Similar to several others, I am a firm believer that sequels are oftentimes unnecessary. So going into “The Devil Wears Prada 2”, I had relatively low expectations as sequels often struggle to match the impact of their originals. However, this film proved to be an exception. I was genuinely surprised by how much I enjoyed it, as it is able to successfully build off of the foundation of the first movie while still offering a fresh, new perspective into the world of Miranda Priestly.
For me, I think that one of the film’s greatest strengths is its continued development of the main characters. Andy is portrayed as more confident and established in her career, contrasting her previous personality and reflecting the growth she has experienced since the original film. This is especially evident in scenes where she navigates high-pressure professional situations with composure, such as when she sees her former co-worker, Emily.
At the same time, Miranda retains her sharp, commanding, and distinctly “devilish” demeanor that has defined her character these past 20 years, while still showing subtle signs of evolution. This is highlighted during a tense editorial meeting, where Miranda gives a stressful critique, however she is able to maintain her calm and not freak out around her boss.
I also appreciated the film’s intentional references to The Devil Wears Prada, which added a sense of continuity without feeling excessive or forced. My favorite moment was when Miranda delivered her absolutely iconic line “that is all,” to Andy, similar to the first movie. I enjoyed how instead of relying heavily on nostalgia, references like this were used sparingly which made them feel more impactful.
The storyline involving Emily was interesting to me, mainly due to her attempt to take over Runway and get rid of Miranda. This stuck out because in the first film, although Miranda still wasn’t exactly “kind” to her, Emily seemed ready to do almost anything and everything to please Miranda and make her happy.
Despite all these great things I saw during these few hours, my absolute favorite part, and possibly the most important, was the fashion. This film kept the same stylish energy that made the original so memorable. One of my favorite parts was the montage of Miranda, Andy and the rest of the team going to fashion shows, events, dinners and runway moments because it really captured the chaotic and competitive atmosphere of the fashion industry. The outfits were bold, modern and altogether jaw-dropping which made the scenes look very put together.
Overall, The Devil Wears Prada 2 exceeded my expectations and proved itself to be a successful sequel. From continuing character development to incorporating nostalgic, impactful moments, this film is easily a 10/10 in my opinion
