#REVIEW: “THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA”

By Mr. Will Wong

A lot has changed in 20 years. The grandeur of print media is an era of the past and the focus has become metrics and views, while budgets continue to diminish and the values of integrity and artistry fade more and more into the background. THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA 2 is a reminder how far we’ve come since 2006, yet also how the grind continues as the landscape continues to change in how we access information.

We reunite with Andy (Anne Hathaway), who is in the market for a job after being exited unceremoniously via text by her publication right as she’s about to receive an award for her journalism. She’s handpicked to inject some credibility back into Runway magazine, hired as Features Editor, after her former boss Miranda (Meryl Streep) gets embroiled in a bit of controversy. This is all done without Miranda‘s knowing, of course. Just like some 20 years ago, Andy finds herself struggling to win her boss’ acceptance allover again. Being armed with her signature resourcefulness, she is determined to succeed and help Miranda, who might be at risk of losing everything she’s built at the magazine. At once, Stylist and Art Director Nigel (Stanley Tucci) still is plugging away faithfully at Miranda‘s side, while Emily (Emily Blunt) now works for Dior, getting spoiled by her rich boyfriend.

The Devil Wears Prada 2 comes with a deafening volume of buzz and excitement. Its predecessor is considered a time capsule to culture and fashion of the early 2000s, a glimpse at the type of beauty standards and behaviours we tolerated in the workplace. Director David Frankel and Screenwriter Aline Brosh McKenna do a fantastic job updating the story with today’s sensibilities making plausible what Miranda would do in the age of “clicks” and body positivity. What we did enjoy most is seeing her at her most vulnerable, truly needing Andy‘s help despite meeting the reunion with contempt and resentment initially.  She is cold and prickly, but for the first time we see some actual humanity.

This Ensemble once again are phenomenal and the bonds, particularly between Miranda, Andy, and Nigel, reach some heartfelt places. Andy is determined not to fail, and Miranda is driven to remain at the top even when a major obstacle gets in her way.  This truly is a celebration of women who love to work, hence it is slight misstep that so much focus is spent exploring love stories here, which fail to contribute any interesting dynamics to the story.

The Film is a sight to behold with dazzling costumes by Molly Rogers (mentee to original Costumer Patricia Field) and Cinematographer Florian Ballhaus reunites again with Frankel here capturing the story so beautifully with lots of aerial shots, which make New York City and Milan feel even more alive and grand. There is so much beauty to appreciate.

While nothing tops the original in our humble opinion, this sequel puts forth its best effort to preserve the charm, heart and biting humour we loved so much in its predecessor. It succeeds overall. We need more films like this, especially in divisive times, which connect humans together on a large scale.

20th Century Studios Canada release THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA May 1, 2026.