The Impact of Inside Out

“I read somewhere that an empty room is an opportunity.” – Inside Out 

‘Inside Out grossed over $800 million worldwide.’ Source: Alexander Grey / Pexels. 

When you imagine films from your childhood, the ones that influenced you and brought you happiness in the form of gripping storylines and vibrancy, how many were animations? 

I suspect quite a few since, at least for me and many people I’ve spoken to, animations were introduced to create an immersive experience for kids, and taught them about things like friendship, culture, love, and being resilient in the face of adversity. 

So, when Inside Out was released, suddenly the connection between why animations were effective in helping children learn and grow, became stronger. It was a film that didn’t scrutinise but empathised instead. 

Many scrambled to see it on the big screen, because why pass up the opportunity to watch funny and relatable characters, who were also your emotions, go on an incredible journey? 

“I first watched Inside Out in the cinema with my sister and mum. I really enjoyed it because of the vibrant and cute characters,” said Evangeline. 

A fan since the beginning, Evangeline commented on multiple aspects of Inside Out that were the most impactful, like the emotions competing to create memories, the relatable ‘boy crush’, and how when its sequel was released this year, it was also special to her. 

“When Inside Out 2 came out, my sister and I went to watch it in the cinema. It was a nostalgic experience, but it also felt like a sign of growing up as the film series progressed.” 

Inside Out came to fruition after the director Pete Docter began to observe how his daughter’s personality was changing as she grew up. Throughout the filmmaking process, many psychologists and neuroscientists were brought in to ensure that the portrayal of a young girl’s mind was accurate. Because of the complexity of this film, it took years to get right, and significant changes ultimately delayed the production schedule. 

“I loved it because I thought it was the first ‘kids’ movie to show the real emotion and real struggle when it came to transitioning through the ages, especially because I was at the time going from intermediate to high school,” said Avo.  

One of the most notable aspects of Inside Out, is how it artfully opened the door to conversations between parents/guardians and children. This may have been made possible through the dynamic of Riley, the main character, and her mother and father. 

“It was really nice to see the scenes of the emotions in the parents’ heads, because at that age it was always a battle to be emotionally open with my parents,” Avo said.  

“A lot of [animations] have a really good core emotion or cause that a lot of us adults don’t get in adult-centric movies. We don’t see a lot about bringing families closer together (Encanto) or learning about and valuing your ancestry (Moana). That’s why I think access to experiences of children’s cinema is important… it reminds us of simpler times and leaves us often with a better emotional capacity after watching them.” 

‘Inside Out won Best Animated Feature at the 88th Academy Awards’. Source: Olivia Welsh / Disney+. 

While many animated flicks tend to be targeted towards a younger audience, with the bursts of colour and enjoyable nature to accommodate children, it is no secret that adults find themes and humor within them that resonate. 

Think of how Shrek can cleverly incorporate more grown-up jokes in its script, or that stories like Mulan and Coco managed to explore diversity and culture in a way that sticks with kids. 

Inside Out is no different in how it’s a 90-minute reminder of the intricacy of human emotions, especially in youth, and that we must embrace all parts of ourselves if we want to truly understand who we are, and who we want to become. 

“It was a movie like I had never seen before,” said J.G.  

“I really liked how the different ‘centres’ of Riley were portrayed. With her emotions, and memories being what powers them, making Riley who she is. It was so simple yet effective for understanding what goes on in our heads…” 

While being fun and uplifting, Inside Out is also a film that isn’t afraid to get uncomfortable and explore the emotions that some of us may deem ‘negative’ and ‘problematic’. From Inside Out, we learn that sadness, fear, anger, disgust, and joy go together.  

Featured here are parts of the Disney Pixar Inside Out Emotion Garden. Source: Jennifer Lynn on Wikimedia Commons.  

Mario Yuwono from The Hollywood Insider perfectly stated that, “[a] movie like Inside Out argues for the merits of emotional openness - in a safe and healthy manner, when things do get overwhelming. The movie shows us that embracing and accepting all of one’s emotions, and opening up, can be rewarding and satisfying in the end.” 

“It’s what makes us human.” 

Sites like Mashable, Rotoscopers, Rotten Tomatoes, and more have all contributed posts highlighting how animated films are no joke, how they deserve as much praise and creditability as any other genre - acting as the bridge between children and adults.  

I agree with a lot of the online commentary regarding this flick, as while I have only seen Inside Out once or twice myself, I can recall the exact feeling I had sitting in the cinema when I was twelve. It was the most touched I’d ever been, seeing personified emotions and the livelihood of a girl my age going through things that I could relate to.  

Sophisticated and sensitive, Inside Out remains the pillar of animated success, and a reminder to feel our feelings because they are a part of us.