Movie review
June 11, 2024 · 97 min · PG
Woke Score
Lower is better
Review
Inside Out 2 is a direct sequel continuing the story of 13-year-old Riley navigating puberty at hockey camp, with new emotions (Anxiety, Envy, Ennui, Embarrassment) clashing with the originals over her developing “Sense of Self.” The plot centers on universal themes of emotional growth, anxiety management, and integrating positive/negative memories, with no explicit political dialogue, activist messaging, or identity-driven subplots. Some reviewers noted incidental diversity in the hockey team’s background casting (multi-ethnic girls, one brief hijab-wearing player). Post-release reports confirm Pixar leadership actively edited to downplay any potential queer undertones between Riley and older teammate Val.
Breakdown
These are the editorial factors and ratings behind our score for Inside Out 2.
Woke representation / casting
Incidental multi-ethnic hockey team and supporting voices; one brief hijab character noted by critics but non-plot relevant and not emphasized.
Woke political dialogue
None reported or described in plot summaries/reviews.
Identity-driven story themes
Zero; Riley-Val dynamic confirmed platonic via edits; themes are universal puberty/anxiety.
Western institutional / cultural critique
Absent; no critique of family, society, or traditions.
Woke character or canon changes
Direct sequel continuation; voice recasts logistical only; no publicly discussed ideological reinterpretations.
Anti-woke backlash and complaints
Pre-release speculation and post-report debate existed but centered on what was removed, not present content; overall audience reception positive and non-controversial on woke grounds.
Creator track record context
Pixar veterans with emotional storytelling focus; recent evidence of internal pushback against activist themes.
Production
