"The Devil Wears Prada 2" Review: Judas, Journalism, and a Joyful Reunion

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There’s a scene in the latter half of The Devil Wears Prada 2 where Runway editor-in-chief Miranda Priestly (Meryl Streep) stands with Runway’s features editor Andy (Anne Hathaway) in front of Leonardo da Vinci’s painting of the Last Supper. Betrayal is in the air as Miranda senses that Andy has been scheming behind her back. It’s a pivotal scene in the film as questions about loyalty — and who or what is worth being loyal to— arise.

Questions like that may seem out of place in a comedic sequel, but like its predecessor, this film explores some thoughtful themes beneath the high fashion and glamour that’s on display in nearly every scene.

In the film’s opening moments, Andy — now a successful reporter — accepts an award at an event celebrating journalism. Right before she heads to the podium, however, she learns that her entire newsroom has been laid off. After delivering a heartfelt speech in front of her colleagues, Andy is recruited by Irv (Tibor Feldman), the owner of Runway’s parent company, to return to Runway as a features editor to improve the magazine’s reputation after some rough headlines.

That recruitment brings Andy back to Miranda’s office to work alongside art director Nigel (Stanley Tucci). Minutes after starting her new position, Andy also reunites with Miranda’s other former assistant, Emily (Emily Blunt), who has become a high-profile executive at Dior.

There are a number of similarities with the original here, including Andy needing to prove herself once again to the demanding Miranda. As the story progresses, she also relies on Nigel’s help to fit in with fashion-forward contemporaries, and despite their differences, Andy continues to show great empathy towards Miranda: a cold and sometimes ruthless woman who — despite outward appearances — faces a tenuous position at the now online-only publication.

Screenwriters Aline Brosh McKenna and Lauren Weisberger (the novelist who wrote the book that the first film was adapted from) understand here that although fashion plays a role here, the characters are far more important. Fortunately, each of the four main characters have a lot to do here as the story shows how they have changed in the past two decades and how they continue to stand out in their fields. The script nicely shows how these four unique characters — who worked closely together two decades ago — could find a way back into orbit with one another.

While the original film depicted Andy in a fish out of water scenario, one of the joys of the sequel is seeing Miranda in a similar situation. From dealing with political correctness at a conference table to having to put her own coat away (heaven forbid), there are plenty of laughs here, seeing Miranda adjusting to contemporary workplace standards. Although her remarks aren’t as biting as they once were, she’s still a tough boss, but one whose brashness now won’t lead her directly into the human resources office.

 To its credit, this sequel also takes on some issues facing reporters today. From Andy losing her job in the film’s first few moments to her needing to write “puff” pieces and bring in more readers, the feature has a lot to say about journalism today. It also shows how magazines — including Runway — have needed to adjust to deal with changing consumer demands. In addition to that, the film also shows that while working-class people lose their jobs, high-end brands thrive by catering to super-wealthy clients who can afford opulent purchases that working-class people can only dream about.

Like the original, The Devil Wears Prada 2 features high-end brands and offers a few laughs and smart dialogue. Beneath that, though, the film explores a number of thoughtful themes and relevant issues. In the end, there are questions about loyalty explored here alongside thoughtful ideas about the cost of finding success and the benefits of sharing the spotlight with those around you. Viewers just have to look beyond the surface to see all that this sequel has to offer.

Photo Credit: ©Getty Images / Noam Galai / Stringer

John Hanlon is a film and TV critic whose work is syndicated on radio station websites across the country, including AM870TheAnswer.com and AM590TheAnswer.com. He began writing about television and films in late 2009 and has been published on CNN.com, The Week.com and USAToday.com. Hanlon has also been featured on the national radio shows The Dennis Miller Show and The Hugh Hewitt Show. He has also appeared on the Reelz television program Mark at the Movies.