One of the (not-super-serious) things that bummed me out during Covid was not going to the movies. Fast-forward to this past weekend and our first attempt to see Inside Out 2 was sold out! Sold out, friends! People are going to the movies again, hallelujah!
Later that day, we got in. As a therapist, I’m sure no one is shocked to know the original Inside Out is one of my all-time favorite movies (whispers: that perhaps should be required viewing for all humans who interact with other humans). But, with that level of endorsement and personal affection, I was eyeing the sequel with hesitation. “Please, don’t mess it up. Please don’t mess it up.”
Spoiler Alert: They didn’t.
Additional Spoiler Alert: There are a lot of spoilers below. Read at your own discretion.
Inside Out 2: My Mom/Therapist Thoughts & Discussion Questions
There are several ways IO2 built well upon the original, here are just a few:
- It expanded the number of emotions. Emotional intelligence (EQ) is a person’s ability to understand and manage their emotions and recognize those of others. One helpful way to increase someone’s EQ is to expand their “emotional vocabulary” from basic emotions such as happy, sad, and mad to include more nuanced emotional experiences. The addition of Anxiety, Envy, Ennui (“it’s what you would call the boredom”), and Embarrassment did just that.
- It highlighted the purpose behind emotions. One of the difficult traps we sometimes fall into is labeling emotions “good” or “bad” when emotions just are. The original did this beautifully through the tension between Joy and Sadness and the sequel did the same, particularly through Anxiety.
Basic survival (physical, social, etc.) is a core motivation. Our emotions serve to protect us but, sometimes they go too far. The movie does a stellar job of honoring Anxiety while learning to help her cope. - All experiences help shape who we are. Whew, did I love this one and, I wish they would have spelled it out even more clearly. Early in the movie, Joy starts pitching any uncomfortable memories to “the back of the brain.” Because of this, Riley’s self-concept is only shaped by her positive experiences.
A person shaped only by affirmation is often fragile, and more easily shattered than those willing to learn from trial and error, engage in challenging experiences, reflect on social miscues, etc. At the end of the movie, Riley is reshaped by the entirety of her life’s experiences, to her benefit. - Finally, a quick list of a few other things I loved:
- The cameo appearances by Nostalgia. Hilarious. My favorite emotion in the movie by far.
- When the original five emotions are “bottled” in a mason jar Fear yells, “We are suppressed emotions!”
- Anxiety takes over the imagination room, employing workers to draw “projections” of everything that could go wrong. This is exactly how anxiety functions. Also, Riley’s panic attack is an intense scene but so educational for how that can feel for someone.
- When Anxiety is learning to cope, she has a container of “Anxi Tea” by her comfy chair.
- The emotional experience of puberty, navigating friendships, staying true to who you are, and how all of that interacts with her parents.
- Highlighting that teens are still kids, we must be patient as they ebb and flow between childhood and adulthood.
- It is visually stunning.
Inside Out 2: Discussion Questions
Feel free to use the discussion questions below for your reflection or talk with your kiddos!
- What was your favorite emotion and why?
- How did you see the emotions trying to protect Riley?
- Did Riley feel any of the same emotions you feel? Which scene was it?
- What was your favorite scene?
- What was the hardest scene to watch?
- You heard some of Riley’s beliefs about herself. What would yours say?
- Can you think of an emotion that was missing? (Link to feelings wheel here for inspo).
I hope you all enjoyed this movie review and I hope you get to see and enjoy the movie! It’s a gem.
Check out more of Anne’s mental health and faith content on her blog, in her Bible studies, and through speaking engagements!
Anne Rulo 