‘The Devil Wears Prada 2’ review: Sequel manages high expectations

Subscribe to enjoy similar stories.The original 2006 film The Devil Wears Prada, adapted from the novel by Lauren Weisberger, was a glossy workplace comedy that quickly became much bigger than its premise of a stressed assistant navigating fashion’s most terrifying boss. Inspired by Weisberger’s own experiences in magazine publishing, the David Frankel-directed film presented a sharp, endlessly quotable pop culture favourite with influence that stretched beyond cinema into fashion, and internet meme history, with Miranda lines like “That’s all” and “By all means, move at a glacial pace.”Over time, the film developed full cult status as both comfort viewing and a story about ambition, identity, and the personal cost of success.

So the excitement for the sequel, two decades later, is understandable, especially as it comes from key creatives and cast members reuniting, mainly Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt and Stanley Tucci. And with Frankel directing, The Devil Wears Prada 2 is a genuine continuation and not just a convenient brand revival.Time has passed and traditional print media is struggling to stay afloat in a digital-first era.

Andy Sachs (Hathaway) is now a serious, award-winning journalist and Miranda Priestly (Streep), still heading “Runway” magazine, is at the cusp of a huge promotion. Nigel (Tucci) continues to serve as her loyal deputy.

Emily, Priestly’s former assistant, now works at Dior, with Emily Blunt confidently costumed in the French luxury label. Added to the office team is Simone Ashley as Miranda’s frosty assistant Amari and Jin Chao as Andy’s assistant.As an editorial scandal rocks “Runway”, Andy is recruited to change perceptions and give the publication some gravitas.