumultuous emotional shifts of early adolescence, through a chaotic dynamic of nine characters trying to guide Riley, all engaged in a war over Riley’s Sense of Self. The heart of the film revolves around Anxiety who, despite her good intentions, often worries herself into trouble. Alongside Joy, she becomes a central figure in this worthy sequel’s emotional journey.

Inside Out 2 is now playing in cinemas worldwide.

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Facebook Instagram Twitter(X) YouTube TikTok