Cover A still from ‘Inside Out 2’ (Photo: courtesy of Disney Movies)
A still from ‘Inside Out 2’ (Photo: courtesy of Disney Movies)
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‘Inside Out 2’, created by Disney’s Pixar Animation Studios, has us re-examining the ways we navigate our emotional lives
An animated film that doubles up as an accurate portrayal of human emotions, Disney’s Pixar Animation Studios’ Inside Out charmed adults and kids alike with its splendid exploration of the human psyche when it was released in 2015. Now nine years later, Pixar—and Disney—is back with Inside Out 2, which has been making waves worldwide for its introduction of new emotions such as Anxiety, Envy, Embarrassment, Ennui and Nostalgia.
This sequel picks up from the point in time when its protagonist Riley—inside whose mind these emotions play out—is on the cusp of discovering new emotions as she enters high school. It delves deeper into the complexities of human emotions and resonates with audiences of all ages. Here are five powerful lessons from the movie that can help us navigate our emotional landscapes.
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Every emotion has a purpose, even the bad ones
One of the most compelling takeaways of Inside Out 2 is that every emotion plays a crucial role in our lives, including those often conventionally perceived as negative. For starters, anxiety means so much more than pent-up stress or misgivings. It can be channelled into a force that gets us out of bed and prompts us to start tackling our lives. By recognising the purpose of each emotion, we can better examine our responses and understand where people are coming from. This change of perspective encourages us to take stock of our full emotional range rather than suppressing and shunning emotions that have been socially conditioned as bad or negative, for they too have a purpose to serve.
Self-compassion is the best gift we can give ourselves
Riley learns the power of wielding self-compassion in the face of difficult, lesser-acknowledged emotions. If there is anything Inside Out 2 does best, beautifully illustrating self-compassion as an essential tool for building emotional resilience is easily one of them. The film makes a resounding case for treating ourselves with the same kindness we would offer to our loved ones, it also goes on to show that we can navigate emotional tumults with much finesse if we set aside our disposition to judge or project self-limiting beliefs onto ourselves.
It’s okay to not be okay all the time
The film presents the idea that mistakes and flaws are not just acceptable but are integral to the human experience, as they are indicative of room for improvement. In pursuit of excellence, we often forget that aiming for perfection is an unattainable ideal that can backfire on us in the form of immense stress and dissatisfaction. The film encourages us to view our imperfections as opportunities for growth and learning. Essentially, it vouches for a realistic view of what perfection looks like.
We are a tapestry of virtues and flaws
Each of Riley’s emotions is portrayed as a complex blend of strengths and weaknesses, emphasising that this intricacy is what makes us unique and human. By recognising our full range of qualities and not resorting to self-sabotaging, we develop greater self-acceptance and empathy. This understanding also goes for our relationships, as we learn to appreciate the multifaceted nature of ourselves and those around us. The film suggests that embracing our whole selves—the good, the bad and the ugly—can lead to a richer and more authentic life.
Emotional growth comes from new experiences and perspectives
Diving headfirst into new experiences and perspectives takes centre stage in Riley’s life trajectory in Inside Out 2. The film shows that stepping out of our comfort zones is crucial for personal development. Riley’s journey through adolescence is sprinkled with new experiences—trying out for a new hockey team and making new friends—that challenge her existing beliefs and expand her understanding of the world. By being open to change and diversity, we can cultivate a more empathetic and adaptable mindset which helps bring out our best versions of ourselves. This lesson is particularly relevant today, where the ability to understand, tolerate and appreciate diverse perspectives is more important than ever.
