Two decades after it first defined a generation of fashion, ambition, and biting workplace wit, “The Devil Wears Prada 2” returns with a sequel that feels both nostalgic and sharply attuned to today’s media landscape. It also delivers the same sense of comfort that made the 2006 original so beloved.
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The film runs for almost two hours.
Reuniting Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt and Stanley Tucci, the film brings audiences back to the polished chaos of Runway Magazine, now set against an industry undergoing transformation.
At its core, the dynamic between Miranda Priestly and Andy Sachs remains as compelling as ever. Their relationship continues to anchor the film, shaped by time, shifting priorities and the evolving nature of media and fashion.
The sequel gives its characters meaningful space to grow. Nigel, in particular, is given a more satisfying arc that may resonate emotionally with audiences, while Emily Charlton’s return delivers angst and humor fans remember. The four central figures remain the backbone of the story, making the reunion one of its strongest elements.
New additions to the cast, including Lucy Liu, Justin Theroux, B. J. Novak and Pauline Chalamet, as well as Helen Shen and Caleb Hearon, bring added energy, humor and tension, expanding the film’s world in a refreshing way.
The film also revisits familiar themes, with friendship, loyalty and career ambition once again at the forefront. Like its predecessor, it includes a romantic subplot, though it feels less essential this time around, taking a backseat to the professional and personal dynamics that define the story.
Beyond nostalgia, the film succeeds in updating its themes. It presents a more realistic look at the shrinking space of traditional media, weaving in contemporary challenges without losing the glamour that defined the original. Fashion still takes center stage, but it now coexists with a more grounded portrayal of an industry in transition.
There are also moments designed to delight audiences, including surprise celebrity cameos.
A high-energy track titled “Runway” by Lady Gaga and Doechii adds to the film’s lively, contemporary feel and fashion-forward tone. Fashion-wise, it is not overly extravagant, but the styling still stands out. Some scenes are also shot in Milan, Italy, including the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, capturing the fashion soul of the city, and Santa Maria delle Grazie, where Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper is featured prominently, further enriching the film’s visual and cultural backdrop.
Directed by David Frankel and written by Aline Brosh McKenna, the film balances nostalgia with reinvention and drama honoring its legacy while adapting to a new era.
While it is hard to say if it surpasses the original, it is a crowd-pleaser and likely a box-office hit, living up to the hype and satisfying fans who have long awaited its return.
Ultimately, “The Devil Wears Prada 2” is a fitting follow-up, one that captures the spirit of the original while evolving with the times, offering both familiarity and a fresh perspective for audiences.
The film is now showing in Philippine cinemas, brought by 20th Century Fox.
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