20 years later, the devil is back on the catwalk.
The highly anticipated sequel to the 2006 cult classic “The Devil Wears Prada” struts onto red-carpeted theaters on May 1. Directed by David Frankel and written by Aline Brosh McKenna, “The Devil Wears Prada 2” puts high profile names, faces and brands back on the flashy runways of New York City — glamorous, catty and as iconic as ever. When Andy Sachs, played by Anne Hathaway, gets wrapped back into working for Miranda Priestly’s, played by Meryl Streep, fashion magazine, she finds herself scrambling to save a crumbling empire amongst shifting industry dynamics. While the appeal of “The Devil Wears Prada 2” lies largely in its sweeping glamour and leans heavily on nostalgia from its predecessor, the film successfully brings its plot and characters into the modern age, making for a satisfactory sequel.
“The Devil Wears Prada 2” is loyal to its predecessor in its quippy tone, iconic characters and sharp style. Hathaway’s protagonist, Andy, is back to being Miranda’s stumbling, endearing mess from 20 years ago, vying for validation from her boss. Andy’s ability to do the impossible is admirable — whether that be getting Miranda a coffee in the first movie, locking down an interview with an elusive celebrity or saving the publication from being run down by an athleisure-wearing nepo baby. The quotable one-liners that characterized the first movie continue throughout the sequel, as audiences were immediately brought back into Miranda’s high fashion empire with Stanley Tucci’s first utterance as Nigel Kipling, “Look what TJ Maxx dragged in.” Still, all characters are impeccably styled by costume designer Molly Rogers, their sleek looks fitting for a high-fashion film.
Like the original, the sequel is sympathetic toward its characters. Miranda is as iconic as ever in all of her devilish glory, as Streep’s performance drips with effortless sarcasm. Emily Blunt shines as Emily Charlton, the ex-assistant turned rival executive. In the original movie, Miranda was a dictator who would not stop at anything to perfect her throne that is high fashion. Now, in the sequel, Miranda is still the perfectionist that made her an iconic villain. Yet, the audience is left rooting for her success, admiring her passion for her publication and even seeing her as a victim of a system that rewards nepotism over merit. Instead, in “The Devil Wears Prada 2,” the role of the villain is handed over to Blunt’s Emily, who stands in parallel opposition to Andy. However, she too earns her redemption, as Emily and Andy reconcile in the film’s conclusion.
Consequently, perhaps in a contradictory way, the sequel’s strength in its empathy and endearment detracts from the appeal of the original story. “The Devil Wears Prada” was iconic in its unabashed and ruthless portrayal of Miranda. Its twists and deception and refusal to shy away from the cruel aspects of high fashion culture, as well as its ambiguous conclusion with no true end in sight, were what made the original film a compelling and timeless watch. With the sequel’s neatly-tied feel-good endings, and the explicit unironic statement by Miranda that “no one is perfect,” the sequel simply does not have the same cult classic quality.
The sequel also lacks the atmosphere of the first movie — that dynamic, unwashed 2000s film feel that modern blockbusters just don’t seem to have. “The Devil Wears Prada 2” seems too sleek and modern, minimalistic in its production design and lighting. Even the glamorous scenes in high-profile events, luxury private gatherings and red carpets seem soulless and digitized. Although this mood is undoubtedly fitting for the reality of the 2020s, “The Devil Wears Prada 2” could have been enjoyed as more of a nostalgia trip than a reality check if only it replicated the atmosphere of the original.
The running theme of traditional media losing its relevance in a digital age is glaringly obvious throughout the film. Right at the start, Andy loses her job as a journalist due to budget cuts, prompting her return to Miranda’s “Runway” magazine. The once-iron-fisted Miranda is forced to fold to advertisers and influencers, as the magazine’s print edition has dissolved due to dwindling viewership. Andy is frequently confronted with reminders that no one reads her articles (which is, unfortunately, a familiar qualm). Although the film’s commentary is sometimes appropriate and may be truthful, it seems to be forced upon the audience in its blatancy. For a huge Hollywood blockbuster, the undeniable commentary in “The Devil Wears Prada 2” makes audiences wonder if the film is self-reflexive of the studios’ own struggle to stay relevant.
Like many blockbuster sequels, the movie seems to cover up its inability to live up to its original by showcasing its gargantuan budget through a number of celebrity cameos. From Lady Gaga to Amelia Dimoldenberg from “Chicken Shop Date” to the Donatella Versace herself, the celebrity events and fashion shows in “The Devil Wears Prada 2” replicate pop culture in real time. In this way, along with its media commentary and flat cinematography, the sequel functions as a sort of period piece for 2026 in its reflection of the current zeitgeist.
The spirit of both “The Devil Wears Prada” and its sequel lies in its semi-satirical value. There’s just something so charming about a bunch of high class folks bumbling around a fashion magazine as if it’s the most important thing in the world. As these iconic characters dwell in their high class frivolity, the stakes could not be any lower. But in the world of Miranda and Andy, this is as real as it gets — and the films treat it as such, with a fair amount of respect for the industry and those who work in it. The audience is reminded of the people behind the hustle, recognizing the artists who have devoted themselves, holding reverence for the characters’ journeys and achievements despite the films’ satirical tone. This duality is what made the original so great, and is what the sequel continues to do.
Although mostly continuous in tone and style from the first movie, “The Devil Wears Prada 2” serves as a simple continuation of a familiar story that was iconic on its own. It does not aim to be groundbreaking, nor is it expected to be, instead being a simple new addition for fans of the original to indulge in. Still, “The Devil Wears Prada 2” makes for a satisfactory sequel and was worth the watch.
3.5/5
