When a film hits a nerve with various writers and journalists, you know that its narrative is on the right track. The opening scene of The Devil Wears Prada 2 does exactly this with a mass firing of a small, award-winning newspaper team by text. It sets a relatable tone that not only underlines the current real-world precariousness of the industry but also the message of this legacy sequel.
Taking place 20 years after Andy Sachs (Anne Hathaway) walked away from Runway and its cold-tongued editor-in-chief Miranda Priestley (Meryl Streep), Andy is hired back to the new features editor to assist the magazine through a crisis. With both Runway and Miranda’s careers at risk, Andy strives to save both.
What is immediately noticeable in the sequel is Andy’s confidence as a now-experienced journalist. Gone is the fish out of water with no fashion sense; she is now driven by her passion towards journalistic integrity, to the point where her rant about its importance becomes viral. Upon her return to Runway, there is a fear that she would cower under Miranda’s withering gaze and the quips of long-standing fashion director and former mentor Nigel (Stanley Tucci). However, Andy is more than prepared to stand for what she wants, writing pieces with substance and taking the steps to protect the reputation of a long-standing publication.
With Runway being the core of The Devil Wears Prada 2, the ever-changing industry of journalism takes centre stage. From the sombre opening scene, the film reiterates how changes have affected the sector and the characters, causing them to react in different ways. Miranda’s assurance of her legacy at Runway betrays her arrogance that she would not be affected by an unpredictable climate. Meanwhile, Andy experiences firsthand how cutthroat these changes can be and becomes more determined to survive the storm. Along with the use of AI, as well as the battle between print and digital, these elements deliver a modern take that feels relevant and debatable, as it allows audiences to get a glimpse of a world that was deemed ‘covetable’ in the first film.
In fact, Aline Brosh McKenna’s screenplay as the characters’ uncertainty about the future shows an appreciated maturity that reflects that times – and people – have changed. Although they exude a familiar sense of passive-aggression, they convey their changed attitudes through their work. Whether it is to persevere or prepare for the unexpected, they share a direction that aims to retain Runway’s future. The different dynamics between the characters also conveyed through their personal relationships. Miranda feels lost despite the support of her husband, Stuart (Kenneth Branagh). Now working as a senior executive at Dior, Emily (Emily Blunt) is nonetheless relying on a monetarily beneficial relationship with divorcé Benji Barnes (Justin Theroux). Even Andy is dipping her toes in the dating scene after a meet-cute with contractor Peter (Patrick Brammel). Certain relationship elements, such as the unsupportive partner or the clash of two narcissistic partners, can easily fall into rom-com clichés. But in this sequel, they reinforce how the ambitions of three distinct, strong-willed women play a part in how they view relationships, whether they are guided by work or money.
In terms of performances, the cast is on top form. Hathaway’s Andy balances charm and a steeliness towards her Runway colleagues, reflecting the changed dynamics between them – she is no longer a fish out of water; she is rightly among her peers. Streep brings a compassionate slant in her return to an Oscar-nominated role, hinting at Miranda’s quiet fear for her job while the ever-consistent Tucci and Blunt deliver laughs amid acid-tongued barbs. Meanwhile, Simone Ashley, Lucy Liu and Helen J Shen help diversify the film’s supporting cast through quietly notable performances, ranging from an overworked personal assistant to a newly independent person moving on from a long-term relationship.
In terms of visuals, director David Frankel continues to glamourise the world of high-end fashion established in the 2006 film. Various montages featuring the film’s elaborate costumes, while sweeping shots involving helicopter rides and exclusive holiday homes, elevate the appeal of a luxurious lifestyle. They also complement chaos amid the hustle and bustle of New York, hinting that there is reward from hard work. Yet memorable, carefully placed nods will appease fans of the first film, including splashes of blue (or cerulean, if you prefer), different belts and the mere mention of ‘spring florals’ plastered across a banner.
It may have taken 20 years, but The Devil Wears Prada 2 is unlike other nostalgia-driven sequels. Thanks to its strong cast performances and a witty yet balanced screenplay, it is a flamboyant yet heartwarming return to the world of Runway.
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The Devil Wears Prada 2 is out in UK cinemas on 1 May.
Director: David Frankel; Aline Brosh McKenna (screenwriter)
Stars: Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt, Stanley Tucci, Kenneth Branagh, Justin Theroux, Lucy Liu, Simone Ashley
Runtime: 120 minutes
Country: USA
