In a captivating scene from Pixar’s highly anticipated sequel, Inside Out 2, viewers witness teen Riley detecting that one of her friends is withholding information. This moment draws the audience into Riley’s mind, where her emotions analyze the situation. Disgust, voiced by Mindy Kaling, energetically examines the friend’s subtle facial cues, demonstrating the film’s foundation on empirical science.
Dacher Keltner, a psychology professor at UC Berkeley, has been instrumental in the scientific aspects of the Inside Out franchise for over a decade. He expressed amusement at the film’s humor in relation to his expertise, stating, “I feel like they are playing a joke on what I’ve been talking to them about for the past 14 years.” His work has focused on understanding the intricate ways emotions, like embarrassment, manifest through facial expressions. He has shared his knowledge about the complexities of facial musculature, emphasizing that there are 30 muscles that contribute to emotional expression.
Keltner’s insight into human emotions has informed the development of new characters featured in Inside Out 2, such as Anxiety, Envy, Ennui, and Embarrassment. Initially citing 25 distinct emotions recognized by scientific community, Keltner collaborated with director Pete Docter, who noted the challenge of featuring all these emotions as primary characters. Despite this, Riley’s emotional landscape expands to nine characters, embodying the evolving complexities of her teenage years.
The continued partnership between Pixar and scientific experts like Keltner showcases a dedication to blending storytelling with real psychological insights. As Inside Out 2 explores themes of growth and emotional understanding, it invites viewers to recognize the significance of emotional awareness in navigating life’s challenges.
Adding a layer of hope, this film not only entertains audiences but also raises important conversations about mental health, emphasizing the value of understanding and embracing our emotions. As Riley and her emotions evolve, viewers can relate to their own journeys of self-discovery and emotional growth, making this film a timely and relevant reflection of the adolescent experience.