By SETH HYNES
Inside Out (PG)
Starring: Amy Poehler, Phyllis Smith, Richard Kind, Bill Hader
INSIDE Out, Pixar’s latest release, is a stunning work of moving, insightful drama and vibrant visual imagination.
Within the mind of a happy little girl named Riley, there are five personified emotions that run her day-to-day thoughts.
But when Riley’s family relocation to San Francisco coincides with a disaster separating Joy (the boss, voiced by Amy Poehler) and Sadness (Phyllis Smith) from the mind Headquarters, Riley’s life and feelings start to go downhill.
Inside Out is one of the most wonderfully surreal and visually inventive family movies ever made. The film is brimming with colourful, thrilling set-pieces woven into a beautifully poignant journey of acceptance and self-discovery.
The characters are also extraordinarily well-written. Fear, Anger and Disgust (left at the helm in Joy and Sadness’s absence) are fun and nuanced beyond their necessarily one-note characterisation, and Joy and Sadness both have engaging, profoundly touching arcs.
Sadness gradually gains more self-confidence, and Joy comes to realise that sadness is a necessary emotion in life.
The portrayal of Riley’s childhood depression and emotional instability feels heart-breakingly real, and will resonate with viewers of any age.
The film also contains plenty of clever humour for the kids and some fantastic witty symbolism (representing different parts of the brain and psyche) for the adults.
Inside Out is a masterpiece from the comeback kings of family animation.
