In all its shining glory, The Devil Wears Prada 2 graced Philippine screens on April 29. Returning director David Frankel picked up on the lives of beloved characters within the current context of the world: the rise of technology, the waves of change, and the emerging threat posed by artificial intelligence (AI).
After twenty years of Runway Magazine's immaculate reputation, an article slipped past watchful eyes. The piece is an unfortunately gleaming review of a brand complicit in sweatshop labor. It hits social media, sparking memes and hyper-critical reviews of the publication. This marks Andy Sachs’s (Anne Hathaway) return to the publication as its new features editor in the CEO's hasty attempt to fix the scandal. Secretly pleased with the news, Nigel Kipling (Stanley Tucci) welcomes her with open arms and a witty one-liner. Though her former boss, Miranda Priestly (Meryl Streep), immediately shows her displeasure, serving as a reminder of why Andy left this life.
A fun-filled follow-up (with maybe too many product placements)
The four main cast members of the original The Devil Wears Prada reprise their roles magnificently. The stunning cast filled each scene with charisma and easy-flowing (mostly) character development. Academy Award winners Anne Hathaway and Meryl Streep bring back their dynamic back-and-forth with Andy’s charming, yet grown-up awkwardness against Miranda’s softened ice-cold facade. It is a rocky start that blooms into a deeper understanding of how the other existed in the context of everything. In the end, the two come to their own realizations, not just with how they view the future of Runway Magazine but also for themselves.
Academy Award nominees Stanley Tucci and Emily Blunt rise to the same level. Nigel remains the same lovable first-hand man who eventually gets the spotlight. Unfortunately, the same could not be said for Emily. Her character, in comparison to the others, felt haphazard from where she left off. Her performance is phenomenal, yet the writing utilized her more as a means to get toward the big twist that came almost out of left field. Her desperation seeps through the screen—in a hilariously campy manner—as she does everything to reclaim her dream that was once stolen by Andy in the first movie.
There were also newcomers alongside the set of reprised roles, shining in their spotlight however brief. Simone Ashley, best known for her work in Bridgerton, played Miranda’s most recent first assistant named Amari Mari alongside Caleb Hearon, recognized for his stand-up comedy work, as the second assistant Charlie. They shared a similar dynamic similar to Andy and Emily in the first movie, mirroring a sassy yet caring relationship that shows that they look out for each other despite their differences.
The film’s storyline is a decent follow-up and caters to the built-up nostalgia of the first. There are references and Easter eggs thrown in that make viewers giggle and point them out excitedly, ranging from cerulean belts to the sheer amount of influencers and big names that appear in the background (and foreground). Above this, following the iconic status of the original, brand deals are scattered everywhere. Fashion houses like Prada and Louis Vuitton showcase their products and designs throughout the movie, whether they are part of the actual narrative or utilized as product placements.
In comparison to the first movie, the critical nature of its dialogue and lines feels like a sanded-down version of the original. The first The Devil Wears Prada stood as a striking commentary on toxic work hierarchies that should not be tolerated and indeed, the second movie veered away from that path with previously biting characters now mellowed down.
The Devil Wears Prada 2 stands as a beacon of memories of what the original was but it does not exactly rise to its same level. Nevertheless, the actors carry each scene with their choices despite the lack of bite in dialogue, made more compelling despite the need for a sharper scene for an important and hard-hitting moment.
An honestly profound commentary on media today
A key component that drove the movie forward is its core message. Runway magazine struggles to navigate the ether of social media—figuring out where it stood as a previously physical publication. As the film takes place in the current year, artificial intelligence (AI) stands as a threat to human-made pieces—the main characters are keenly aware of this fact. This is where the film had its moment. In the middle of the comedy and romance subplots, it allowed audiences to actually step into the very real push-and-pull of writers in the world of non-human preferences.
Anyone who works in the creative sector is familiar with the looming threat of AI. And when commentary is made on the topic, it is usually viewed as an irreparable damage to the thread of artistic work with no solution. This was shown in a conversation between Benji Barnes (Justin Theroux) and Miranda—hitting the nail on the head with each delivery, and emphasis on the sheer dread that these characters feel. This movie deviates from this route of impossibility and takes this as a chance to get people to wake up, and see how the lack of humanity in creative work is devastating. It pushes its audience to have hope and to believe in human artistry despite AI’s rapid development.
And as quickly as The Devil Wears Prada 2 nailed this scene, it moves on to a satisfying third act, bounding with energy and a whirlwind of fashion. All of this was paired with the upbeat and heart-thumping music by Lady Gaga created specifically for the film—and one cheeky moment shared by the pop queen and icy editor of Runway Magazine.
Made by humans, for humans
Though it did not exactly live up to the first movie, it proved itself as a fun and immersive adventure back into their established universe. Despite its intentions, it does stand on its own with its plotline and development, making for an entertaining time.
Underneath all the glam, nostalgia, and romance that The Devil Wears Prada 2 serves to its audience, its message lies clear: at its core, the movie speaks of human ingenuity and how important it is that it be preserved while it still can. It is to showcase human art to humanity itself. This same creativity is reflected in the sheer joy and chemistry between actors and in the love that is poured into creating this sequel.
With that being said, long live human-made art!
Go strut your stuff with The Devil Wears Prada 2, now playing in all your local cinemas.
