Review of Inside Out by Ananya Swaminathan

Review of “Inside Out”

Eleven-year-old Riley has it all: loving parents, an awesome best friend, and a supportive hockey team. When her father receives a job offer in San Francisco, Riley is forced to leave behind her happy life in Minnesota and embrace a new home, despite the fact it is nothing like she hoped it would be. In the headquarters of her mind, Riley’s emotions (Joy, Sadness, Fear, Anger, and Disgust) attempt to help her cope with the move, each in his/her own way. Eventually, Joy manages to regain control of Riley’s mind, and all seems well, except for Sadness’s occasional need to touch happy memories. During a disastrous first day of school, however, Joy and Sadness are accidentally transported out of headquarters to long-term memory. Left to Anger, Disgust, and Fear, Riley quickly develops a pessimistic outlook on her situation, causing her to make a series of bad decisions. Joy and Sadness must find their way back to headquarters before Riley’s personality completely falls apart.

“Inside Out” is an outstanding movie that explores the mind and delivers some thought-provoking messages. It manages to present concepts such as dreams, abstract thought, and the subconscious in a way that appeals to all audiences. (The abstract thought scene was my personal favorite.) Additionally, most teenagers will probably be able to relate to the movie. “Inside Out”, like most Pixar movies, appeals to the audience’s emotions; it has humorous moments, but it’s the more poignant, tear-jerking scenes that make the movie as brilliant as it is. There are, however, a few minor flaws; for instance, Disgust and Fear are not as developed as Joy, Sadness, and Anger. (Also, why is Riley the only character who has emotions of different genders?) These flaws, although rather annoying, barely detract from the movie’s powerful moments and messages that deal with loss, sadness, and growing up. Overall, “Inside Out” is an enjoyable movie for all ages that encourages people not only to consider others’ emotions but also to understand and connect with their own.

~Ananya Swaminathan