‘Inside Out 2’: What does Ennui, the name of one of Riley’s emotions, mean?

In “Inside Out 2”, the protagonist’s mind is shaken by the arrival of new and complex emotions, such as Anxiety, Envy, Shame and Boredom, but the latter has intrigued viewers due to its unusual significance.

Ennui’s role in “Inside Out 2”: A complicated feeling in Riley’s mind

Riley, when she reaches puberty, undergoes various physical and mental changes, but the most significant is when her primary emotions, Joy, Sadness, Rage, Disgust, and Fear, are repressed after Anxiety locks them away in a dark vault.

The one who is initially on their side is Ennui, an emotion represented as an ethereal purple figure that stands in stark contrast to the more vibrant and energetic emotions. His appearance is characterized by a sloppy and constantly indifferent expression, which symbolizes a lack of interest. Ennui’s presence in Riley’s mind highlights the moments when she feels disconnected from her surroundings and her usual activities.

Something that makes Ennui stand out is that, unlike her peers, she can manage Riley’s emotions from her phone without having to get up and control the console herself, which suits her personality .

In several scenes, Ennui influences Riley’s decisions, leading her to question her interests and place in the world. This is a reminder that all emotions, even seemingly negative ones, play a crucial role in emotional development. But what does this name mean?

What does Ennui mean and where does the word come from?

Ennui is a word of French origin pronounced “onuí”. In its most general usage, it translates as boredom, but its connotation is deeper and more subtle than just feeling bored. Ennui refers to a state of apathy and dissatisfaction, often accompanied by a feeling of emptiness or dissatisfaction with life. It’s a complex feeling that can result from repetition, lack of innovation, or lack of clear purpose, that Riley now experiences as a teenager.

Addressing the feeling of ennui, ‘Inside Out 2’ offers a reflection on the complexities of adolescence and the various emotions that accompany this stage of life. Additionally, the film highlights the importance of acknowledging and validating all emotions, even those that are uncomfortable or difficult to understand.

Finally, Ennui, with its apathy and discontent, becomes a natural part of the development process and manages to live in harmony with the other emotions despite their differences.

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