Inside Out 2: A Therapist's Perspective
Recently I took my kids to see "Inside Out 2", the highly anticipated sequel to one of my favourite animated movies of all time. To be honest, I was a little nervous about how Disney would pull this off. The first movie portrayed the basic emotions so brilliantly, delving into the inner workings of the human emotions. This sequel takes a deeper dive into more of the intricacies of human emotions, introducing more complex emotional experiences that resonate with people in a very real and genuine way. I can say, I was pleasantly surprised, actually relieved, at the clever portrayal of these new characters.
One of the standouts from "Inside Out 2" for me as a therapist is its exploration of the more nuanced and multifaceted emotions that we experience in our daily lives. The movie introduces ‘new’ emotions that go beyond the basic joy, sadness, anger, fear, and disgust portrayed in the original movie. Emotions including anxiety, envy, embarrassment, ennui (boredom/tiredness) take centre stage, highlighting the intricate tapestry of feelings that make up our emotional landscape.
Anxiety
This movie beautifully captures the essence of anxiety, shedding light on the internal struggles people face when navigating this emotion. “Inside Out 2” portrays Anxiety as a jittery, overprotective character, consistently on high alert. It skillfully depicts the impact of anxiety on decision-making processes and the challenges it poses in everyday life.
In personifying Anxiety, the movie allows us to empathise with those who experience this emotion, fostering a greater level of understanding and compassion.
Envy
Envy is a complex emotion that often goes unnoticed or unacknowledged. "Inside Out 2" brings Envy to the forefront, highlighting its destructive nature and the toll it takes on people's wellbeing. Envy is portrayed as a green-eyed character, constantly comparing itself to others and feeling inadequate. By exploring Envy in such a personal way, the movie encourages us to reflect on our own experiences with this emotion and the negative impact it can have on self-esteem and relationships.
Embarrassment
Embarrassment is a universal emotion that we have all experienced at some point in our lives. I think "Inside Out 2" captures the essence of Embarrassment perfectly, portraying it as a blushing and self-conscious character. The movie explores the very real fear of judgment and the desire to fit in that so many of us experience, also highlighting the vulnerability that accompanies this emotion. By depicting Embarrassment in such a relatable way, the movie encourages us to embrace our own vulnerabilities and develop greater self-compassion.
Ennui
Ennui is a French word encapsulating both boredom and tiredness. It's a complex emotion that often goes unnoticed or dismissed. I think "Inside Out 2" takes a bold step in introducing this character, highlighting the profound impact of this mix of emotions on people's mental health and wellbeing. The movie portrays Ennui as a lethargic and disinterested character, capturing the essence of boredom and tiredness. By exploring Ennui, the movie prompts us to reflect on the importance of finding meaning and purpose in our lives, and the potential consequences of neglecting our emotional needs.
My therapist's perspective on "Inside Out 2" is that it provides an insightful look into the complexities of human emotions, presenting a rich tapestry of feelings that resonate with audiences of all ages. The movie's exploration of anxiety, embarrassment, enuui, and envy serve as an incredible reminder of the depth and diversity of our emotional experiences, encouraging us to embrace our emotions and navigate life's ups and downs with courage and authenticity.
I highly recommend "Inside Out 2" as a ‘must-watch’ for therapists and individuals regardless of age. It offers such a thought-provoking and heartwarming journey into the intricacies of the human psyche. This sequel is a testament to the power of storytelling in highlighting the complexities of our emotions and the resilience of the human spirit.
I'd love to hear your thoughts once you've seen the movie too. Please feel free to keep the conversation going.