🎬 Inside Out 2 – A Movie That Understood Me When I Couldn't Understand Myself

 By P. Vaishnavi

                                                     

I'll be honest — I walked into Inside Out 2 expecting a fun, animated escape. What I didn't expect was to feel... seen.

These past few months, my usually sunny, glass-half-full self has felt more like glass-all-over-the-floor. Life's been a little heavier. Little things don’t feel so little anymore, and the voice in my head that once cheered me on has been quieter, overpowered by doubt and overthinking.

Then came Inside Out 2.

Pixar once again takes us into Riley’s mind — except now, she’s 13, and just like me, figuring out who she’s becoming. Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust are still there, but they’re joined by Anxiety, Envy, Embarrassment, and Ennui (yes, that last one totally reminded me of my current relationship with my phone and bed).

What struck me most wasn’t just the animation or clever metaphors — it was how deeply real it all felt. Anxiety wasn’t some villain, she was trying to protect Riley — like how my own anxious thoughts try to prepare me for the worst, even when I just want peace.

There’s a moment  where Riley starts to lose her sense of who she is — and I felt that. I think a lot of us do, especially when things aren’t going perfectly. That tug between the person we want to be and the fear of not being enough? Inside Out 2 captures it so beautifully.

But here’s the thing: the movie didn’t leave me feeling more lost. It reminded me that every emotion has its place, even the ones that feel uncomfortable. Sometimes, letting sadness sit beside you is what makes room for joy to come back.

As I finish movie, I didn’t feel “fixed” — but I felt understood. And when life feels confusing and overwhelming, that matters more than we realize.

So, if you're someone like me — usually upbeat, but currently in a weird, foggy space — I highly recommend watching Inside Out 2. It’s not just a movie. It’s a hug in the form of animation. 💛

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