The Devil Wears Prada 2
★★★ 1/2
The Devil Wears Prada 2 slips back into our lives with confidence, charm and just enough bite to remind you why we loved this world in the first place.
Picking up years after the original, this sequel had a tricky runway to walk. The Devil Wears Prada is not just a beloved comedy; it is practically a sacred text for a certain era of film fans. The big question here is whether to lean into nostalgia or try to evolve. This follow-up finds a nice balance between the two.
There is fan service, but it never feels lazy. Instead, it builds on what worked. The characters are still sharp, the dialogue is quick and that mix of ambition and insecurity is still front and center. The fashion remains stunning and might even be better this time. The film trusts the visuals more and spends less time telling us how important fashion is, and that shift works in its favor.
Anne Hathaway once again anchors the film as Andy. She brings a familiarity that feels like slipping into something comfortable. There are moments where her flustered reactions around Miranda feel a bit heightened, especially given where her character is professionally, but she remains incredibly watchable. Hathaway has a way of making you feel safe as a viewer, and you trust her to guide the story.
Meryl Streep reminds you once again why Miranda Priestly is such an iconic character. What could have easily been a one-note performance continues to have depth. By the end, you are not just seeing a cold boss. You are seeing a person. That balance is not easy to maintain, especially in a sequel.
The supporting cast is where the movie really finds its rhythm. Emily Blunt and Hathaway have a fun and evolved dynamic that reflects their stage in life. They are older, sharper and still navigating the same demanding world. Stanley Tucci as Nigel once again brings a quiet gravitas. His presence grounds the film and adds a sense of warmth that keeps everything from feeling too glossy.
One of the more interesting elements is how the film addresses the changing media landscape. Runway is not just about influence anymore. It is trying to survive in a world shaped by digital platforms, consolidation and shifting audience habits. I appreciated the focus on the value of writing and journalism, especially as those roles continue to evolve. At the same time, there is something fascinating about watching incredibly wealthy and well-connected characters serve as the lens for that broader societal shift. The stakes are real in theory, but they are filtered through a world of privilege that makes the struggle feel a bit removed. It creates an interesting tension where you understand the message while also recognizing the irony.
The film does ask you to suspend disbelief a bit in that regard. It is hard not to notice that these impeccably dressed characters are navigating industry challenges while still living in a level of luxury most people will never experience. Even so, the film manages to make you care about the characters themselves, which ultimately keeps you invested.
The romantic subplot is the weakest part of the film. Andy’s love interest, played by Patrick Brammall (one of my personal favorite comedic actors from Colin from Accounts), feels out of place. He is charming, but here the storyline feels unnecessary. Andy’s professional journey is strong enough to stand on its own, and the added romance does not bring much to the table.
What the film does well is continue to focus on these women as individuals. Their ambitions and careers drive the story. Their identities are not tied to romantic relationships, which makes everything feel refreshing with a sense of purpose.
In the end, this sequel feels like a warm hug. It does not try to completely reinvent the original, but it does enough to justify its return. There is care behind it, and that shows in the performances and the storytelling.
I still prefer the original, but this is a worthy follow-up that understands what made the first film resonate. And if nothing else, it is always fun to spend time in a world that looks this good.
