A New Chapter for the Fab Four
The return of the iconic quartet – Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt, and Stanley Tucci – has sparked a wave of anticipation. The original film, The Devil Wears Prada, has become a cultural touchstone over the past 20 years, offering comfort, inspiration, and quotable lines that have transcended generations. From discussing ‘groundbreaking’ florals in spring to referencing “by all means, move at a glacial pace, you know how that thrills me,” the film’s influence is undeniable.
The expectations for this sequel are high, with the original screenwriter Aline Brosh McKenna and director David Frankel returning, alongside Blunt and Hathaway, who have since become major stars. Streep, too, has continued her stellar career, earning additional Oscar nominations, including for her original role as Miranda Priestly, the feared editor of Runway magazine.
However, the film must also address the drastic changes in the fashion industry. Print magazines like Runway are struggling, and the entire sector faces challenges from tech corporations and influencer culture. Budgets have been cut, and the cost of living crisis has made the world less aspirational than it was two decades ago.
Despite these challenges, the return of the characters feels timely and meaningful. In The Devil Wears Prada 2, Andy and her colleagues are fired during an awards ceremony, a scene that will resonate with many in the media industry. The film captures the real-life experiences of journalists, showing Miranda plunged into an embarrassing crisis from the start. Andy, now a features reporter, is brought back to save the day by the CEO of the media group.
Miranda’s return is marked by a series of comedic moments, such as her struggle to hang up her own coat after an HR talk about throwing it at her assistants. Her new personal assistants, played by Simone Ashley and Caleb Hearon, add a fresh dynamic to the story.
Amari, played by Simone Ashley, is tasked with keeping Miranda in check when she makes controversial remarks, such as “A bumbag – may my suicide be brief but painless.” She also reminds Charlie (Caleb Hearon) of their rules, reminding him: “What did we say about laughing?”
While some aspects of Runway remain unchanged, the film introduces new challenges, including backstabbing, budget cuts, and a difficult relationship with Lady Gaga. Consultants who introduce themselves with “Harvard MBA, not important” add to the chaos.
Key Details About The Devil Wears Prada 2
- Director: David Frankel
- Writer: Aline Brosh McKenna, based on characters by Lauren Weisberger
- Cast: Anne Hathaway, Meryl Streep, Emily Blunt, Stanley Tucci, Kenneth Branagh, Justin Theroux, Simone Ashley, Lucy Liu, Lady Gaga, Patrick Brammall, B.J. Novak, Caleb Hearon, Rachel Bloom, Helen J. Shen
- Age rating: 12A
- Run time: 1hr 59m
- Release date: The Devil Wears Prada 2 releases in cinemas on Friday, May 1.
The Devil Wears Prada 2 is a sparkling continuation of the original. It retains the sharp wit and humor that made the first film a hit, while allowing fan favorites like Emily and Nigel to shine. Meryl Streep returns effortlessly as Miranda, capturing the character’s icy yet soft demeanor. Her subtle expressions elevate even the simplest lines.
The film satisfies fans’ desires for more Miranda Priestly, and it’s hard to imagine Streep not receiving another Oscar nomination for her performance. The movie also delivers some of the best quotes, including:
- “A bumbag… may my suicide be brief but painless” – Miranda
- “Help yourself to standards galore” – Emily
- “May the bridges I burn light my way” – Emily
- “Well look what TJ Maxx dragged in” – Nigel
- “My God, just hide a feeling for once please” – Emily
- “I’m stretched thinner than a pair of Spanx” – Emily
- “You’ve changed – you’re much more confident. Kept those eyebrows though, didn’t you?” – Emily
Anne Hathaway plays Andy with a more subdued role, serving as the audience’s surrogate in a world of eccentric characters. While her love interest, played by Patrick Brammall, is less significant to the plot, it’s clear that he is not meant to be Nate, the problematic boyfriend from the first film.
Despite this, the film excels in its portrayal of the modern media landscape, addressing its challenges with finesse. It doesn’t simply rehash the past; instead, it offers a seamless extension of the characters’ lives after 20 years.
In conclusion, The Devil Wears Prada 2 is a well-crafted sequel that delivers exactly what fans wanted, even if they didn’t realize it. It’s a testament to the enduring appeal of the original and a bold step forward for the franchise.
