It’s not unusual for Pixar movies to carry deep emotional themes. Up, for example, was a story about moving on from loss. Wall-E presented a future Earth covered in layers of junk — a clear message about the state of American consumerism. The Toy Story films included touching thoughts about growing up.
This mixture of thoughtful messaging and imaginative storytelling is what’s made many of Pixar’s films into modern classics. But the studio’s latest release, Inside Out, may include its most poignant theme yet: the complex emotional workings and unique roles of each and every human being.
Inside Out is a film that allows viewers to literally go inside the heads of its characters, and understand why they think the way they do. It’s a clever “what if” exercise, but also an opportunity to deeply explore the specific memories, assemblages of emotions, and detailed thoughts that make us special.
The film takes us inside the head of Riley, an 11-year-old girl. Riley’s mind (and all of our minds, we’re told) is governed by a team of anthropomorphized emotions, the literal voices in her head. The leader of the group is Joy (Amy Poehler), who’s responsible for controlling Riley’s happiness. Also on deck are Fear (Bill Hader), Anger (Lewis Black), Disgust (Mindy Kaling), and Sadness (Phyllis Smith).
For most of Riley’s life, Joy has kept her bright and happy, but things get difficult when Riley’s family moves. The ensuing uproar sweeps both Joy and Sadness, Joy’s natural adversary, to the far corner of Riley’s mind. The two have to learn to work together to restore order, and Riley’s personality.
Inside Out is wonderfully creative when it comes to exploring the recesses of Riley’s mind. Her dreams are created by Dream Production, which operates like a film studio. Imagination Land includes a French fry forest, and Riley’s subconscious fears are stored behind a locked gate, in a spooky dark jungle.
But adventures and clever jokes aside, Inside Out has much to say about the way we interact with other people, and the strengths others can offer. After years of happy stability, Riley’s emotions must figure out what role each of them plays as Riley comes to grips with the disappointment of her family’s move. For example, Sadness — long suppressed by the effusive but bossy Joy — discovers she isn’t just negativity and depression. She also houses the capacity for sympathy, grief, and nostalgia, bringing a needed depth and perspective to Riley’s memories.
By exploring the emotions of one character, and applying it to all of its characters (the film takes detours into the minds of Riley’s mother, father, teacher, and even a neighborhood dog), Inside Out makes a valuable point. If we each have such intricate thought processes and emotions within us, it’s important that we recognize those same fragile balances in others, especially those who are different from us.
Inside Out doesn’t go into overtly religious territory, but its central themes reflect the individual dignity that we as Christians are called to respect in each of our brothers and sisters, regardless of income level, race, or gender. The film reminds us that nobody can be easily judged or cast aside. Just because we can’t hear the voices in someone else’s head doesn’t mean they aren’t just as valuable as our own.
Discussion questions:
1) In the film, we’re told that Riley’s “Key Memories” are ones that have the most impact on her personality. What are some key memories in your own life that have helped create your personality or worldview?
2) What does Inside Out have to say about the role of family in shaping our personalities? Do you agree or disagree with the position it takes?
3) To what extent do you think Riley is governed by her emotions, and how much is she controlling them? What does that balance say about the way we interact with our own emotions?
4) Do you think the movie is an “accurate” (or emotionally authentic) depiction of what it feels like to grow up? Why or why not?
5) How does the film explain the ways we misunderstand each other? How does it show the ways in which we can connect?
Abby Olcese is a freelance film critic and writer based in Missouri. You can find her on Twitter @abbyolcese.
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