MOVIE REVIEW: ‘The Devil Wears Prada 2’ - Fashion’s Favorite Devil Returns, and It’s Gloriously Fun
Miranda Priestly is back, and she’s more formidable than ever in a sequel that manages to capture the magic of the 2006 original. Anne Hathaway delivers a career-high performance as a seasoned Andy Sachs forced back into the high-stakes world of Runway, squaring off against both Meryl Streep’s iconic editor.
Twenty years after the original became a cultural phenomenon, The Devil Wears Prada 2 struts back onto screens with its signature wit, killer wardrobe, and the undeniable chemistry of its two leads. While many long-awaited sequels disappoint, this one mostly delivers, thanks in large part to Anne Hathaway shining brighter than ever.
Hathaway returns as Andy Sachs, now a seasoned journalist whose serious career hits a wall when her newspaper folds. Pulled back into the glossy chaos of Runway magazine as features editor, she once again finds herself orbiting the icy orbit of Meryl Streep’s Miranda Priestly. Hathaway is an absolute joy to watch, ephemeral, beautiful, steel-spined yet vulnerable. She carries the film with effortless charm and quiet strength.
Streep slips back into those sky-high heels as the legendary editor. She’s still magnetic and cutting, though this time Miranda feels slightly less demonic, a touch more human and battle-weary in an industry fighting for survival against digital disruption and corporate greed.
Stanley Tucci returns as the fabulous Nigel, and he’s an absolute delight. Still impeccably dressed and dripping with dry wit, Tucci steals several scenes with his sharp one-liners and loyal-but-sassy support of Andy. His reunion with the cast feels warm and nostalgic without ever feeling forced.
Standout supporting star Justin Theroux (as the hilariously ridiculous Benji) nearly steals the show with his over-the-top, bald-with-a-weird-falling-hairpiece look. Theroux leans fully into the absurdity and delivers some of the film’s biggest laughs.
Director David Frankel and writer Aline Brosh McKenna smartly update the world to 2026: print media is in crisis, fast fashion scandals abound, and Runway must adapt or die. The fashion montages are as drool-worthy as ever, the one-liners land, and returning favorites like Emily Blunt bring welcome energy.
Is it perfect? Not quite. The plot occasionally feels contrived and the satire on modern journalism doesn’t cut as deep as it could. But as pure escapist entertainment, sharp, stylish, romantic, and highly rewatchable, The Devil Wears Prada 2 succeeds with flying colors (especially in Manolo Blahniks).