Toy Story is About Our Fear of Abandonment

Sign up for Skillshare: skl.sh/thetake49 | The Toy Story franchise brings us a lot of joy - but deep down it's really about one of our greatest fears - the fear of abandonment. Here's our take on how Woody, Buzz and their fellow toys make us overcome this universal, life-long horror that plague children and parents alike. If you like this video, subscribe to our channel or support us on Patreon: / thetake
Follow The Take on Instagram: / thisisthetake , Twitter: / thisisthetake , and Facebook: / thisisthetake
We are The Take (formerly ScreenPrism).
#ToyStory

[@thetake]

Meet Isaac, the newest member of The Take team! Sign up for Skillshare: skl.sh/thetake49 Support The Take on Patreon: www.patreon.com/thetake Subscribe to keep up with our latest videos, and let us know what you want to see next!

[@iisgray]

I was surprised to hear a masculine voice, but damn if it isn't smooth and calming just like the rest of The Take's cast. Welcome aboard Isaac

[@johnmartin4119]

Do an analysis of Lion King Please

[@1bridge11]

@@iisgray Maybe the channel was afraid of getting hit with a sexual discrimination lawsuit.

[@nicholaspiks61]

Do a barrel roll!

[@iisgray]

@@1bridge11 I sincerely doubt that, but I also wasn't looking for an explanation, especially one that discounts the possibility that Isaac got the job as a result of being good at it.

[@jaredjenkins99]

Toy Story is basically just a series of toys taking turns at having existential crises.

[@bennett2874]

Jared Clark Not exactly, the first three films were about abandonment. Wood in TS4 and is neglected but him and sporky finally find meaning and value

[@ErickSoares3]

@@bennett2874 In the first Buzz had an existential crises...

[@BeaverChainsaw]

@@ErickSoares3 And that's not a bad thing! It really amplifies the theme of abandonment and identy.

[@ruoweilim7334]

“you can love something and still need to let it go” that’s very appropriate in light of toy story 4. don’t mind me i’ll just be here bawling my eyes out

[@judywright4241]

ruoweii ---I’m not crying! It’s very humid in my bedroom!😢

[@princessangel821]

😭😭😭Don't mind me😭😭😭😭Just chopping some onions😫😭😭

[@paloma4444]

I'm not sure to what extent I agree with this. I mean, you should at least *try* to hold on to things you love, right?

[@trinaq]

Yes, it's not just referring to the toys dealing with abandonment, but also to all of us who growing up loving the franchise, and realize that all good things must come to an end.😃

[@DJC955]

@@paloma4444 Hold onto the memories you made and the positive feelings and life lessons you learned, but to truly show you love something, or more specifically someone you have to let them find their own identity in life and let them go. Letting doesn't mean to exile them out of you life.

[@pika77289]

I'm used to a female voice when watching the take so it was a little jarring when issac spoke but your voice is actually very nice. Welcome to the take family Issac.

[@carluyabut2824]

Yeah it's kinda like a very nice male equicalent of the silky smooth Take voices tbh

[@tsuyayaka1]

Toy Story is about the fear of abandonment, breaking out of conventional lifestyles and finding your own happiness.

[@Jeromeromesheltonrecordspolice]

tsuyayaka1 boom

[@kirkdarling4120]

But it didn't actually get there until TS4

[@zanessafan6351]

I still need to find my own happiness

[@LaTericeallover]

That Toy Story 1 Andy was kinda horrifying. The animation has come a long way.

[@beccadee0935]

Fr

[@thegamingking7504]

Same

[@Aquagreen53]

Oh you think Andy is scary. Watch buzz or Woody blinking in the first film.

[@tinygrass6867]

I love the first film but I can’t watch 😣

[@Fidozo15]

Sorry if I'm late but Toy Story is the First 3d Animated film ever. That's why it looks like poop

[@Sorrelhas]

What is really interesting is, even though all toys dedicate their existence to bringing joy to Andy, they aren't much bothered by the fact that much of the boy's attention goes to Woody. Woody even hatches plans with them to get even more alone time with the boy, and everyone willingly plays along.

[@flatfacedcat]

Probably because they recognize that Woody is the favorite, and will forego their own joy to secure Andy's happiness (gained by playing with Woody).

