The highly anticipated sequel, ‘The Devil Wears Prada 2,’ is now available on VOD platforms, bringing back the original cast, director David Frankel, and writer Aline Brosh McKenna. Set in 2026, twenty years after the first film’s release, the story reflects significant shifts in the media industry, where fashion magazines now produce online content and are subject to the volatile whims of billionaire owners focused solely on profit.
Journalism in the Digital Age
The film introduces Andy Sachs (Anne Hathaway), who is unceremoniously fired from her reporting job via text just before receiving an award. Her acceptance speech evolves into a passionate critique of the industry’s callousness and the essential role of journalism. The narrative highlights the precariousness of the journalistic profession in the current climate. Despite losing her job, Andy rejects an offer from her friend Lily (Tracie Thoms) to work at an art gallery, maintaining confidence that a solution will emerge.
Meanwhile, Runway magazine faces public scrutiny after its editor-in-chief, Miranda Priestly (Meryl Streep), becomes entangled with a corporation operating sweatshops. The magazine’s publisher, Irv (Tibor Feldman), notices Andy’s viral rant and rehires her as the new features editor at Runway, a move that surprises Miranda and her long-time assistant Nigel Kipling (Stanley Tucci). Nigel remains supportive of Andy, while Miranda feigns ignorance of her past assistant.
Miranda enlists Andy’s help to mend relations with a major advertiser, Dior, now managed by Emily Charlton (Emily Blunt), another former subordinate. This reunion brings the key characters back together.
Navigating Reputational Crises and Personal Ambitions
Andy successfully rehabilitates Runway’s image with an apology column, paving the way for new plotlines. She secures an interview with elusive industry figure Sasha Barnes (Lucy Liu) and considers a tell-all book about Miranda Priestly. Despite her professional achievements at Runway, Andy still seeks Miranda’s approval. She begins dating contractor Peter (Patrick Brammall), who helps her secure a New York City apartment.
As Miranda is poised for a promotion, Irv dies, and his son (B.J. Novak) brings in management consultants, leading to cost-cutting measures that force Miranda to travel commercially. Concurrently, Emily begins a relationship with Sasha’s ex-boyfriend, a billionaire played by Justin Theroux. The film attempts to explore Miranda’s character, portraying her as a secretly depressed individual, and questions whether this complexity warrants audience sympathy.
A Blend of Nostalgia and Relevance
The sequel attempts to bridge the gap between lighter fare and serious journalism dramas. Streep and Tucci deliver seasoned performances, while Blunt, reprising her breakout role, has limited screen time. Hathaway effectively connects the various plot threads. The film offers numerous callbacks to the original and features several celebrity cameos, though the screenplay is criticized for trying to encompass too much.
The movie acknowledges the industry's evolution since the original, with fashion publications now struggling for attention through social media. However, the critique of the industry’s current state, including the existence of lavish offices and personal chauffeurs, is deemed somewhat unrealistic. The film introduces antagonists who are portrayed as more callous than Miranda, reflecting the harsh realities faced by those with significant power and wealth.
Ultimately, ‘The Devil Wears Prada 2’ is recommended for its blend of gentle comedy and thematic relevance, offering a continuation of the original story that, while not perfect, manages to be engaging. The film suggests that Andy's relentless optimism leads to a series of fortunate events, including a brief unemployment period, a substantial salary, free couture, a book deal offer, and a fallback job. The subplot involving her love interest is considered underdeveloped.
Despite its narrative challenges, the film succeeds in its reunion of the cast and its amiable tone, providing enough enjoyable elements for fans of the original. The sequel is considered a modest success, more of a winner than a loser.