Disclaimer: This review contains major spoilers.

I saw The Devil Wears Prada 2 on the opening night and I really enjoyed it! The movie was written, directed, and produced by the same team who created the first movie (Aline Brosh McKenna, David Frankel, and Wendy Finerman), which I’m glad that was the case because the overall vibe of the movie felt the same.

I think they did a really good job telling this story while in the midst of evolving times. They touched upon how journalism and physical magazines are suffering because everything is getting cut and going digital. Also, the idea of Runway and Miranda getting “cancelled” was definitely a good portrayal of how society operates. That was pretty realistic and natural to include as was Andy’s and Miranda’s reactions to the events, especially seeing how Miranda was adapting, or not adapting, to certain things like still using physical copies, her eyesight, and dealing with outside management.

I liked how they didn’t go overboard with modern slang from the younger generation in the script. (Don’t get me wrong, I’m not a hater. According to the world, I’m technically part of Gen Z since I was born in February 1997, but I still slightly disagree since that’s still close to the cut off and I was raised by Millennials so I naturally relate more to that generation.) I think it wouldn’t have felt natural considering the environment they were in. Though I think the personalities of Miranda’s and Andy’s assistants shine through and while they were professional, they were themselves but also didn’t go overboard with corporate jargon. Personally, I like when stories show characters who happen to be something, not that something being their entire personality.

I really appreciated how they didn’t include random influencers for the sake of including them. I’m not too familiar with fashion icons but I definitely recognized a few of them. The cameos were very tasteful, appropriate and made sense. Including Lady Gaga was also a smart decision because her fashion has always been so unique, daring, and experimental especially during her debut era. 

The Italy montage was excellent! I love how it included everyone showing off their outfits. I liked how you can tell that Andy was much more confident too. The fashion throughout the movie was really inspiring and it made me want to rethink how I wear my outfits to the office. There’s something so powerful about wearing a 10/10 outfit, a pair of black glasses, and just strutting to your destination with superb posture.

Andy Sachs

I was happy to see that Andy pursued her dream career path. I was surprised and slightly annoyed to see that Andy was still friends with Lily considering her attitude in the first movie, but at the same time it was mentioned in the first movie that they had been friends for 16 years so it made sense. It was nice to see Lily actually being supportive. I’m really glad Andy didn’t magically run into Nate and we weren’t forced to watch an awkward reunion. People and relationships move on and I’m glad they kept that realistic. I love how Andy is supportive of everyone and tries to help them get what deserve.

Andy returning to the office and reminiscing about the past was so on brand for her. When she interacted with the employees, it was obvious that internally she was trying to be like “that was me 20 years ago” or “I used to be her assistant!” It wasn’t cringe but she definitely saw younger herself in the newer assistants. I’m glad that she didn’t act like she knew or remembered everything and didn’t try to step in and do their jobs because not only would that have been cringy, it would’ve been unlike her character.

Andy’s fashion was perfect for her! She clearly kept everything she learned in mind but still managed to blend it with herself and where she was at in her life. Though, it would’ve been nice to see the Chanel boots again! I personally would most of her outfits to the office.

Emily

I wonder how Emily ended up at Dior. She did mention her frustration with Miranda, but I wonder what really was it that made her leave when she was so passionate about Runway and suffered through a lot. I’m also surprised she had children because she seemed so dedicated to her job and also she was very body conscious. She literally starved herself in the first movie to go on a trip (that she didn’t go on) and shamed Andy for being a size 6. It’s possible that she could’ve grown over the years but when she first saw Andy again she criticized her eyebrows.

I was surprised when Emily revealed that she was going to replace Miranda because it didn’t seem like her character. She might be superficial and only seems to care about her goals, but underneath her flaws, she never felt like a villain to me. She shouldn’t have been surprised that Miranda reacted the way that she did because Emily knew Miranda hated Jaqueline in the first movie, and I’m sure she eventually found out that Miranda rerouted Irv’s plans to replace her. Which btw, I’m surprised they didn’t mention it because I wondered how her and James Holt’s company turned out.

