When Pixar announced Toy Story 5, my first reaction was the same one I had before Toy Story 4: do these characters really have another story left to tell? Thankfully, the answer is yes. Directed by Andrew Stanton and McKenna Harris, the latest chapter reunites Woody (voiced by Tom Hanks), Buzz Lightyear (voiced by Tim Allen), Jessie (voiced by Joan Cusack), and the rest of Bonnie’s toys while introducing Lilypad (voiced by Greta Lee), a new toy whose arrival unexpectedly changes everything.
What surprised me most is that this isn’t really Woody’s story or Buzz’s story. It’s Jessie’s. Now firmly settled into Bonnie’s toy family, Jessie finds herself struggling when Bonnie forms a close bond with Lilypad. That relationship stirs up memories of Emily and the abandonment Jessie thought she had finally moved past. It’s a smart direction for the character and gives Jessie some of the richest material she’s had in the entire franchise.
The film explores insecurity, self-worth, and the fear of being replaced in a way that will resonate with both kids and adults. What I appreciated most is that the story never dismisses Jessie’s feelings. Instead, it acknowledges how old wounds can shape the way we view new relationships. Anyone who has ever felt left behind, overlooked, or uncertain about where they belong will likely see a little bit of themselves in Jessie.
As a parent, the film’s exploration of technology versus human connection resonated on a deeply personal level. Like many parents, I’ve wrestled with whether to give my child a tablet, caught between concerns about technology addiction and the reality that we live in an increasingly digital world. Toy Story 5 initially feels like it’s setting technology up as the villain, but the film ultimately takes a much more thoughtful approach. Rather than condemning technology outright, it acknowledges the role it plays in modern life while reminding us that imagination, meaningful relationships, and genuine human connection remain irreplaceable. It’s one of the film’s most relevant and effective messages.
While the supporting cast delivers plenty of laughs and adventure along the way, the emotional core belongs to Jessie. Pixar has always been at its best when it uses toys to tell deeply human stories, and that’s exactly what happens here. The film reminds us that love isn’t something that gets divided when new people enter our lives. It grows.
I’ll admit, I wasn’t convinced Toy Story needed another sequel. But much like Toy Story 4 before it, this film earns its place. It’s funny, heartfelt, and anchored by one of the strongest character arcs Pixar has delivered in years. More importantly, it gives Jessie the spotlight she has deserved for a long time.
Toy Story 5 is in theaters on June 19.
