Inside Out 2 comes at a time when Pixar seems to be struggling with its identity. What was once the premier animation company, often overshadowing even its parent company, has arguably faltered in the quality and creativity of its storytelling. Granted, many of the films released in the last four years got the short end of the stick due to poor marketing, industry strikes, and global pandemics. The results, however, seemed to suggest that Pixar had lost its spark.
Now, Inside Out 2 demonstrates that not only is the spark still alight but that light is a beacon of a more focused studio. Pixar excels most when it anthropomorphizes characters to shape the human experience. Inside Out succeeded in exploring the tribulations and excitement of growing out of childhood. However, Inside Out 2 matures along with its characters at the age when they develop their identity. Beautifully animated and honestly told, Inside Out 2 improves on nearly every aspect of its predecessor.
Two years have passed in Riley’s (Kensington Tallman) life since moving to San Francisco. Her emotions Joy (Amy Poehler), Sadness (Phyllis Smith), Anger (Lewis Black), Disgust (Liza Lapira) and Fear (Tony Hale) have struck a balance to maintain harmony. As Riley prepares to transition to high school, new emotions arrive, blindsiding Joy and the others. When the stress of change rears its head, Anxiety (Maya Hawke) steps in and takes control along with Ennui (Adele Exarchopoulos), Envy (Ayo Edebiri), and Embarrassment (Paul Walter Hauser). As Riley’s personality changes, Joy leads her other emotions on a journey to restore Riley’s core beliefs.
Stepping in for the original director (Pete Docter remains executive producer), Kelsey Mann makes his feature debut. This continues a long tradition of Pixar mining talent from within, as Mann has previously contributed to various Pixar projects for years. His direction demonstrates high competency and a clear vision. Docter had the unenviable task of building a world inside a character’s head and making it make sense. Mann takes that groundwork and runs with it, crafting a more cohesive and mature film that visually delights. The animation stands out as some of Pixar’s best, utilizing different styles and improving on the studio’s trademark textures.
The original was close to a masterpiece however a qualm that held it back was that the emotion characters, particularly Joy and Sadness, were by nature incredibly one-dimensional. This sequel corrects that, and all of Riley’s emotions have developed into fuller characteristics. They’ve changed each other, and by working together each is given a chance to exhibit tendencies of the others. Think of it like an emotional nesting doll.
This, in turn, allows the cast to give more nuanced performances. Poehler, in particular, injects a vulnerability into Joy that was hinted at in the first but more deeply explored here. Lapira and Hale step into their roles after original actors Bill Hader and Mindy Kaling declined to return and do a serviceable job of filling their shoes. However, it is newcomer Hawke who steals the show. Riding the waves of anxiety’s highs and lows, she delivers a tour de force performance.
Strong performances require strong material, and the screenplay by Meg LeFauve and Dave Holstein delivers. Developing an authentic story about the rigors of growing up is difficult, but crafting one that is emotional, funny, and imaginative takes a particular skill few possess. Much can be said about sequels that recycle material, but Inside Out 2 avoids that pitfall. Building on the original concept, LeFauve and Holstein present enough new ideas that Inside Out 2 could easily be the stepping-off point for new viewers. However, skipping the first robs the beauty of Riley’s emotional development.
Any teenager will instantly recognize the hardships she experiences and any parent will relate to the struggle of navigating their child through that time. Anyone else that doesn’t fall into either of those groups will remember going through the changes themselves or else find common ground with the turmoil anxiety plays on a daily basis. They latch onto how every decision and experience shapes who we are and how easily that balance can be disrupted. The feeling daunts, but the writers present it with humor and maturity that keep it from becoming too heavy.
Inside Out 2 holds the distinction of being one of the rare sequels that improves on nearly every aspect of the original. Gorgeous animation brings to life an imaginative world full of light and humor with more mature and developed characters than audiences have seen in the franchise before. Mann reigns in many great ideas to craft a heartfelt and authentic depiction of growing up and developing oneself. A vibrant cast brings the emotions to life in a more well-rounded manner than before. The feeling of viewing such a strong, new Pixar film is nothing but pure joy.