I felt bad when Emily ended up at Coach because she got blacklisted. Coach is great though! But it’s unfortunate because she could’ve stayed at the top, but a lack of judgment with her intentions ruined her opportunity. I don’t feel bad that Benji broke up with her because I thought he was annoying and it was obvious that she was only using him. But I think she’ll eventually make her way back up again, and I love how she wanted to be friends with Andy!

Nigel

I don’t have much to say about Nigel, but that’s not a bad thing. He’s still just as sassy and I wasn’t surprised that he hadn’t left since it’s clear he loves Runway no matter how he’s treated or what happens. I wasn’t surprised that he was still Miranda’s righthand man, but I was really happy for him when Miranda gave him his moment to speak at the fashion show and also acknowledged how she treated him. His relationship with Andy is sweet. In the beginning, yes he made his comments, but he always helped her and educated her. I wish we knew of his reaction when she quit in the first movie, but it’s clear that he never forgot about her, hence him confessing to Andy that he was the one who recommended her to Irv to come back.

Miranda Priestly

Miranda not remembering Andy was giving Mariah Carey “I don’t know her.” I think initially she geniunely didn’t remember Andy because it’s been 20 years and she’s had many assistants. But I think she did eventually remember her and remembered how Andy abruptly quit by leaving her alone in Paris, so Miranda gave her the cold shoulder. This is understandable because in the real world quitting like that would be deemed unprofessional and a person would unlikely be able to work for their employer again. So when Andy greeted her with a a big smile and being like “it’s so good to see you!” she shouldn’t have been surprised that Miranda wasn’t thrilled with her.

Miranda’s personality was different. She was more rigid and cold in the first movie but in this movie she lightened up a bit, and I feel like we were able to see more emotion and learn about her fears. She was more vulnerable and expressive. I also feel like she was more communicative. Miranda feeling defeated by the new management and fearing being replaced was so raw and real. Even her considering moving on or giving up despite not wanting to was so honest of her, and I’m glad she has a new supportive man.

I initially thought that she and Andy were going to work together to create their own magazine, especially because in the first movie Miranda mentioned “The List” so she would’ve been guaranteed a team. But them teaming together with Sasha Barnes made more sense, and Sasha buying out the company from her ex-husband was glorious. I’m glad that her relationship grew and improved with Andy.

Overall

I think the story evolved very well. I haven’t read the books so I’m not sure if the sequel follows the book or if it’s a brand new story, but based on the issues that were presented it felt like a new storyline. I think the characters matured and their life paths definitely make sense. Them reuniting also makes sense because within industries you do network often with the same people in different capacities. The story grew up with the characters and the world.

The story definitely does a great job at showing the office politics between the higher ups and the employees. I think it’s relatable no matter which industry you’re working in. Office workers know what it’s like to work for unfortunate management and will put up with a lot just to get closer to your goals or dream. They also know what it’s like to deal with new management coming in and trying to change everything, but not for the better. Dealing with cold shoulders from coworkers or coworkers who think you’re not good enough or that they’re better than you. The fear of being replaced. The stress of not knowing when or if you should leave and what’s even on the other side. The fear of your job just abruptly being taken away from you. I watched the first movie for the first time during my first year at my job when I was 25/26, and now I’m 29 and I could relate to a lot.

I always make a face when someone calls this series a romcom because I don’t think it is. I see it as a coming of age with splashes of romance because there’s so much more to the characters and what they’re trying to accomplish, and their romantic pursuits are just a sliver of that. I found this movie to be inspirational. Despite the negative stuff that’s happened, keep moving forward and find new paths or ways to make what you want happen. Be persistent and don’t give up. Even if things happen out of your control, you can still gain control of your narrative and do things on your terms. It’ll all work out, regardless if you keep going on or deciding to close the door. And most importantly, be humble and open.