Reflections on Inside Out 2

Navigating the Emotional Storm of Adolescence

The sequel to Inside Out brings back our familiar emotional cast—joy, sadness, anger, disgust, and fear—while introducing some new emotions as Riley enters the chaotic world of puberty.

The Transition to Adolescence

In the movie, adolescence is humorously depicted as a demolition crew. While that metaphor captures the unpredictable shifts during puberty, it's important to remember that adolescence doesn’t completely dismantle the emotional structures of childhood. Instead, it adds layers of complexity, shaping how teens experience emotions.

New Emotions: Anxiety, Embarrassment, Envy, and Ennui

Riley’s new emotional companions—anxiety, embarrassment, envy, and ennui—take centre stage, each adding a new dimension to her inner world. We also get a hint of nostalgia, though it's not yet ready for the spotlight.

Anxiety

Anxiety steps in as a significant character, acting as a counterpart to fear. In the movie, anxiety is portrayed as focusing on unseen dangers and potential failures, aiming to steer Riley toward success. While some emotion experts might not view anxiety as separate from fear, the movie's portrayal highlights its relevance in today’s context, especially with rising anxiety levels in teenagers. It taps into the modern adolescent experience, showing the pressure of fitting in, not just in face-to-face interactions but also in the online world.

Embarrassment

Embarrassment plays its part in Riley’s heightened self-consciousness, a hallmark of adolescence. As social expectations grow more complex, embarrassment helps Riley navigate the tricky process of fitting in. What’s interesting is how this emotion also shows a degree of empathy, as it’s closely tied to how others perceive us. It’s not quite the same as scientific empathy, but embarrassment does seem to “get” the other emotions more than most.

Envy

Envy adds its own twist, fueling Riley’s desire to measure herself against others. In the movie, envy and contempt are linked, with envy leading to upward comparisons—seeing others as better—and contempt fostering a sense of superiority. These comparisons are often exacerbated by social media, where teens constantly gauge themselves against both friends and strangers.

Ennui

Ennui, though not always recognized as a distinct emotion, provides humour and depth in the film. It embodies that all-too-familiar teenage attitude of boredom and indifference, often frustrating to parents but relatable for teens. Ennui pairs well with contempt, giving that typical “I can’t be bothered” vibe that many teens adopt when navigating their growing sense of independence.

Sense of Self

The movie delves into Riley’s evolving sense of self, which mirrors the complex identity formation that comes with adolescence. Much like the first film, we see Joy trying to curate Riley’s identity with only the “good” memories, while Anxiety steps in to present a more socially acceptable version. But both characters stumble when they try to force a singular identity. Ultimately, the film reminds us that every aspect of ourselves, from the charming to the awkward, forms a complete and ever-evolving picture of who we are.

Looking Ahead

While Inside Out 2 provided a lot of insight, I can’t help but wonder if a future instalment might explore compassion. Though not exactly an emotion, compassion is key to embracing all our emotions. It helps us approach our feelings with kindness, whether we're dealing with stress, sadness, or overwhelm. Tools like compassion hypnotherapy practice can be a game changer for emotional resilience, allowing us to show ourselves the same care we offer others.

Overall, Inside Out 2 was a delight to watch and offered much to reflect on. If you know any parents of teenagers who would find this useful please forward it on or suggest they subscribe to my newsletter.

I offer therapy to teenagers if anyone you know is struggling, get in touch.

Thanks

Michael