The Devil Wears Prada 2: On-trend or out of style?

A much-loved classic, The Devil Wears Prada (2006) boasts an incredible display of acting talent and brilliant writing. The follow-up was highly anticipated, but is it actually a worthy sequel? Or is it a fashionable disaster?

This review contains light spoilers for the opening of The Devil Wears Prada 2

In this sequel, we pick up with Andy (Anne Hathaway), now a successful ‘serious’ journalist, writing political pieces and clearly earning enough for a great apartment in New York City. This job crumbles when Andy is laid off, and she somehow ends up back at Runway (the Vogue stand-in). Despite being features editor, she holds marginally more power than her last stint at the magazine.

Miranda is given more depth in this sequel, as she remains terrifying, but equally we get glimpses of her vulnerability

We see the return of the iconic Miranda Priestly, played perfectly by Meryl Streep. Whilst centring around Andy, Miranda is arguably the main character of the films. Her excellently delivered lines are the most memorable. Miranda is given more depth in this sequel, as she remains terrifying, but equally we get glimpses of her vulnerability. Some people have criticised her supposed ‘weakness’ in this film, but I find that it offers a refreshing new facet to Miranda’s character. Despite her authority within the Runway brand, she is still at the whims of corporate higher-ups.

Nigel (Stanley Tucci) remains a firm favourite. He is still at Runway and works closely behind Miranda – the tension in this film comes as he wishes to move further into the spotlight. We also see a return of Emily, played by Emily Blunt, who has brilliant line delivery throughout the film and dominates her scenes.

The film … does not shy away from highlighting problems in the journalism industry, as newspaper and magazine journalism is undervalued and must coincide with the immediateness of social media

We are once again immersed in the fast-paced world of fashion. The costume design for this film is great, with extravagant looks which adapt to the film’s alternating corporate and casual environments. It is clear to see that Andy’s style has evolved from the first film, as she seems more confident in her personal style. Some of the fashion, however, seems drab compared with the outrageous looks from the first film. The outfits feel less inspiring, perhaps due to a lack of colour that has seeped into both fashion and cinema.

While in some respects the film offers a rehashing of the plot of the original film, we do get new storylines and developments. It does not shy away from highlighting problems in the journalism industry, as newspaper and magazine journalism is undervalued and must coincide with the immediateness of social media. Andy’s redundancy from the newspaper serves as both a plot device and a commentary on profit-focused businesspeople. Runway is a shell of its former self, having to contend with budget cuts and the threat of a buy-out. Miranda struggles against the onslaught of AI in a poignant conversation with tech mogul Benji (Justin Theroux).

One issue with the film is that The Devil Wears Prada 2 could easily be dated in a few years. It features cameos from celebrities and influencers, which, while serving a purpose now, will most likely have less relevance in years to come. Of course, some things from the original film seem dated now, but overall, the film stands the test of time. The concern for the sequel is whether it is possible for it to do the same.

It is unfortunate that Andy is not allowed to have a plotline which solely focuses on her career, and that she must instead have a love interest

Another slight fault of the film for me was Andy’s romance plotline. Although the romance is quite sweet, with a nice meet-cute, it is wholly insignificant to the film. It is unfortunate that Andy is not allowed to have a plotline which solely focuses on her career, and that she must instead have a love interest. At least this romance is a lot better than Andy’s previous boyfriend, Nate, who many people would agree is the real villain of the first film.

Overall, The Devil Wears Prada 2 is a highly watchable and fun film. After being concerned that it would be a mere cash-grab sequel, I am pleasantly surprised that offers a developed storyline. Was it slightly unnecessary? Yes, as standalone films with random sequels often are. But was it entertaining? Absolutely.

That’s all.

★★★ ½