As someone who has struggled with anxiety for most of my life, I can wholeheartedly relate to the character of Anxiety from Inside Out 2. The sequence where she turns into a tornado of hyperactive energy was a stark reminder of times when I’ve made situations worse by refusing help due to my own anxiety. It’s a feeling that’s both relatable and a little embarrassing to admit, but it’s important to remember we’re not alone in our struggles.
Caution Ahead! This write-up may reveal plot details from the upcoming Inside Out 2. If you haven’t seen the film yet, consider streaming it on Disney+ first, or approach with great care.
Upon learning that Anxiety played a significant role in Inside Out, I couldn’t help but suspect that this film would not only be among Pixar’s finest productions yet, but also a deeply moving experience for someone like myself who grapples with mental health issues daily. Admittedly, as I eagerly anticipated seeing the 2024 movie in cinemas, I harbored some concerns about how it might impact me emotionally.
Unbeknownst to me, when I accompanied my family for our last day of vacation to watch Inside Out 2, little did I suspect that I was in store for a deeply moving and memorable cinematic journey. Now, with the film gracing Disney+, I felt compelled to share my emotional ride with those yet to experience it.
How Inside Out 2 Handles Anxiety (The Emotion, Not Just The Character) Is Admirable To Say The Least
In contrast to typical Pixar films, Inside Out 2 lacks a traditional villain, which lends itself to several compelling aspects. Firstly, this structure allows for a deeper exploration of Maya Hawke’s character, revealing her intricate complexity beyond the stereotypical antagonist role. Secondly, it offers an insightful portrayal of anxiety as a mental illness, demonstrating that it’s not inherently evil but can become detrimental when left unmanaged.
As I watched the movie, I was truly impressed by the subtlety of Meg LeFauve and Dave Holstein’s script, masterfully brought to life by director Kelsey Mann with a gentle hand. The film beautifully captured both the positive and negative aspects of anxiety, without resorting to oversimplifications like “anxiety is crazy.” Instead, it subtly communicated that there was something significant happening and encouraged us to engage in open discussion about it. Indeed, this approach was commendable, to put it mildly.
I Kept Looking At All The Times I’ve Allowed My Self-Destructive Anxiety To Get The Best Of Me
There’s nothing wrong with enjoying films at home, but there’s something truly captivating about watching a movie on a colossal screen in a dimly lit theater, especially when it comes to a film as profound as “Inside Out 2“. In the cinema, you’re free from distractions like ringing phones, constant dog barks, and the hustle and bustle of a busy home. This allows for an uninterrupted experience with just the movie and your thoughts, which felt entirely fitting given its depth and introspective nature.
Watching the movie, it resonated deeply with me as I found myself reflecting on how much Riley’s life mirrored my own struggles with anxiety. Just like Anxiety wreaked havoc in her life by impulsively making decisions to improve her situation, I too have let my self-destructive anxiety take control. I know many others can relate, but this part of the story spoke directly to me.
Nevertheless, I managed to keep those thoughts, recollections, and emotions from overwhelming me on this occasion. The unfolding tale of Riley’s (and Anxiety and Joy’s) experiences brought me a touch of unexpected comfort.
I Relate To Anxiety, Specifically Her Failed Attempts To Fix Problems On Her Own
For quite some time, films have been truthful about mental illness, and among these recent ones, Inside Out 2 stands out as particularly authentic. I find Anxiety to be one of the most relatable Pixar characters in a while, at least from my perspective. Throughout the movie, she is wonderfully portrayed and brings a unique depth to the franchise. However, there’s one specific scene that I frequently revisit, and that’s the part where she transforms into a whirlwind of excessive and overly anxious energy in the form of a literal tornado.
It was incredibly understandable how Anxiety seemed to spin out of control and worsen the situation in the story, as she pushed away or isolated other emotions trying to help solve the problem. Remarkably, there have been numerous instances in my life where I’ve unintentionally made a bad situation worse due to anxiety about seeking assistance. In those moments, my anxiety constructs a barrier around me, leading me to believe it is safeguarding me, but ultimately, it ends up making things significantly more complicated.
Inside Out 2 Sort Of Normalizes Anxiety, But In Moderation, And That’s Awesome
Similar to how the finale of Inside Out demonstrated that various emotions, including sadness, play crucial roles in our everyday lives, Inside Out 2 suggests that anxiety, while important, should be kept under control to avoid overwhelming us. Without diverting your attention to Thanos, it’s worth noting that the Mad Titan’s quote from Avengers: Infinity War, “perfectly balanced, as all things should be,” resonates with this 2024 Disney film, particularly when considering the delicate balance of emotions portrayed in it.
Maintaining a harmonious mix of feelings such as Anxiety, Melancholy, Happiness, and Apathy contributes significantly to shaping Riley into a typical, lively, and somewhat emotionally resilient teenager on the verge of high school. Moreover, such a message, which normalizes anxiety rather than labeling it negatively, is something truly remarkable that we can all appreciate.
Inside Out 2 Was A Great Healing Experience, And A Tremendous Help
Even though I’m keeping all my scheduled therapy sessions, watching “Inside Out 2” served as an extraordinary healing journey for me, particularly when managing anxiety. The animated film offered a profound emotional release as it delved into the role of emotions in shaping our lives. This cathartic experience not only deepened my comprehension of personal mental health issues but also reassured me that I’m not isolated in dealing with these challenges.
It’s awesome to see a film that fearlessly addresses topics such as anxiety in a relatable and non-condescending manner, which is particularly beneficial for younger viewers who may resonate with the character of Riley. Kudos to Pixar and Disney for facilitating such an impactful production.
I’m guessing that viewing “Inside Out 2” may have had a similar effect on your perspective towards anxiety (or other mental health matters) as it did for many people. As for “Inside Out 3”, not much information is available yet, but there’s a promising Disney+ series from Dream Productions to anticipate before the 2024 TV lineup concludes.
Stream Inside Out 2 on Disney+.
Read More
Sorry. No data so far.
2024-10-05 18:07