“The Devil Wears Prada 2”- Back and Better Than Ever
The core four are back and better than ever in The Devil Wears Prada 2. Miranda, Andy, Nigel, and Emily all reunite in this second film when Runway needs a new features writer after a slip-up from Miranda. When Andy is hired to fulfill the role of editor-in-chief of the features department, she picks up where she left off with Miranda in the first film. From there, the audience sees their special relationship and watches the core four navigate bumps in their road to success.
The sequel is expertly done and carries over the integrity of the first film very well. While each character shows growth and a newfound confidence, they still feel like the same characters. Each character arc is believable and feels as though that’s where they truly should’ve ended up. Especially Andy, who has spent the last 20 years as an investigative journalist and returns to Runway no longer fearing Miranda. She also still displays her love of fashion and designer labels that she discovered in the original film.
The Devil Wears Prada 2 also does an expert job at referencing the first film. In the opening scene, a woman is seen buying a cerulean belt from a vendor in Central Park. In a different sequence, Miranda is seen scrolling through social media, in which the iconic meme of her looking down through her glasses appears. Of course, “a million girls would kill for this job” also makes an appearance.
An especially touching aspect of the sequel comes from Nigel and Andy’s relationship. Even after 20 years, they seem to pick up right where they left off in the first film. They have a very special bond, that is extremely heartwarming. In The Devil Wears Prada 2, the two have a new privilege of helping each other out in their positions, and they actually get to enjoy a lunch together. The sequel also expands on Andy’s special ability to pull out a vulnerable side of Miranda. While the original touched on it at times, this movie features several scenes of Miranda exposing her true feelings and confiding in Andy.
The style of filming is extremely similar to the first movie, which helps the sequel maintain the nostalgic 2000’s feeling. At times the camera shots can be inconsistent and is not as steady as the first. Especially in a scene where Andy is having a one-on-one conversation with her boyfriend, the camera is extremely shaky which throws the whole scene off.
Contrary to the first film, the soundtrack plays a massive part in this movie. Lady Gaga created three new original songs, including “RUNWAY” featuring Doechii. In addition to aiding in the soundtrack, she also makes a brief appearance at a Runway event in Italy. Appearing alongside her on the soundtrack is Dua Lipa, The Marias, and Miley Cyrus. The film also features the iconic “Vogue” by Madonna, also featured in the original.
The Devil Wears Prada 2 is easily one of the best sequels that has come out of the 2000’s revival in Hollywood. Every character feels as though they were picked right back up where they left off, speaking to how great of an actor each of the core four. It also features an original story idea, while also carrying an important message about journalistic integrity and how media can truly change a person.
