The Devil Wears Prada 2 Review: A Stylish Sequel That Successfully Returns to Runway
Nearly twenty years after The Devil Wears Prada became one of the most beloved fashion dramas of the 2000s, the long-awaited sequel reunites audiences with Miranda Priestly and Andy Sachs. Directed once again by David Frankel, The Devil Wears Prada 2 revisits the glamorous world of Runway Magazine while exploring how the fashion industry has evolved in the digital age. Although it doesn’t quite match the brilliance of the original, it delivers a charming, entertaining, and emotionally satisfying continuation of the story.
Story
Years after leaving Runway Magazine, Andy Sachs (Anne Hathaway) has built a successful career as an award-winning journalist. However, an unexpected setback leaves her searching for a new opportunity. Meanwhile, Miranda Priestly (Meryl Streep) faces one of the biggest challenges of her career as Runway struggles with declining print sales, public criticism, and the growing dominance of digital media.
To restore the magazine’s reputation, Andy is brought back to Runway to help lead its public image makeover. The reunion with Miranda isn’t easy, especially as the legendary editor struggles to adapt to an industry transformed by social media and online publishing. Familiar faces like Nigel (Stanley Tucci) and Emily Charlton (Emily Blunt) also return, creating an emotional reunion while introducing new workplace tensions and personal conflicts.
Review
One of the sequel’s greatest strengths is its cast. Anne Hathaway effortlessly steps back into Andy’s shoes, portraying a more confident and mature version of the ambitious journalist audiences first met in 2006. Meryl Streep once again dominates every scene as Miranda Priestly, balancing authority, vulnerability, and razor-sharp wit. While Miranda feels slightly softer than before, Streep’s commanding performance remains the film’s biggest highlight.
Stanley Tucci and Emily Blunt provide excellent support, with both characters receiving meaningful roles instead of simple nostalgia-driven cameos. Their chemistry with the returning cast helps make the sequel feel like a genuine continuation rather than a forced reunion.
David Frankel successfully recreates the stylish atmosphere that made the original so memorable. The costume design, luxurious locations, elegant cinematography, and fashionable set pieces make every scene visually appealing. Whether inside Runway’s offices or at glamorous fashion events across New York and Milan, the film never loses its polished aesthetic.
Unlike the first movie, which focused on Andy discovering the fashion industry, the sequel explores the industry’s struggle to remain relevant in a digital-first world. The conflict between traditional print journalism and modern social media gives the story a fresh perspective while reflecting real-world changes affecting fashion publications today.
However, the screenplay isn’t without flaws. The film introduces several new characters and subplots, causing parts of the story to feel overcrowded. Some supporting characters receive limited development, while a few storylines are wrapped up too quickly. Miranda’s character arc also feels more predictable compared to the sharp, intimidating presence that defined the original film.
Despite these shortcomings, the movie maintains an enjoyable pace and never loses its entertaining charm. Its humor, emotional moments, and nostalgic callbacks will particularly resonate with longtime fans.
Verdict
The Devil Wears Prada 2 may not surpass its iconic predecessor, but it proves that returning to Runway was worthwhile. Strong performances, stylish visuals, and an engaging story make it a satisfying sequel that respects the legacy of the original while embracing the changing landscape of fashion and media.
Rating: 3.8/5
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