[@adi-qf2wb]

woody gets the most playtime without contest because he has the hardest job behind the scenes

[@MercurialMoon]

I think they're just used to it. Usually people just don't get jealous of somebody for having something they never had.

[@MercurialMoon]

@@HelenMoonlightBM11 1. he convinced the other toys to stay in the attic because he didn't know a better place for them to be 2. didn't he eventually decide to let andy donate them 3. he was gonna stay in the closet before he found a new purpose for his life, which the other toys did not when andy was going off to college

[@MercurialMoon]

@@HelenMoonlightBM11 Firstly, if Andy decides to donate Woody, then Woody is not his anymore. He might be sad if he finds out that Woody is gone, but that's what happens when you decide to give away your toy. And yeah Woody did betray Bonnie, but that's not just because he thinks bonnie doesn't need him anymore, but that he also has something more important to do. Also yeah even if Bonnie needs him, his heart is still with Andy and can't get used to the life of being Bonnie's toy, because just like the film said, "Bonnie is not Andy." After years of being Andy's toy I don't think Woody is actually ready to be another kid's toy,. He needs to take a little break. It's as if you get into a new relationship right after you broke up with someone you'd been with for years. Also I don't think you need to be that serious with the plot. All you need to know is that the film is trying to show you what will Woody do if no child needs him. Yeah maybe Bonnie not playing with Woody for a few days is a bad choice of the plot, but at least you can get the idea.

[@pjmisi]

It's interesting to note that Sid, the antagonist in the first movie is lonely, and has a dead beat alcoholic dad, and even though he doesn't see the toys as being living objects actually makes twisted art, which in the real world could actually receive acclaim, as an outlet for his frustration.

[@PeninsulaPaintings]

I think Toy Story 4 (if it is the last of the franchise) could've had a side plot to do with Sid and his life-changing revelation that toys have sentience, even if it's likely that no person believes him. There are so many routes they could've done with this! Have Sid be an antagonist again as he tries to reveal their sentience to the world to prove he's not crazy, or alternatively he becomes remorseful for the years of toy abuse and becomes a toy rescuer/restorator etc. This character has a lot of potential and yet he only got a few second cameo in Toy Story 3 - it was cute they got the same voice actor, but a bit of a wasted use of his character imo.

[@MrMarinus18]

Yeah Sid as a villain is one I'm a little iffy about. Cause you could also see that as a positive thing where his toys are created out of his own passion and creativity instead of being manufactured by capitalist factories.

[@tinkerbestie]

@@PeninsulaPaintings Why does this comment not have more likes? I love this Idea.

[@user-fx7mq9yl3p]

Alcoholic dad? I don't see it in the movie

[@jrav937]

Toy Story will forever make me a child.

[@DJC955]

I think the reason so many people were divided over Toy Story 4 was due to where people stand with where they are in their grieving process when it comes to dealing with abandonment. I think your explanation of each villain's perspective in the 4 films was perfectly portrayed. Awesome Work!!!

[@KyoSohma2211]

Aahhh abandonment issues. Good times, good times. No wonder I love this series so much.

[@charod8423]

The Take: *mentions any Toy Story movie* Me: *sobs deeply*

[@sabserab]

Just like us Woody grew up. Such a well thought out movie series, I'm 33 and now I feel bad about my Woody I got after the 1st movie came out. Maybe my mom still has him in the basement

[@elizabethm4824]

I’m in tears watching this. How am I going to get through Toy Story 4?

[@marym1425]

You aren't i wAtched it and omg i criiiiieeed

[@1bridge11]

@@marym1425 As I read both of your melodramatic comments, I can see see why feminism is a joke and a failure.

[@marym1425]

@@1bridge11 ??? Are we not allowed to portray emotion? I am exaggerating for the sake of humor if your small mind cannot comprehend

[@1bridge11]

@@marym1425 I didn't laugh, therefore it wasn't humorous. The two of you prove another stereotype about the ladies: women aren't funny.

[@marym1425]

@@1bridge11 what is your problem? You didnt find it funny, whatever humor is subjective, but if you live by stereotypes then your life must be so depressing, so why not live in reality where women are people, who stand up for themselves when necessary and can be funny to those who share their type of humour and can cry when sad or take control in the midst of chaos. Get off your high horse.

