The Devil Wears Prada 2 - Review
The Devil Wears Prada 2 swaps high fashion for modern media commentary — fun and watchable, but without the sharp edge that made the original iconic.
Nearly twenty years on from a film that defined fashion, ambition, and cultural attitude, The Devil Wears Prada 2 steps back into stilettos that were never going to be easy to fill.
The sequel is a fun and enjoyable return, even if it doesn’t quite recapture the sharp brilliance of the original. Where the first film skewered fashion culture with biting wit, this instalment shifts its focus toward the fast-evolving landscape of modern media—offering a commentary on celebrity, trends, and the often absurd economy of attention.
There’s a noticeable caution in its storytelling. The film treads more carefully than its predecessor, seemingly wary of offending a more politically sensitive cultural climate. As a result, it lacks some of the irreverence and bite that once defined the franchise. The world of high fashion, previously front and centre, now feels more like a backdrop to a broader satire on influence and relevance in today’s digital age.
Stanley Tucci is the clear standout, bringing warmth, humility, and effortless charm to every scene. His performance adds a sense of grounding and class that elevates the film. Meryl Streep is, as expected, excellent—but her portrayal of Miranda Priestly feels slightly restrained, missing some of the deliciously ruthless edge that once defined the character.
Anne Hathaway’s return as Andy is genuinely delightful, though her character arc feels underdeveloped. She’s less dynamic and, consequently, less compelling than her younger counterpart. That said, her chemistry with Tucci provides some of the film’s most heartfelt moments, while her scenes opposite Streep still carry weight and nostalgia.
Emily Blunt looks every bit the vintage supermodel in her return as Emily, but her role is more limited this time around. While she still delivers flashes of her signature sharpness, her reduced presence lessens her overall impact on the story.
The film is peppered with cameo appearances that, while entertaining, ultimately feel more symbolic than substantive—perhaps reflecting the fleeting, often superficial nature of modern celebrity itself.
While it may not reach the heights of its predecessor, The Devil Wears Prada 2 remains a worthwhile watch—an entertaining, if softer, reflection on how much the worlds of fashion, media, and fame have changed.
