Twenty years have passed since the original The Devil Wears Prada charmed audiences with its tale of a young aspiring writer navigating the cutthroat world of high fashion. Now, the sequel arrives with a sprightly and amiable spirit, reuniting the beloved cast for another glossy adventure. The fashion and publishing industries have undergone significant makeovers, but Miranda Priestly's wardrobe remains as formidable as ever.
Plot Overview
Andrea "Andy" Sachs, played by Anne Hathaway, returns to New York after being laid off from her prestigious but dull broadsheet job by a Jeff Bezos-like tycoon. Desperate for work, she accepts a Mephistophelean offer to become features editor at Runway, the iconic fashion magazine once ruled by the terrifying Miranda Priestly (Meryl Streep). However, the magazine has changed dramatically: budgets are slashed, digital clicks rule, and Miranda must pay lip service to body positivity and inclusivity. She even flies coach now.
Character Dynamics
Miranda looks unchanged, as does Nigel (Stanley Tucci), her loyal and melancholic second-in-command. Andy's old nemesis Emily (Emily Blunt), now head of Dior, steals scenes with sharp wit and style. New characters include Amari (Simone Ashley), Miranda's socially conscious assistant, and a dull Australian real estate magnate (Patrick Brammall) who lacks chemistry with Andy. Kenneth Branagh appears as Miranda's violinist boyfriend, adding an odd but amusing touch.
Sequels and Cameos
The film revisits familiar beats from the original: cafeteria chats with Nigel, a trip to the Hamptons, a fashion show in Milan, and backstairs scheming to thwart a corporate coup. Nostalgic fans will spot Andy's infamous blue sweater. Cameos abound, including Justin Theroux as Emily's grinning yet sinister boyfriend Benji. However, the much-anticipated appearance of Anna Wintour never materializes.
Strengths and Weaknesses
The sequel is fun and buoyant, thanks to the returning screenwriter Aline Brosh McKenna and director David Frankel. Emily Blunt shines, and the film's humor is sharp. However, Andy's romantic subplot falls flat, and the recycled plot may feel tired to some. Yet for fans of the original, it's a pleasant return to a beloved world.
The Devil Wears Prada 2 is released on 30 April in Australia and 1 May in the UK and US.
