Twenty years later, the characters of Devil Wears Prada haven’t changed much, but their livelihoods are at risk. This reunion is fun, though not quite as entertaining as the first film, since there’s much more at stake. The best part is easily Meryl Streep’s Miranda Priestly navigating the modern workplace.
Andy (Anne Hathaway) returns to Runway, now a digital publication, in an editorial role to help save the magazine after a scandal.
The script, by returning screenwriter Aline Brosh McKenna, reflects current realities in which publishing and journalism are dying industries.
As expected, Andy is now an acclaimed journalist. However, she learns that her entire editorial team has been laid off amid the ever-changing media landscape. Suddenly out of a job, her skills are quickly scooped up by Runway—without Miranda’s knowledge.
Runway itself is also on the verge of collapse, but Andy’s editorial instincts help steer it back from scandal. She still desperately craves Miranda’s approval, though Miranda hasn’t softened her ways.
Stanley Tucci’s Nigel remains a loyal partner at Miranda’s side, holding no grudge over her betrayal two decades ago. Meanwhile, Emily Blunt’s Emily is carving her own path at Dior.
Andy, Emily, and Nigel remain largely the same people we met 20 years ago, while Miranda shows the most change. Though she hasn’t softened toward Andy, she now allows others to dictate the terms of business—a shift that surprises Andy.
Miranda Priestly delivers most of the sequel’s biggest laughs. In the modern workplace, the editor-in-chief struggles to stay politically correct. She’s now forced to hang her own coats and carefully monitor her words and actions, with often hilarious results.
The latter part of the film drags as Miranda and Runway’s future hang in the balance. Similar to the first movie, Andy takes it upon herself to help save both Miranda’s job and the magazine. This shift in focus not only slows the momentum but also serves as a buzzkill, reminding us of the sad state of affairs in real life.
Reuniting with these memorable characters is undeniably delightful, but the sequel doesn’t quite recapture the magic or pizzazz of the original.
Devil Wears Prada 2 is now playing in theaters.
