Inner Workings
Inner Workings is a 2016 American computer-animated short film produced by Walt Disney Animation Studios, written and directed by Leo Matsuda in his directorial debut, and produced by Sean Lurie.[1] The six-minute film personifies the internal organs of an anxious office clerk named Paul, depicting a conflict between his cautious brain, which prioritizes routine and safety, and his adventurous heart, which urges him to embrace fun and spontaneity, ultimately leading to a harmonious balance between work and leisure.[1][2] It blends computer-generated imagery with traditional hand-drawn animation techniques, continuing the innovative style seen in prior Disney shorts like Paperman and Feast.[1][3] The film premiered at the Annecy International Animated Film Festival on June 17, 2016, where it received its world debut alongside footage from Moana.[2] It was theatrically released on November 23, 2016, preceding the Walt Disney Pictures feature Moana in theaters.[1] As part of Walt Disney Animation Studios' shorts program, Inner Workings originated from Matsuda's pitch among 73 submissions, selected after a competitive process involving story reels and development.[1] The production, completed in six months by a small team, emphasized stylized, exaggerated designs for the anthropomorphic organs to convey the protagonist's emotional turmoil in a whimsical, fantastical manner.[1][4] Inner Workings was shortlisted for the Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film at the 89th Academy Awards but did not receive a final nomination.[5] The short highlights themes of work-life balance and self-discovery, resonating with audiences through its relatable portrayal of internal decision-making processes, and has since become available for streaming on Disney+.[3][6]Synopsis and Characters
Plot
Inner Workings follows Paul, an ordinary office worker whose daily routine is governed by the constant internal conflict between his rational Brain and impulsive Heart. The story begins in the morning as Paul's organs—including his Brain, Heart, Lungs, Stomach, Bladder, and Kidneys—awaken, with his bespectacled Brain insisting on a healthy, efficient breakfast to maintain productivity, while his wild, adventurous Heart yearns for indulgent pancakes from a nearby couple.[7] This sets the stage for their ongoing dilemma, where Brain represents caution and logic, prioritizing a safe path to work, and Heart embodies spontaneity, pulling toward joyful distractions, with other organs like the Stomach amplifying urges for indulgence.[8] During the commute to his job at a monotonous office, Brain overrides Heart's temptations—such as chatting with an attractive sunglasses vendor or detouring to the beach—ensuring Paul arrives on time amid the vibrant 1980s California setting.[7] At work, surrounded by similarly subdued colleagues entering data in a rigid, square environment, Paul experiences vivid fantasies triggered by Heart's influence, imagining a curvy, colorful world of surfing and leisure that contrasts sharply with the drudgery. The anthropomorphic organs interact dynamically inside Paul's body, with Brain using levers and controls to suppress Heart's rebellious urges, while the Bladder and Kidneys manage routine needs, highlighting their personified rivalry through expressive animations.[7] The climax unfolds during Paul's lunch break when Brain relents, allowing Heart to take control; Paul heads to the beach, confronting his fears by diving into the water and embracing momentary freedom, leading to a pivotal integration of their perspectives.[7] In the resolution, Paul returns to work revitalized, achieving harmony as Brain and Heart collaborate, transforming his routine tasks into rhythmic, dance-like motions that inspire his coworkers. This newfound balance underscores themes of work-life equilibrium and self-acceptance, with Paul later building a fulfilling life including marriage to the sunglasses vendor and family.[7]Cast
Inner Workings features minimal spoken dialogue, relying primarily on visual storytelling, expressive animation, and sound design to convey the anthropomorphic organs' interactions and conflicts. The credited voice cast includes:- Tucker Gilmore as Paul, the Surfer Dude, and the Radio Host
- Raymond S. Persi as Paul's Stomach and the Monk
- Terri Douglas as Kate (the sunglasses vendor)
- The Loop Troop as Paul's Lungs
- Toms Vilnis Pujiņš as Paul's Kidneys