Streaming on Disney Plus
The big question I have about the Inside Out spinoff, Dream Productions, is where in Riley’s brain is this action taking place? When episode two revealed Rainbow Unicorn can appear in other people’s dreams, I’ve come up with the idea that some of these entities exist in a collective unconsciousness! Although I do not know if that was showrunner Mike Jones‘ idea too, the evidence is quite clear.
Plato calls this a Theory of Forms. In computer jargon, it’s called The Cloud. Officially, the word is “Universal Cloud Platform,” and that’s too long a word phrase to use. In this series, what’s suggested is that when people fall asleep, they enter this realm and experience dreams. This theory helps explain why this miniseries exist, and I hope more will be made because I’m enjoying this exploration into what makes each individual unique.
Although the creators made this miniseries while the second movie was in production, I hope they plan for more! Dream Productions is a brilliant series because it delves into aspects of how the mind works to process things that occur during the day–or rather, in what people desire and ultimately gets shelved into the back of the mind to process. In the four episodes presented, Riley is scared to go to a dance and that boy she’s been pining for in her dreams manifests in more ways than one!
As for Paula Persimmon (excellently voiced by Paula Pell), her role gets really expanded! Ever since I saw her in the first film, I wondered if what she represents is something deeper. These entities are not simply “mind workers.” I surmise they’re cognitive functions. They help each individual become more aware of their life as they develop. If this is the case, this series deserves an award for a well-thought-out spinoff! It delves into a different character study when concerning who is helping Riley navigate through her tween years.
And while the situation of overcoming embarrassment predates the sequel as it was in development I don’t think any beats get missed. This mini-series nicely builds on established material and foreshadows what will happen next for those unfamiliar with Inside Out 2 (movie review).
As for if there’ll be another film or series, both are hard acts to follow. I’ll be looking forward to seeing whatever gets developed. I just hope fans can hold out until 2028, since that’s the date given for part three’s release.
5 Stars out of 5
Inside Out: Dream Productions Trailer
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