Apr 30, 2026 9:22pm IST
‘The Devil Wears Prada 2’ Review: The Devil is Now Demure, But Still Deadly
Since the sequel was first announced, an army of fans has been eager to strut back into the high-pressure fashion world of the "fabulous four": Miranda Priestly (Meryl Streep), Emily (Emily Blunt), Andrea Sachs (Anne Hathaway), and Nigel (Stanley Tucci). The world has changed in twenty years, and the writing stays true to that evolution rather than retreating into the comfort of the familiar. DWP2 rises to the arduous task of bridging a two-decade gap, proving it has its finger on the pulse of a modern digital culture dominated by TikTok and Reels.
The hallowed halls of Runway no longer tremble when the Editor-in-Chief walks through. The outsider’s gaze into the glamorous world of models and designers has shifted to an insider’s autopsy of the publishing industry. This isn't a world of cocktail parties and couture; it’s one of layoffs, budget cuts, and bending the knee to corporate brands. Runway survives primarily as a web edition, acknowledging that print is dead and editors are only as relevant as the engagement numbers they garner on social media. It is an uncomfortably real representation of the modern media business.
In 2026, no one fetches coffee for Miranda. She hangs her own coat, and her assistant’s (Simone Ashley) primary task is to ensure the "Dragon Lady" stays politically correct. The Devil is now demure. Emily has transitioned from a grovelling assistant to a high-powered executive at Dior, while Andy is a decorated journalist who suddenly finds herself jobless. Nigel remains the charming loyalist, still operating in Miranda’s shadow. The power dynamic shifts when Miranda realizes she needs Emily’s advertising dollars to save Runway, creating a tense, transactional friction. Meanwhile, Andy and Emily form a unique bond that exists entirely outside of Miranda’s orbit.
Related Stories
One of the sequel’s greatest strengths is how it dives into the drama right off the bat. Within the first ten minutes, Miranda makes a critical error in judgment that threatens her seat just as she is up for the position of Global Head. On the same day Andy is fired from her news job, she is hired by Runway’s publisher for damage control—behind Miranda’s back. Andy is simultaneously toying with an offer to write a tell-all book about her former "horrid boss" who is currently being crucified on social media.
While some beats are predictable, the sharp dialogue and effortless performances remind us why the original became a modern classic. The character arcs are thoughtfully developed for the present day. The film retains the original's subtle commentary on work environments and personal growth, but adds relatable questions about modern work-life balance. Director David Frankel’s carefully crafted "femme flick" has more substance than style. It is warm, smart, and infectiously delightful. While the Andy-Peter romance feels thin, the real heart lies in the friendships that feel messy, real, and ultimately fulfilling.
The script is littered with calculated commentary on today’s pop culture diaspora—references to Ozempic and skin peels aren't just jokes; they are world-building. When the film drops a Kendall Jenner mention or a Law Roach cameo, it feels distinctly "2026-coded." The Lady Gaga cameo serves as a brilliant nod to our current musical zeitgeist.
If you are going in for the fashion, know that it is woven into the details rather than screaming for attention. The sequel moves beyond the tired trope of twenty-somethings vs. forty-somethings, evolving into a multi-dimensional exploration of career longevity. Writer Aline Brosh McKenna has successfully modernized her own legacy.
Finally the question: Does fashion’s biggest sequel live up to the hype? The answer is a resounding yes.
Comments are moderated. They may be edited for clarity and reprinting in whole or in part in Variety publications.