Devil Wears Prada 2 Review – The Sequel brings back one of cinema’s most iconic fashion worlds, reuniting audiences with Miranda Priestly and Andrea Sachs in a story shaped by nostalgia and the realities of a changing media landscape. As the film steps into an AI-influenced era of journalism, it attempts to balance legacy, relevance and reinvention
Devil Wears Prada 2 Review by Rajeshwari Kalyanam
There are three kinds of audiences in the theatre for the first day first show of Devil Wears Prada 2. Those who grew up with Miranda Priestly—the boss they loved to hate and admire in equal measure; those from the new gen catching up with Part 2 to keep their FOMO in check; and those from the world of journalism, who recognise, perhaps too closely, the shifting realities the film now places against an AI-driven landscape. The struggle for views is too real for comfort.
Plot Overview: Andrea’s Return to Runway in an AI-Driven World
In the latest version of Devil Wears Prada directed by David Frankel and written by Aline Brosh McKenna, award-winning journalist Andrea (Anna Hathaway) is fired via text even as she is receiving an award for her work, along with a bunch of others. She finds herself in the midst of the chaos of the new world where she feels the need to shout aloud to herself amidst the crowd that ‘Journalism Matters’. In her acceptance speech she speaks about a 500 million takeover leaving the best of the journalists high and dry while the owner had taken 11 million home the previous year. This among other sharp criticism on some obvious and some not so obvious characters and events of the real world are poignant reminders of reality, which add the relatable elements to the movie.
Fast forward to the present day, Andy moved on from Runway and fashion journalism and was doing serious journalism, before she finds herself having to take up a job offer from Runway as features journalist.
She is back but nothing is as it was, not even her boss Miranda Priestly. And the rest of the story of Devil Wears Prada 2 is about how the now confident Andrea adjusts to her new job, manages to gain the confidence of her boss and makes herself valuable to the company by saving it. No, this is no spoiler – it is a familiar trope which finds itself repeated in the sequel of the memorable classic film, as expected.
What Works and What Doesn’t in Devil Wears Prada 2
Here’s a film that has all it takes to feed nostalgia, but is not quite there – the boss who is tough – but not obnoxious enough; the rest of the cast Andy, Nigel, Emily and the new set of ‘GenZ’ interns all doing what they are expected to do and the plot not engaging enough; the challenge not tough enough, the resolution not smart enough and the romance on the side not sizzling enough.
Fashion, Cameos and Nostalgia Elements
Yet, the team this time equipped with brand collaborations, latest fashion roping in some impressive cameos did do their best to bring back more than what the classic version had to offer – and that is a reason good enough to watch Devil Wears Prada 2. It does manage to deliver its share of magic to all types of audiences who are flocking the theatres to watch the classic in its updated version.
Performance Review: Meryl Streep as Miranda Priestly
Meryl Streep delivers to perfection – her indignation at having to be corrected and be politically correct in her ways and speech by her ever-attendant assistant Amari (Simone Ashley of Bridgerton), her longing for old ways, reluctant appreciation, a scorn well-camouflaged to appeal to modern rules, yet a sharp enough tongue – her every move, nod, and raise of an eyebrow say a lot. She may not get an Oscar with this one, but she is definitely winning hearts yet again as indomitable Miranda Priestly. If anything, this writer is not as inspired by her choice of clothes except a handful – one expects to be stunned – but who can say – perhaps western fashion is indeed boring and colourless – no wonder they are preying upon Asia for ‘their inspiration’.
Is Devil Wears Prada 2 Worth Watching?
Devil Wears Prada 2 leans heavily on nostalgia and the enduring appeal of its iconic characters, but does not quite recreate the sharpness that made the original memorable. While the performances—especially Meryl Streep’s—hold the film together, the writing lacks the bite, the conflict feels diluted, and the resolution predictable. Yet, for audiences invested in the world of Runway, its fashion, and its familiar faces, the film offers just enough moments to make the revisit worthwhile, even if it does not leave a lasting impression.
Devil Wears Prada 2 Review
Meryl Streep returns as Miranda Priestly in a sequel that blends nostalgia, fashion and modern newsroom struggles, but falls short of the original’s sharp edge.
Rating – 3/5
