They scare, because they care. But do they? Do they really?
Animation Season 2026 kicks off with Pixar's fourth feature, turning 25 years old this year, the incomparable Monsters, Inc.
In the world of Monsters, Inc., fear is a power source, and children's screams fuel the world of Monstropolis, which is both clever and a bit dark. This is a bright colourful movie, that cleverly hides its darkness from kids, but adults will see it everywhere.
James P. Sullivan, as Monsters Incorporated's number one scarer, has no idea that his world is literally about to be changed by a three-year-old human girl, who finds herself in Monstropolis. His best friend Mike Wazowski is an eyeball with arms and legs who just wants to put that thing back where it came from, or so help me!
Originally titled Monsters, Monsters, Inc transformed from the story of an accountant in their 30s reliving childhood fears of monsters, to a story about scaring just being the monsters' day jobs. Neither Sulley nor Mike were in the original pitch, both characters evolved massively over time.
The production of Monsters, Inc. involved significant technological advancements for Pixar - only six years after Toy Story - especially in fur animation, making Sulley's character feel more lifelike and relatable. And bizarrely, also tentacles.
Animation isn't just for kids; it’s a versatile art form that can tell deep stories, as seen in the exploration of themes like fear and love in Monsters, Inc. It cleverly critiques societal fears and misconceptions, showing how characters are shaped by the narratives they believe—like the monsters thinking children are toxic.
I'm pretty sure kids aren't toxic, though, right? RIGHT?
I would love to hear your thoughts on Monsters, Inc. !
Verbal Diorama is now an award-winning podcast! Best Movie Podcast in the inaugural Ear Worthy Independent Podcast Awards and was nominated for the Earworm Award at the 2025 Golden Lobes.
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Verbal Diorama is hosted, produced, edited, researched, recorded and marketed by me, Em | This podcast is hosted by Captivate, try it yourself for free.
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