I recently watched Inside Out 2 on its opening night with my daughter, who is almost 18, and I’m so glad we did. Having a keen interest in all things related to teenagers, I had eagerly anticipated this film since its announcement. For those wondering where to watch Inside Out 2, it’s currently showing in cinemas worldwide, offering a fantastic family outing opportunity.
If you loved the original Inside Out, you’ll remember Riley, the central character, and the personified emotions living in her brain: Joy, Fear, Sadness, Disgust, and Anger. These emotions worked together to guide and protect Riley as she navigated childhood.
In Inside Out 2, these core emotions return, but Riley’s world is turned upside down by the arrival of puberty. The “puberty alarm” triggers a chaotic renovation in brain headquarters, introducing a wave of new emotions just as Riley prepares to attend an important ice hockey camp with her best friends.
Puberty Hits Riley: A Teen Brain Under Construction
Almost overnight, Riley transitions from a pre-teen to a hypersensitive and emotionally complex teenager. This rapid shift is something many parents of teens, and teens themselves, will instantly recognize. Inside Out 2 brilliantly captures this tumultuous period of adolescence.
Throughout the film, Riley’s brain headquarters is in a state of hilarious disarray. Joy, Fear, Sadness, Disgust, and Anger find themselves competing for control with the new emotions: Envy, Embarrassment, Anxiety, and the hilariously relatable Ennui. Ennui, in particular, embodies the stereotypical bored teen, offering monosyllabic responses and constant phone distraction – a character many will find amusingly familiar.
If you are navigating the parenting journey with a teenager, seeing Inside Out 2 is highly recommended. It’s not only entertaining but also provides an insightful and accurate portrayal of the teenage mind. The film cleverly illustrates the science behind teenage behavior, highlighting the often-dramatic emotional landscape shaped by ongoing brain development during adolescence.
Inside Out 2 Nails the Nuances of the Teen Brain
In my work coaching parents of teenagers, understanding the evolving teen brain is fundamental. Inside Out 2 masterfully translates the complexities of brain development, learning, attachment, and social connections into a 96-minute narrative. The film follows Riley’s week at ice hockey camp as her emotions, each believing they are acting in her best interest, clash and create internal conflict.
Like many teenagers, Riley makes choices driven by immediate emotional needs, sometimes conflicting with her values or long-term goals. Inside Out 2 offers viewers a unique “inside out” perspective on the emotional turmoil that drives these behaviors, providing a window into the often-confusing world of teenage decision-making.
If you’ve ever looked at your teen and wondered, “What were you thinking?” then go watch Inside Out 2. While your teen might struggle to articulate their internal processes, Disney Pixar offers a wonderfully insightful and entertaining explanation. Check your local cinema listings to find out where to watch Inside Out 2 and prepare for a movie experience that is both enjoyable and enlightening for the whole family.