[@shortstuff780]

I was so confused. I was like this isn't the Take. Lmao. Welcome Isaac, hope to hear more of your insight in the future

[@gamuiceyt01]

AK V riiiight. I was confused too.

[@tmmnago2722]

what channel was he from?

[@shortstuff780]

@@tmmnago2722 dunno. Apparently he's a new voice for The Take.

[@trinaq]

Ditto, I was expecting Grace or Susanna, but I got used to Isaac's voice before too long. Welcome to The Take Family, Isaac!😍

[@m_winewood]

I like your attitude

[@briannab.8127]

As a psych major , this is the first analysis I came up with. We all want to be loved and cared for . We all fear being abandoned by loved ones. Then we have kids of our own n fear being abandoned, by them ,even though it’s some what inevitable. Even though I’m not a parent , this is hurtful too see.

[@charisleighmusic]

I’ve always cried during Toy Story and now you’ve given me reason to cry more. Thank you. It’s beautiful.

[@darkecofreak23]

Damn, Isaac. You really made me appreciate my parents that much more just now.

[@trinaq]

Likewise, that's what I love the most about "The Take", their insightful analysis always give us food for thought, and make us appreciate their messages all the more!😊

[@JulienEarle]

the toys are like different perspectives that we have in our minds, like buzz is the part of us that's trying to be tough when we feel just as helpless as everyone else, the dinosaur is the part of us that gets afraid easily, etc etc

[@fatuusdottore]

It’s true. This clicked when I could relate to Woody watching Andy grow up and looking after Bonnie tirelessly, yet never being thanked for it. I’m not a parent, but an older sibling, and I played a parental role in her rearing.

[@customlegomaking101]

Toy Story 1: Letting go of your ego in favor of helping someone else Toy Story 2: Letting go of your fear in favor of staying in the present Toy Story 3: Letting go of your past so you can move onto the future Toy Story 4: Letting go of your identity in favor of becoming something new yet equally important

[@flxwercxrpse1871]

I just want Woody back with Andy and to be passed on to Andy’s kids :,(

[@jmchez]

The Take should do a video on Stephen King's "Misery" as an explanation of "Toxic Fandom". You know, like the people who are so invested in other's people's creations that when those same creators decide to change their aesthetic, or narrative choices, the fan reacts with anger and resentment.

[@Nikk-Astyr]

Holly crap that's actually a really good idea, especially with current fandoms like Game of Thrones, Marvel/DC and Star Wars

[@lakshaykochhar9802]

@@Nikk-AstyrThe game of thrones one, actually makes sense.

[@sloanekella6385]

jmchez so basically Star Wars. Still don’t get the hate but some people are just crazy.

[@generalhorse493]

Ummm...thing is the meaning of that film is already made pretty clear by the film itself and is commonly known. There's nothing really there to talk about or uncover that the film doesn't already. It'd be like doing a video on "Toxic Fandom" with the Futurama episode with Stark Trek and Melllvar

[@kaydogogoes]

The scripts for this channel are absolutely phenomenal. So many kudos to whoever writes them!

[@andresoneca4414]

FINALLY a video about animations, I missed you, please make a video about about Sleeping Beauty, this movie has interesting religious

[@DanielAspajo9930]

Now I'm sad for selling my GI Joe collection for a play station that doesn't work anymore

[@rhythmictiger]

"Force us to face the repressed horror that underlines our existence" Um wat, I'm gonna need my favourite teddy to sit through this one 🐻😋

[@kjkrop88]

This is a very well written analysis of the series of the 4 Toy Story movies. This gives great insight into the deeper meaning behind these cinematic masterpieces. Well done.

[@zanessafan6351]

“Once they accept it the fear of abandonment is no longer so scary because all those year leading up the goodbye were worth it” that is something that can be related to real life think of a way to put that message into way you can reassure yourself when you are afraid.

[@srami004]

Make the MOST out of every moment. When it reaches an end, look towards creating another. :)

[@redmage7716]

omg does anything in this franchise not make me angry cry. I can't wait to see 4, these themes are so rich. So deeply tragic. This is such a classic series.

