What is Ennui? The New Emotion Introduced in Inside Out 2, Reflecting Teenage Turmoil
News Mania Desk/ Agnibeena Ghosh/21st June 2024
In “Inside Out 2,” a fresh set of emotions, including Joy, Sadness, Fear, Disgust, and Anger, is introduced to offer a deeper exploration of Riley’s emotional state as she enters her teenage years. These new emotions disrupt her original ones, unveiling new facets of her personality and enhancing her understanding of her feelings.
Each emotion in “Inside Out 2” continues to shape Riley’s character development. The new emotions—Ennui, Envy, Embarrassment, and Anxiety—tend to be overwhelmingly negative, reflecting the complexity of teenage life. Ennui, one of the five new emotions, epitomizes the boredom and lethargy typical of adolescence. Ennui speaks in a monotone, showing disinterest in everything despite taking action during crises. While capable of managing Riley’s emotional console, Ennui often operates it from her phone, too disinterested to stand up.
Although Ennui fits her name, she often presents herself with sarcasm rather than boredom. Her interactions with Anxiety are limited, but like Envy, she isn’t always identified correctly. Ennui frustrates Riley by bringing out her worst traits. For instance, Ennui makes Riley use sarcasm during conflicts instead of engaging in mindful, empathetic discussions. Ultimately, Ennui acts as a defense mechanism, preventing Riley from confronting uncomfortable emotions, which could hinder her emotional growth.
Voiced by French actor Adèle Exarchopoulos, Ennui is introduced to the original emotions, who don’t understand her name. The film cuts to Ennui, sighing deeply as she lies on a couch, staring at her phone. “It’s what you would call boredom,” she explains.
At the D23 Expo in 2022, Amy Poehler discussed the film, stating, “There are very complicated feelings about identity and belonging. Sometimes your brain isn’t your friend. But it’s also a time for exploration, letting go of what doesn’t work, taking risks. It’s an adventurous time and can be treacherous.”
“Inside Out 2” doesn’t focus on the negative aspects of boredom. Instead, it highlights how boredom helps Riley manage the intensity of teenage life. Throughout the film, the heavily French-accented Ennui lounges on a sofa in a dark blue sweatsuit, staring dispassionately at her smartphone. Ennui symbolizes the apathy and alienation typical of teens. Despite appearing emotionless, she protects Riley, helping her navigate adolescence. Her presence subtly increases tension between Riley and her parents, mirroring real-life teenage struggles.
Ennui’s constant phone use reflects teenage life’s complexities. Her detachment helps Riley maintain a cool demeanor among her peers, aiding her in coping with social pressures. Ennui’s character extends beyond boredom and lethargy; she becomes upset when losing her phone, revealing her dependence on digital distractions and genuine emotions. These moments display Riley’s care for things and her emotional depth.
Ennui occasionally smiles or shows concern, not just for Riley but also for the other emotions in Riley’s mind. These glimpses suggest that Ennui’s role is more complex than it appears. She isn’t merely a passive background character but a significant part of Riley’s emotional landscape.
