Why does an animation make people think deeply? The hidden issues of adolescent mental health and emotions behind “Inside Out 2”.

source: Movie promotional photo Inside out 2 – Crandell Theatre,2024

If you still think that animations are only for children, then Inside out 2 has already proved that you were wrong. 

In this current era, an increasing number of animated films have presented more profound meanings. The statement that animated films are merely “children’s entertainment” is no longer applicable.

The movie “Inside Out 2” quickly sparked a huge wave of moviegoers after its release in 2024. The film not only grossed 1.699 billion US dollars worldwide, breaking the record for animated films, but also became one of the most concerned animated films in recent years. It has continuously sparked discussions on the mental health and emotions of adolescent teenagers on social media.

The medium of animated films has evolved into one of the most powerful means for exploring and presenting complex emotions, psychological experiences, or social issues(Securly – Geolocation Sharing, 2024)

source: Emotional characters By Team Flawless, 2024

source: Inside out 2 -Teaser Trailer video

“Inside Out 2” focuses on anxiety, identity issues, and the emotional problems and mental health of teenagers during adolescence. These themes are not simple relaxing and entertaining. In the film, Various emotions such as joy, sadness, anger, fear, disgust, anxiety, envy, embarrassment and ennui are transformed into animated characters. The previously invisible psychological struggles and emotional changes are made visible, showing Riley’s psychological and emotional changes process in making friends at school and communicating with parents at home. The visualisation of emotions enables the audience to more intuitively feel the changes in psychological struggles and allows for a stronger emotional connection and understanding.

source: Riley’s Inner world Fink, 2024

Meanwhile, according to the BBC video report, the reason why this film can resonate with people is because it captures the emotional issues and mental health problems of teenagers growing up in a high-pressure environment, and these problems are precisely the most urgent in the world. The animation can be better integrated with real-life issues, enabling viewers to more easily relate to the various emotional and health problems they are currently facing. Thus, in this situation, the presentation of animated films is more in line with the emotional needs of contemporary audiences than traditional live-action films.

“Inside Out 2” successfully breakthrough traditional animation stereotypes in animated films, possessing the ability to present complex psychological and social issues. As Schaffer (2005) notes in his review of Wells’ Animation: Genre and Authorship, the narrative content and cultural status of animated films have continuously improved, gradually entering the realm of serious films and challenging Hollywood’s entrenched distinction between animation and live-action.

Inside Out 2 is not only a successful commercial production but also represents a significant turning point in the creation of animated films in contemporary culture.

Thus, in my opinion, the real limitation lies not in the animation itself, but in the viewers’ biases. The issue lies in how we perceive it.