[@m_winewood]

Lmaoooo angry cry 😂😂

[@chiquita446]

The Take finally had me realize the positive side of MY fear of abandonment...ic

[@nicoles_handle]

i'm so so glad they managed to not butcher it and make it perfect

[@barzfordayslol7343]

Wow, no wonder their movies are so great. Right now, I am 16 years old and a junior in high school. It will be almost time to graduate from childhood/grade school to adulthood/college and it honestly scares me. It is scary after so many years, I won't be a kid anymore. I will be out the house and starting a new chapter out of my life. I know nothing won't stop it from coming and it's still scary, but I'll enjoy the months leading up to it. Anyone else feel anything similar to this?

[@poweroffriendship2.0]

_MY HOW THE TABLES HAVE TURNED..._ *Me:* Sid turned himself into a toy that he's completely stuck inside the box for all eternity.

[@c.d.dailey8013]

Ha. Served him right. The toys did give him a good scare, and that was satisfying revenge.

[@MayMay-qn2dd]

How the turntables...

[@watcherandtherye6507]

"All the years leading to the goodbye, were worth it" how am i crying at a video anyalysis HUHUHU I CANT WITH THIS

[@Daytime_Anime]

This is one of the best videos on KZbin, great job dude! Literally in tears from hearing your words :)

[@fatimahanwaar306]

Dark scenes in every Toy Story Movie: 1: Woody and Buzz escaping Sid's clutches 2 the Airport scene involving Stinky Pete 3 the Incinerator scene

[@hooligaan8489]

Love your parents kids. Also, welcome Isaac!!!

[@rickblaine9670]

I agree, great analysis... Yet I would have preferred a Toy Story 4 about Woody meeting Andy again as an adult, or even an old man. First he was a son, then he was a father, in the end he can meet him as a brother and a friend. And maybe, just maybe, they could've even - finally - shared some words. But who knows, that might still be a possibility for Toy Story 5.

[@Taitonic]

I appreciate this video so much 💕✨ I never thought of the underlying theme, but it makes sense why I hold these films so dear to me.

[@trinaq]

Likewise, much like "Finding Nemo", I'm really starting to appreciate the hidden themes and metaphors that are subtly present throughout, which just makes me love it all the more!💖

[@ruyekahatori3073]

"The toys will have a great home with Bonnie" And then Toy Story 4 happened to Woody...

[@biggiejeffrey]

This movie succeeds where "Sausage Party" failed: finding yourself outside of what the world says who you are.

[@m_winewood]

Idk if it failed it maybe you just didnt like it

[@sitamun7598]

I’ve always known Toy Story to be about our fear of abandonment but have never recognised it due to my own fear of it. It’s great that you’ve analysed this fear and how we can overcome issues related to abandonment. And welcome to the Team Isaac!

[@thejoker0123]

man i so can't wait to see toy story 4 next weekend (hopefully) and i very much 100% agree to all you've said about them movies for infinity and beyond

[@shmartsun1170]

Thank you The Take for enlightening and wording out what these movies portray for older audiences. Your videos continually inform me of so many things that child me hadn't noticed and it's so refreshing to view these movies in a better light. And damn do your videos always make me cry, they're beautiful and keep up the amazing work.

[@nigelasipa4150]

Hardly stopped nodding my head in agreement to this. It’s thematically fascinating this franchise. Part of what makes this franchise so resonating to people around the world is that it reminds people of their imagination and association with growing up.

[@jojo-xk8ri]

I cant stop crying this video just slapped me with so much nostalgia

[@bjay1502]

Wow... Did you do something with your voice?

[@Jeromeromesheltonrecordspolice]

I love this accurate description this makes me wanna watch toy story all over again because I never understood it was about rejection when I was a kid now I understand it thanks to u

[@MoonyCookie]

Always my favorite channel who bring meaning to thing I loved! Keep up! So emotional seeing Toy Story 4... But yes! Reinventing and letting go is necessary in life

[@danghty]

Using Lady Bird clips in a Toy Story video... I see what you did there.

[@Arinaretina]

I came here for an analysis on a great movie and I didn’t expect I’d leave bawling my eyes out

[@Arinaretina]

This was such an incredibly well-written video, thank you so much 😭

[@hadeed-_-5678]

This is a great video. Toy Story is such a great franchise. It's got so much heart it's amazing.

