Inside Out

We’re all a mess of emotions, but what if we could actually see these feelings and watch the inner workings of our brains? Inside Out answers those questions in the form of Riley, a pre-teen girl whose quaint family life is rudely interrupted when her dad’s new job forces the family to relocate. The Emotions Crew at Headquarters (Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust) each shares time in the limelight as they attempt to help Riley manage the new stressors. All the while, viewers have vantage points to witness what’s going on inside Riley’s brain as her parents experience its external effects. The powerhouse studio Pixar consulted with psychologists to ensure that Riley’s emotional and mental processes were correctly depicted, including how core memories are stored and the importance of emotion regulation. The movie includes a slew of comedic talent to bring these emotions to life. — Kristin Trick