A New Chapter for the Fab Four
The return of the iconic quartet is here, and by that, we mean Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt, and Stanley Tucci. The original film, The Devil Wears Prada, has since become a cultural touchstone, a nostalgic comfort for generations, and a source of endless quotable lines. From “groundbreaking” florals in spring to “by all means, move at a glacial pace, you know how that thrills me,” the film’s legacy is undeniable.
With such high expectations, the sequel promises to deliver on all fronts. Original screenwriter Aline Brosh McKenna and director David Frankel are back, alongside Blunt and Hathaway, who have grown into major stars, and Streep, who has added eight more Oscar nominations to her impressive resume, including her original role as Miranda Priestly.
However, the world has changed significantly in the past 20 years. Fashion magazines like Runway are struggling, and the entire industry faces challenges from tech corporations and influencer culture. Budgets have been slashed, and the cost of living crisis has made the world less aspirational than before. This makes the return of the characters even more meaningful.
The sequel doesn’t shy away from these changes. Andy and her colleagues are fired via mass text during an awards ceremony, a scene that resonates with real-life experiences in the industry. Miranda finds herself in an embarrassing crisis, and Andy is brought back to save the day with her features reporting skills. It’s a situation that would undoubtedly thrill Miranda.
In a fast-paced opening, Miranda, Andy, and Nigel rush to meet Dior, where Emily now works as a high-powered executive. She quickly puts Andy and her journalistic standards in their place. Miranda must also hang up her own coat after an HR talk about throwing it at her assistants. Now represented by Bridgerton star Simone Ashley’s snippy Amari and people pleaser Charlie, the dynamic has shifted.
Amari’s job includes keeping Miranda in line when she makes problematic statements, such as “A bumbag – may my suicide be brief but painless.” She also reminds Charlie not to laugh, highlighting the new rules in place.
Despite the changes, some things remain the same. Andy pretends to secure an interview with Sasha Barnes, Lucy Liu’s character, newly divorced from billionaire Benji. However, this is just the beginning of the chaos at Runway, which includes backstabbing, budget cuts, and a difficult relationship with Lady Gaga.
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 sequel is a sparkling continuation of the original. The sharp wit and humor are all present, with fan favorites Emily and Nigel remaining as iconic as ever. Streep effortlessly slips back into her role as Miranda, delivering lines with precision and nuance. Her performance is nothing short of extraordinary, and it’s hard to imagine anyone else in the role.
The film satisfies fans’ desire for more Miranda Priestly, proving that there was always room for more of her. It would be a travesty if Streep didn’t receive another Oscar nomination for her performance, given the quality of her work.
Iconic Quotes from the Film
- “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
Hathaway’s role as Andy is less flashy, but she serves as the audience’s surrogate, reacting to the eccentricities around her. Miranda’s edges haven’t softened, and Andy is still intimidated, albeit more experienced. She also has a new love interest in Peter, played by Patrick Brammall, who is not important to the plot other than to not be Nate, the problematic boyfriend from the previous film.
While his character could have been developed further, it’s clear that he’s not central to the story. Despite this, the film’s strengths lie in its performances, costumes, and witty dialogue. More importantly, it feels like a natural extension of the characters’ lives after 20 years rather than an awkward addition.
The film also addresses the modern media landscape and its challenges, showing that the creators didn’t simply bring everything back for nostalgia’s sake. Instead, they found something new to say.
Final Verdict
This is how you make a sequel—serving the audience what they didn’t even know they wanted, 20 years later. The Devil Wears Prada 2 is in cinemas from today.
