Inside Out (2015) Review

Inside Out is an animated movie produced by Pixar Animation Studios and directed by Pete Docter, which was released in 2015. The film portrays a young girl named Riley and the personified emotions inside her mind. The movie is an excellent example of how animation can be used to depict complex emotions and mental states in a way that is understandable and relatable for audiences of all ages.

The plot of the movie revolves around Riley, who is uprooted from her home in the Midwest and moves to San Francisco with her parents. The emotions in her head, Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust, take turns controlling her actions and reactions as she navigates the challenges of starting a new life in a new place. The story is told from the perspective of the emotions themselves, who are depicted as physical beings living inside Riley's head and controlling her thoughts and actions.

One of the most impressive aspects of the film is the way it portrays complex emotions and mental states in a way that is easy to understand and relate to. The five emotions are all given distinct personalities and motivations, making them relatable and memorable characters in their own right. Joy, for example, is depicted as a bubbly and optimistic character who is always trying to keep Riley happy, while Sadness is portrayed as a melancholy character who is initially seen as a nuisance but ultimately proves to be essential to Riley's emotional development.

The movie's central message is the importance of embracing and accepting all of our emotions, even the negative ones. In one of the film's most memorable scenes, Joy tries to keep Sadness away from the control panel in Riley's mind, fearing that her sadness will only cause more problems. However, it is only when Joy and Sadness work together that they are able to help Riley process her emotions and come to terms with the challenges she is facing. This message is a valuable one for people of all ages, as it encourages us to acknowledge and accept all of our emotions, even the ones that are uncomfortable or difficult to deal with.

Another standout aspect of the film is the way it portrays the workings of the human mind. The movie takes us on a journey through the various regions of Riley's brain, including her long-term memory, imagination, and subconscious. The filmmakers use vivid and colorful animation to bring these regions to life, with each area having its own unique visual style and tone. For example, Riley's long-term memory is depicted as a vast library filled with shelves and shelves of memories, while her imagination is portrayed as a carnival filled with whimsical creatures and rides.

The film also explores the concept of core memories, which are the moments in our lives that shape our personalities and values. The five emotions are responsible for creating and storing these core memories, which are represented as glowing orbs of light. As the story progresses, the importance of these core memories becomes clear, as they are what ultimately drive Riley's emotional development and help her to navigate the challenges of growing up.

In addition to its strong storytelling and visual style, Inside Out also features an impressive voice cast, including Amy Poehler as Joy, Phyllis Smith as Sadness, Bill Hader as Fear, Lewis Black as Anger, and Mindy Kaling as Disgust. Each actor brings a unique personality and energy to their role, making the emotions feel like real, fully realized characters.

One of the most powerful aspects of the film is its ability to resonate with audiences of all ages. Children will be drawn in by the colorful animation and relatable characters, while adults will appreciate the film's nuanced exploration of complex emotions and mental states. The film's central message of embracing all of our emotions is a valuable one for viewers of all ages, as it encourages us to develop a more healthy and nuanced relationship.

Overall, Inside Out is a masterfully crafted animated film that explores the complexity of human emotions in a way that is both relatable and engaging for viewers of all ages. The movie's vivid animation, nuanced storytelling, and talented voice cast make it a standout entry in the Pixar canon, and its central message of accepting all of our emotions is a valuable one for people of all ages. Whether you're a child or an adult, Inside Out is a must-see film that will leave you with a deeper appreciation for the power of emotions and the workings of the human mind.