Nine years after audiences were first introduced to the vibrant world of Riley’s emotions in Inside Out, get ready to dive back into her head in Inside Out 2. This time, Riley is navigating the turbulent waters of adolescence, and with teenage life comes a whole new set of feelings. While Joy, Sadness, Fear, Anger, and Disgust are still at Headquarters, they’re about to get some company. Inside Out 2 introduces four brand new emotions to Riley’s internal team: Anxiety, Envy, Ennui, and Embarrassment. These aren’t just minor additions; they’re shaking things up in a big way.
As Riley turns 13, these more complex emotions start to take center stage, reflecting the rollercoaster of teenage feelings. In the official trailer, Anxiety declares, “Riley’s life requires more sophisticated emotions than all of you!” And she’s not kidding. Embarrassment literally corrals the original five emotions, preventing them from interfering as Anxiety takes the reins. Joy and the original crew now face a daunting task: to reintegrate themselves into Riley’s emotional control center, which is now under the influence of Anxiety and her new companions. Let’s take a closer look at these fresh faces in Riley’s emotional landscape and understand what they bring to Inside Out 2.
Meet the New Emotions of Inside Out 2
Originally, director Kelsey Mann considered including nine new emotions, but he wisely decided to simplify, focusing on the four that best represent the teenage experience. These final four, Anxiety, Envy, Ennui, and Embarrassment, promise to add layers of comedic and emotional depth to the sequel. Amy Poehler, the voice of Joy, has praised the filmmakers, emphasizing the film’s growth and relevance as it explores the complexities of teenage emotions, noting how “anxiety is a motivator.” From Anxiety’s overwhelming presence to Ennui’s teenage boredom, here’s a breakdown of each new emotion.
Anxiety
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Voiced by Maya Hawke, Anxiety bursts onto the scene, making a grand entrance with six suitcases, symbolizing her emotional baggage. Her primary function is to anticipate potential problems and plan for the future, sometimes to an overwhelming degree. As she tells Joy in the trailer, “Look, we all have a job to do. I plan for the future.” This forward-thinking, albeit often frantic, nature is key to understanding Anxiety’s role in Riley’s teenage brain, especially as Riley navigates the social pressures of high school and making new friends.
Hawke describes the film and its characters as bringing “fundamental truths about our experience to the surface,” highlighting the relatable and emotional core of Inside Out 2. Anxiety, though often perceived negatively, plays a vital role in preparing Riley for what might come, even if her methods are a bit chaotic.
Envy
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Envy, voiced by Ayo Edebiri, may be small in stature, but she has a significant presence at Headquarters. This green-blue emotion is characterized by her constant longing for what others have. In her introduction to Disgust, Envy is immediately drawn to Disgust’s sparkling hair, exclaiming, “Whoa, look at your hair!” This immediate admiration and desire for what’s lacking in herself perfectly encapsulates the essence of Envy.
Envy’s role in Riley’s life is to highlight her desires and motivations. When Riley sees other girls at school and wants to be part of their group, it’s Envy that fuels that longing, pushing Riley to seek out what she feels she’s missing. Edebiri’s portrayal captures the yearning and sometimes comical nature of this emotion, making Envy both relatable and entertaining.
Ennui
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Ennui, voiced by French actress Adèle Exarchopoulos, perfectly embodies teenage apathy and boredom. Director Kelsey Mann mentioned that they aimed to “push the weirdness” in the design of the new emotions, and Ennui is a prime example. With her perpetually bored expression, slouching posture, and constant phone gazing, Ennui is the epitome of teenage disinterest.
When Anxiety introduces Ennui, the original emotions are puzzled by the word. Ennui clarifies with a dramatic sigh while lounging on a couch, “It’s what you would call boredom.” This emotion reflects the listless and dissatisfied feelings that often accompany puberty and the teenage years. Ennui adds a layer of teenage realism to Inside Out 2, capturing those moments of teenage ambivalence when everything seems uninteresting.
Embarrassment
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Embarrassment, voiced by Paul Walter Hauser, is the quiet, lurking emotion that amplifies awkwardness. He doesn’t speak much, but his presence is always felt. In his introduction scene, Embarrassment’s shyness is immediately apparent when he tries to fist-bump Joy, resulting in an awkward and humorous interaction. His reaction to the mild teasing about his sweaty palm – retreating further into his hoodie and curling into a ball – perfectly illustrates his nature.
Embarrassment represents the intense self-consciousness that is heightened during adolescence. He’s always there, ready to amplify any potentially cringe-worthy situation, making teenage life even more socially precarious. Poehler highlighted the film’s importance in giving young people “a sense of agency,” and Embarrassment’s inclusion speaks directly to the challenges teenagers face in navigating their feelings and social interactions.
Final Thoughts
The introduction of Anxiety, Envy, Ennui, and Embarrassment in Inside Out 2 promises to enrich the emotional landscape of Riley’s world, making the sequel even more resonant and relatable, especially for teenagers and anyone who has experienced the tumultuous journey of adolescence. These new emotions are not just additions; they are key players in Riley’s evolving emotional life, reflecting the complexities and intensities of growing up. As Inside Out 2 hits theaters on June 14th, audiences are eager to see how these new emotions will interact with the original crew and how they will shape Riley’s journey through teenagehood.
