Joy (Amy Poehler) and Anxiety (Maya Hawke) in Inside Out 2

INSIDE OUT 2
Directed by Kelsey Mann
Certificate: U
☆☆☆☆☆

THERE is a lesson, oft repeated, that was first recorded in a discussion that took place in Athens over 2,000 years ago, and runs as a homily through this children’s film.

Inside Out 2 tells the story of a little girl, Riley, through emotions that reside in her head.

Anxiety (Maya Hawke) is freaking out about what poor Riley may have to face in the future. Joy (Amy Poehler) passes Anxiety a nice cup of tea and comes out with the lesson: “None of these things are happening right now. What are the things we can control? Let’s focus on those, instead.”

This is a lesson put forward by Zeno of Citium, as he sat under a Stoa (a covered market) in Ancient Greece and set up the School of Stoicism. The philosophy has been greatly revived in recent years, with psychologists basing cognitive behavioural therapy on the lessons it holds – and it’s no surprise that the writer of this super movie spoke to psychologists first.

Instead of worrying, Anxiety decides the best course is to help Riley study for the exam she faces – which, as any practising Stoic will tell you, is something within her power. As the film shows, it is natural to be anxious, and there are great ways to handle it by focusing on the here and now and what we can do about it.

The Pixar stable has a record of producing films with a message at their heart, without being schmaltzy or preachy, and Inside Out is the perfect example.

The first instalment, which came out nearly 10 years ago, told the story of Riley moving from the cold of Minnesota to the warmth of San Fran. We learn how she feels from inside her head, where a series of cute characters represent her emotions.

In this second instalment, Riley is turning into a teenager. And so the characters of Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear and Disgust are joined by a whole bunch of new troublemakers – Anxiety, Embarrassment, Envy and Ennui. She and her two besties have been picked to go to an ice hockey camp and if they perform, they may get selected for the Firehawks, a celebrated outfit.

But on route Riley discovers her friends are heading to a different high school which starts a series of emotions tied up with the travails of growing up, friendship and loyalty, and how your character develops as you grow. It’s all rather deep but done so lightly you’ll barely notice.