The Devil Wears Prada 2 Review: A Fun Reunion Despite The Flaws
One of the most anticipated sequels of the year is finally here. Devil Wears Prada 2 brings back Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt, and Stanley Tucci, reprising their iconic roles from the cult classic The Devil Wears Prada.
So is it just another entry in Hollywood’s runway of cash-grabbing sequels that run purely on nostalgia? A cold shell of the original, as many early critics suggest? Let’s find out.
At a Glance
Category | Verdict |
Overall Rating | 3.5/5 |
Biggest Strength | Cast chemistry and performances |
Biggest Weakness | Thin and predictable plot |
Best For | Fans of the original film |
Skip If | You want a strong narrative sequel |
Theatre Worthy? | Yes, if you enjoy the characters |
A Sequel Built on Nostalgia
Let’s address this right off the bat. Does The Devil Wears Prada 2 rely heavily on characters we last saw 20 years ago and elevate them to iconic status? Absolutely. Does it lean into nostalgia and the feeling of revisiting familiar faces? Yes. Does it have a weaker plot than the first film? Also yes.
Is it still enjoyable? Yes!
What Made the Original So Special
Part of what made the first movie work was not just the characters but the subtle meta layer beneath it. Over the years, audiences have analysed it extensively and appreciated the satire it carried. The characters were exaggerated versions inspired by real figures in the fashion industry.
Part of the appeal came from wondering if people in that world were really this eccentric. It felt fresh and unique. Miranda Priestly stood as a towering media figure who was cold, calculating, and exceptional at her job. Her dynamic with Andy, someone who believed real journalism existed elsewhere, grounded the story.
At its core, the film explored how we judge a book by its cover while still acting as a love letter to the fashion industry.
A Different Kind of Appeal This Time
The Devil Wears Prada 2 operates with a different kind of appeal. It is less about message and more about revisiting the characters. The biggest draw here is seeing what happened after that final moment in the original. Where did everyone end up? How did their lives evolve?
This is a good sequel in terms of continuity. It carries forward the story in a meaningful way. The issue is that the plot is noticeably weaker and tends to drag at times. The film is aware of this and does not try to hide it.
Most people are not here for a layered narrative. They are here to see Miranda in the modern world. Has she softened? Has Andy succeeded in journalism after leaving Runway? Where are Nigel and Emily now? In that regard, the film absolutely delivers.
Performances That Carry the Film
The cast is the backbone of this movie. Meryl Streep is phenomenal, as always. Anne Hathaway slips back into Andy Sachs effortlessly. Emily Blunt feels completely at home as Emily Charlton, almost like putting on a favourite pair of Louboutins. Stanley Tucci returns to Nigel Kipling with the same ease, like wearing a familiar coat. The chemistry between them feels natural. It reflects genuine appreciation among the actors off screen.
Even the new additions play their roles well. Justin Theroux as Benji Barnes, Kenneth Branagh as Stuart, Tracie Thoms as Lily, Simone Ashley as Amari Mari, and B.J. Novak as Jay Ravitz all add charm and presence.
A Plot That Never Fully Takes Off
The central conflict revolves around the decline of print media in a fast changing world where magazines are losing relevance and billionaire owners care only about profit. On paper, this sounds like a compelling premise. There is potential to explore creativity, legacy, and modern disruption. The execution does not fully live up to that promise.
The narrative remains surface level. What could have been a strong commentary on journalism and industry survival ends up feeling underdeveloped. The irony is hard to ignore. The film talks about preserving legacy institutions, yet the resolution depends on another billionaire stepping in to save the day.
The direction of the story becomes painfully predictable midway through.
Pacing Issues
The second act slows down considerably. The narrative loses momentum, and it is the performances, especially Andy’s presence, that keep the film moving. There are also moments that feel slightly convenient. While Patrick Brammall as Peter is a cool addition to the cast as Andy’s boyfriend, you can’t help but notice how underdeveloped that that relationship arc was .
Character Growth Is the Real Highlight
Where the film shines is in how it handles character growth. Miranda Priestly feels more reflective. She retains her sharpness and authority, but there is a sense that she is questioning her place in the modern world.
Andy has evolved into the journalist she always wanted to be. She is confident and accomplished, yet one look from Miranda brings back that familiar need for approval. Emily has climbed the ladder but still carries unresolved feelings tied to validation. This leads her into questionable decisions. Nigel finally gets the recognition he deserves. His loyalty, patience, and quiet strength make him one of the most compelling characters in the film.
The passage of time is handled well. People change, but they also carry parts of who they were.
Cameos That Add Fun but Not Depth
The film features a wide range of cameos from the fashion and entertainment world. From Donatella Versace to Jon Batiste and Suleika Jaouad, the list is extensive. Even Amelia Dimoldenberg appeared at a Met Party discussing Chicken Shop Date. Lady Gaga also makes an incredible musical cameo.
These cameos are fun but they do little to add to the plot of the movie in any significant way.
Final Verdict: Style Over Substance Works Here
So, does The Devil Wears Prada 2 work? It depends on what you expect. If you are looking for a strong narrative continuation, this may not fully satisfy you. The story lacks depth and feels predictable.
If you want to revisit characters you love and enjoy their interactions after two decades, the film delivers. Recreating the magic of a classic is never easy. This film does not quite reach that level, but it still manages to be enjoyable.
There is a small moment towards the end where Andy wears a sweater, which feels like a clear callback to the cerulean blue monologue from the first film. It plays directly into the nostalgia, but it never feels cheap or inauthentic. Moments like this is where the film gets nostalgia right, by using it as texture rather than a crutch.
Rating:
I am giving it 3.5 out of 5 stars. The film works because of its cast. Every performance contributes to the overall experience. It is difficult to single out one standout act because the movie relies on the collective strength of its ensemble.
At the same time, it raises a question I always tend to ask in movies like these…. Would this film work without these characters and actors?
Watch it in Theatres or Skip it?
This is a difficult call, especially for me who is a big proponent of the big screen experience. If you enjoy the theatrical experience and are a fan of the original, it is worth watching on the big screen. If not, waiting for an OTT release is a perfectly reasonable choice.
So, have you watched The Devil Wears Prada 2? What did you think of it? For more details regarding the movie click here. For more such reviews and breakdowns, keep checking The Watchlist Diaries.
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