[@aoblues145]

Beautiful video 😍😍 welcome to the take! What a start!

[@r.i.t.i.k.a]

It's amazing how children's film teach us so much and our rom coms completely destroy our ideas of love.

[@thetriplethreat3]

Yall have me in my feelings this morning

[@gabbizarre439]

Why am I crying?

[@elany143]

Suddenly it all makes sense why I've never been able to finish any toy story movie..... this video too 😅

[@25Abril95]

Nice voice! Welcome Isaac! 💛

[@creatinotionchannel2680]

So profound. I love your series!

[@ramyachandrasekaran6340]

Love this channel videos. Its so great to see what you guys are seeing when you watch these movies. Thanks for these videos. They don't just solve puzzles about the movies,these videos inspire me in a way.

[@piratesvsninjas492]

I was surprised to hear a new voice. Welcome to the team, excellent analysis on one of my favorite Disney series. I would love a video on The Lion King in the future my other favorite Disney series.

[@MrFernando182100]

Reads title* Me: Ahhhh water is wet.

[@bobpolo2964]

this was deep bro

[@xueiyuu]

i love this channel so much 🥺

[@hippolyte90]

Hello, Isaac, pleased to meet you! Awesome video, looks forward to see you in the future.

[@yeahoh2222]

//When forky jumps// Woody: *inaudible wheezing*

[@MrWizeazz]

The toy story 4 ending was so sad.

[@christinegallo4983]

Literally sobbing watching this omg

[@princepeterwolf]

This explains why I'm obsessed with these movies since I was 5

[@nickymo]

Really enjoying the channel! Great work folks!

[@theleviathan1118]

And I just realized how much my mom’s and I’s relationship is fucked up. She literally reminds me what she’s going to do after I go of to college anytime it comes up

[@yoongli9980]

Yay! A new team member is added here on THE TAKE. Welcome Isaac! 😊

[@leirycpanizales5878]

Gosh! Toy story always gets me. Can't help but year up whenever I think of it.

[@pradeepchandra7828]

This is the best video that i've come across on toy story.

[@shockingheaven]

I needed this

[@PartyCatDisco]

It makes so much sense, thinking about it everyone I know who is nihilistic and tries to convince other people to be nihilistic have had horrible childhoods, or still hate their parents as an adult

[@Amycienta1]

Welcome Isaac! Fantastic video.

[@RodTejada502]

Hi Isaac! Nicely done, interesting video!

[@kevinhull7925]

The part about the transient nature of things makes me think of the Dao De Jing, which references this.

[@mangohallucinates]

how can your channel be so good? I love your reviews

[@deryasonmez330]

I literally cried at the theatre when I realized woody was gonna stay behind. I cried so fucking much and then came the scene and I was like I knew it noooooo:(((

[@adimikimkoydu]

Toy Story is so amazing, I'll watch the new film in a few days and I hope it's as good as the other three or even better :D

[@Wawagirl17]

The dialogue in the clips you've selected feels all the more eerie due to the dramatic, horror-esque background music.

[@nataliaquiroga4015]

I did NOT ask to be put in this emotional ride

[@soshistan9857]

I'm watching this for the second time and I'm crying again

[@maytalacedo2942]

This movie was my childhood. I cried the 4th movie more than the 3rd movie bcuz of how it ended it was bittersweet but aslo the very last time u see them which makes it sad u had 2 say good bye of what u knew and move on and I think it was done well.

[@jaimicottrill2831]

Wow, this hit me right in the feels. 😭

[@kieranstark7213]

The same way the Toy Story quadrilogy itself did.

[@autsky3]

crying to this rn

[@brookew2709]

please make a video about A Bug’s Life!

[@DannyJustiniano]

Great friggin' video!

[@uses0ap393]

Toy Story? More like Toy Crisis hahahhaha i’m dead inside.

[@AngusStewart01]

I didn’t expect a video to make me cry damnnn

[@jimmynyarlathotep6857]

I could get ready to go for work, or I could just sit and cry at this video

[@Nic_2751]

Man this absolutely reveals a double truth.....

[@ryangaskin4938]

Woody was definitely a child's play thing to me when I was a kid growing up.

[@DruidsCalling]

Those of us with BPD relate very hard to Toy Story :(

[@gcruz2293]

Well done 👏