This is also the essence of Andy because it reinvigorates her idealistic spark to do the job that others, if given her position, wish they could do. While Andy’s career has been eventful, her love life wasn’t, and this time around, as she embarks on a new love venture, it doesn’t work well for the film. Though it doesn’t work, it feels a bit refreshing since her last on-screen polarizing relationship, which has become more than divisive over time. Hathaway’s return to the role paid off tremendously, and the unspoken cynicism to Hathaway’s Sachs will continue to hold weight beyond the screen. 

Emily Blunt’s presence as Emily Charlton has not lost its touch. Emily’s return is just as quick as her wit, which is not giving us time to settle into her new placement outside of Runway. As influential as Blunt’s Charlton is to The Devil Wears Prada overall, she did not have enough screen time this time around. There was so much to do with Emily that would have been so lovely to see, and not getting that was an unfortunate blow to Emily fans, though Blunt does the most with what she is given. 

Stanley Tucci’s Nigel is just as integral to the film’s story as he was 20 years ago. This time around, he benefited more from where the last film left off, working as the force multiplier that he has always been. His relationships with Streep, Hathaway, and Blunt are all diverse, but never a dull moment, because he shares a commonality with each of them that fulfills his narrative beyond betrayal, love, or competition. Tucci knew this time that his motives were more important than before, and he showcased it well on screen while adding much-needed commentary as he always has. 

The new additions, as the overall supporting cast, were utilized well, especially Simone Ashley as Miranda’s new first assistant, Amari. Ashley, as a new addition, was amazing to witness because she has the ideology of Andy and the militant stoicism of Emily. This works well and balances out the narrative as to what the prerequisite is to be one of Miranda’s first assistants today, and Amari gives Andy and Emily a run, whilst being the most fashionable of the two. Despite only having two scenes, Lucy Liu’s impact is vital to the film’s success. Lady Gaga’s cameo felt necessary to the story, though it was meant for laughs because Gaga was locked in and didn’t take the opportunity for granted. 

Lights, Camera, Fashion

The Devil Wears Prada has always been highly prized for its design and fashion sense, and that has not changed over the past 20 years. The film showcases more of an expansion than the minimalist look of the first film. Though the film is more modern, it takes up a lot of space; luckily, there is a clear rationale behind it. The film works as a spontaneous combustion with its set pieces at times, because it serves as a microcosm of today’s climate, and it personifies that everyone is on edge and having to bend on things they would not usually be comfortable doing. The edgy era in which the world is coincides with the film’s fashion and cinematic presence, because this time it’s about action, not statements. The conforming moments in which the film leans into are fun, especially for the camera work, as it keeps the pace aligned with the pivoting needed to enhance the idealism the film is speaking to. One of the bigger standouts in the film is the use of color and tones. The original film burst with color, but this film was more tinted, adding another layer of personality that shows a level of militance that has been plaguing industries as they try to stay afloat amid the deterioration of the corporate structure. The fashionable moments, especially when showcased alongside the production design, are beautifully structured, showing that luxury is attainable in an imbalanced economy. The design is also well curated in moments of insight and revelation, showing what has been amassed over time through the rise of the business and its shortcomings, while keeping veracity afloat as a means to persevere into a new era.  

The Closing Look

The Devil Wears Prada 2 is a legacy sequel that remembers what made it such an iconic body of work. The personal story the film chooses to tell is timely, and it hits all the notes needed to add a level of mystique to the illustrious source material. The continuation of the storytelling, tying up loose ends from the original iteration, is the film’s strongest feat, with some new iconic one-liners. The beloved roles featuring Streep, Hathaway, Blunt, and Tucci are a pleasure to encounter once again after a long time.