A Facade of Happiness

Internally, we witness Riley’s emotions helping her adjust to the new city–with Joy taking the lead on the emotion-controlled panel and thereby, handling Riley’s response to her surroundings. Yet, through this well-intended behavior by Joy, Riley begins to conceal her authentic emotions in an attempt to make her parents happy with the new transition. 

Meanwhile, up in Riley’s brain, this dynamic between Joy and the other emotions simultaneously occurs in which Joy is seen to control Sadness, showcasing a deeper psychological distress caused by this facade of happiness.