As we grow older, so does Riley from Inside Out. We were captivated by her journey in the first movie, and the excitement only grew when Inside Out 2 was released, with Riley now officially a teenager. This new movie introduces four additional emotions to the original lineup of Joy, Sadness, Disgust, Anger, and Fear.
The new emotions are aptly named Anxiety, Ennui, Envy, and Embarrassment, adding more depth and complexity to Riley’s emotional journey.
Here’s a short introduction of the new characters for those who have not yet caught the movie:
Anxiety
At the start of the movie, Anxiety is portrayed as a villain, initially wanting to help Riley improve her ice hockey skills by pushing her relentlessly. However, this leads to Riley feeling overwhelmed and not good enough, culminating in an anxiety attack.
However, Anxiety is not truly a villain; she was merely trying to help Riley improve and plan for the future. This is relatable because in our own lives, anxiety can serve as a motivator to push us towards improvement. However, when anxiety becomes excessive, it can overwhelm us, leading to a loss of control—a feeling many teenagers experience today.
Ennui
Ennui (a feeling that combines tiredness and boredom) hits hard, especially evident when she panicked upon losing her cellphone. Ennui embodies a cold and aloof emotion that resonates with many of us today.
It reflects a preference for solitude and phone use over social interaction, a sentiment that many teenagers can relate to all too well.
Envy
Envy is portrayed as a little girl who’s constantly jealous, especially of others’ appearances. Throughout the movie, she predominantly follows alongside Anxiety.
As we mature and become more aware of the differences between ourselves and others, especially with the influence of social media, envy inevitably becomes more common. It’s natural to feel that the grass is always greener on the other side and desire to emulate others.
Embarrassment
Embarrassment is a character in the movie who rarely speaks and often blushes, preferring to hide in his hoodie. We often fear appearing awkward or behaving strangely in front of others when we grow older, which can lead to feelings of embarrassment.
Bonus: Nostalgia
Nostalgia makes only a few appearances in the movie as an elderly lady who emerges when Riley recalls memories. This symbolises Riley’s journey into adulthood and the onset of nostalgia for her past experiences.
Riley’s emotional journey mirrors the experiences we go through as teenagers, making it truly rewarding to see these feelings brought to life on screen in Inside Out 2. Catch it now in cinemas before its gone!
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