Walking out of ‘The Devil Wears Prada 2’, I was filled with pure happiness. There’s something almost nostalgic about realizing how much you’ve missed a character without even knowing it. And then she walks back into your life, effortlessly commanding the screen like she never left. Yes, Miranda Priestly is still ICONIC!
Going in with zero expectations might have been the best decision, because the film doesn’t try to outshine ‘The Devil Wears Prada’. It carves out its own relevance. It wasn’t a cash-grab sequel but a reflection on our changing times. In the Hollywood movies of the 2000s, the glamorous industry of Fashion and Media was the “It Job”. Every protagonist either had these jobs or aspired to have them. But the booming industry of Fashion Magazines has since faded and been replaced by digital media. The film leans into these shifts and explores the current situation of the industry.
It showcased issues like downsizing and layoffs, something that is often heard around us. Many people are losing their jobs and sometimes it’s because of advancing AI. There is a scene in the movie where Miranda is told that her designers, models and writers will not be necessary as they will be replaced by AI, to which we see Miranda tearing up a little. This feels too close to home because so many artistic and creative pursuits are now handled by AI models in the name of optimization.
In the very beginning of the movie, we see Andy losing her job, despite being a talented journalist or maybe because of it. This scene presented the tendency to suppress media that has been rampant in our times. The creative and informative industries being reduced to pawns in company mergers and dictated by businessmen rather than the people who are genuinely interested in the field, was more realism than I expected.
A huge round of applause to the legendary Meryl Streep for such an exemplary portrayal. What makes this sequel compelling is how it humanizes Miranda without dulling her edge. She’s still sharp and witty, still delivering those iconic one-liners, but now, there are cracks in the armor. Watching her navigate a world where she has to adapt to political correctness was fascinating. Miranda being interrupted by her assistant to inform her that “she cannot say that” was not something I knew I needed to see, but I'm glad to witness it. At one point, she even hangs her own coat. It’s a small moment, but it lands like a shockwave. Most of the criticism that the movie is receiving is on this factor. Viewers believe that humanising Miranda made her weak. Many preferred the “Ice Queen” persona of hers but I believe this actually elevated the movie. It has been 20 years and it’s only logical that she changes with the changing times.
Meanwhile, Andy Sachs, portrayed by the talented Anne Hathaway, feels like a fulfilled promise. She’s become the journalist she always wanted to be. She’s grounded, ethical, and still holding onto her integrity in a world that often rewards the opposite. In the first movie, she was nervous, awkward and unsure of herself, but now we’re faced with the confident Andy who knows her worth. This transformation feels so earned.
And then there’s the joy of seeing familiar faces. Stanley Tucci as Nigel remains as warm and wonderful as ever, while Emily Blunt as Emily Charlton brings back her signature sharpness, now shaped by new circumstances. Their presence adds emotional continuity, reminding us why this world mattered in the first place.
The new characters played by Simone Ashley, Kenneth Branagh, Lucy Liu and Benjamin Novak were a delightful addition to the movie. There was also a blink-and-miss cameo of Michele Morrone which had me squealing the theater. Lady Gaga’s playful banter was charming. But the cameo that I was pleasantly surprised by was of Donatella Versace.
The film’s setting plays its own dazzling role, bringing back the electric allure of ‘The City of Dreams’ that is also ‘The City that Never Sleeps’.it was such a joy to witness New York City in all its sparkling glory. The glimpses we get are visually stunning and they rekindle that almost cinematic belief that this is where dreams come true. Against this shimmering backdrop, the characters’ journeys feel amplified, as if the city itself is quietly urging them forward, demanding more, promising more.
Of course, this is a fashion film and the expectations were high in that area and it delivers. Miranda’s wardrobe, in particular, is a spectacle. However, at times I had to say “Andy, you look so chic”, (IYKYK). And for longtime fans, Andy’s cerulean blue sweater in the final scene is a quiet but brilliant callback. Kudos to the costume designer Molly Rogers for such fabulous work. Here are the fashion moments that had me awestruck -
The emotional core of the film, however, lies in a quiet conversation between Miranda and Andy. In a rare moment of vulnerability, Miranda gives permission to Andy to write her story to reveal the sacrifices behind the glamour. She acknowledges the toxicity of a life consumed entirely by work, yet stands firm in her truth: she does it because she loves it.
If there’s one place the film falters, it’s in its impact. It doesn’t hit as hard as its predecessor. But then again, that’s an almost impossible standard to meet. What it does instead is it reminds us why these characters mattered, and why they still do.
All I can say is: The devil still wears Prada, and somehow, she’s learned to survive in a world that no longer worships her. And honestly, this is your sign girly pops, to put on your most Miranda-approved fits, and step into the theatre like you own it. ‘The Devil Wears Prada 2’, isn’t just a film, it’s a full-on confidence boost wrapped in couture and attitude. It makes you want to walk a little straighter, speak a little sharper, and maybe take yourself a bit more seriously, in the best way.
Also, I have to say, I absolutely loved being able to watch this in English at my small-town cinema. There’s something really special about that access, and it genuinely deserves support. If we want more of these experiences, we have to show up for them and trust me, this one is worth showing up for.
You can check out the trailer down below -
Rating - 7 out of 10
Words - 1083
Images - 7
Videos - 2
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