The Devil Wears Prada 2 from a writer's perspective

The second part did not disappoint, keeping it relevant to today's times.

The Devil Wears Prada 2 set outside the American Museum of Natural History. Credit: James Devaney/GC

Have you watched The Devil Wears Prada 2? To my surprise, when I watched it last Friday, the film theatre was filled with eagerness from both men and women alike. I heard a husband share with his wife some movie gossip (which I don't know if it is true or not): "When the actors of the film were offered the idea to do the sequel, apparently, no one wanted to do it initially." The show was supposed to start at 8.30 pm, but started at 8.50 pm, given all the groups started arriving closer to the time. So, there was plenty time to eavesdrop on some more movie gossip. Of course, if we like to take ourselves seriously, we may call it insider insights as true cinéphiles. Well, if you intend to watch the film and care about keeping it fresh, then I suggest skip reading the review below. If you intend to watch the film and don't care enough about getting the hints in advance, then this is your guilty pleasure reading. If you intend to not watch the film, this piece will make you feel like you almost did, and you may even throw in a fact or two about the film next time there is a discussion on it without actually having watched it. First of all, can I just say, this film is a great reminder to why everyone calls Meryl Streep (who plays Miranda Priestly) legendary or GOAT (when she didn’t know it stands for Greatest of all Times, for the longest time). She looks beautiful, intelligent, empathetic, a bitch, all at the same time. I'll come to Anne Hathaway (Andy Sachs)'s journalist character in a second, because I feel personally about it. But before that, I need to say that Emily Blunt (Emily Charlton)'s character in this film has evolved 10X more than the original film, with more layers to her story and much more awesome fashion.

Each outfit choice of every scene in the film is worth writing an own piece about it! Many of them have given me new found inspiration.

Both Emily and Nigel (played by Stanley Tucci)'s character show us the mixed feelings of not receiving their due, and different approach they took in life towards it — one buried that emotion, one took a chance. But what's interesting is the different ways where Miranda acknowledges the two. I think Miranda was mean to Emily for no reason (or the reason being her own insecurity). The catfight in fashion, or any, industry is still real, and honestly, sometimes, it is probably the women who hold back other women more than anyone else could do. Andy Sachs' character was refreshing and determined.

The film was a great commentary on digital marketing in the times today, when her articles with gravitas stood out among readers, leading to save the reputation of a whole brand. And yet, her work received low numbers and her being frustrated, saying not everything can be 'repackaged for clicks'. But despite the low numbers, it was the quality of those handful of readers and a loyal following base that those articles created, that ultimately led to saving the ship by one such loyal reader, with very deep pockets. Miranda Priestly walk in the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in Milan was the most beautiful shot of the film. The quiet scene said it all. The dominance of fashion in our lives.

Though as an Indian, coming from the land where 'la mode' is crafted, this moment also reminded me if brands are truly 'luxurious' — when they fail to credit the artisans where their art truly comes from. In Milan Fashion Week in 2025, did the Devil Wear Kolhapuri or Prada? It was Kolhapuri. The models wore the Kolhapuri sandals, which have been made in Maharashtra, India, for centuries. The runway line gave zero credit to Indian artisans or an 'inspired by' mention. Of course, later Prada acknowledged it.

Milan Fashion Week 2025

The relationship between Andy Sachs' character with everyone is beautifully written: whether it is with Miranda struggling to get her attention to becoming her confidant, with Nigel as sort of an unsaid mentor who helped her without her even knowing it, with Emily as a friend despite the mistakes that were made, showing true understanding of each other's desires and imperfections and acknowledging that ambition is not a dirty word. Andy and Emily's scene at the cafe, when the film could have also done without it, restored my trust in female friendship. It is these small scenes that make the Devils Wear Prada 2 twice as layered, aware and relevant. This sequel also had an underlying theme with the relationship of each women to their partners. As Miranda struggles to make sense of nearing an end of an important chapter in her life (or a whole damn book), her question to what's left after all of this, and her husband responding — your children, and me — is something to reflect upon. The scene did not show a follow up dialogue from Miranda, leaving us speculating what goes on in her head. It is enough for her? Andy Sachs' and her Australian partner's storyline was overall quite pleasant, fun and beautiful (including the little scene with 'can I say hi to Hugh Jackman? in a random party). But it was one scene that brought their story almost hit the rocks. Andy was sharing her troubles, and it inevitably led to a comparison of each other's professions (journalism and making luxury apartments). Most times and films, the women would be shown as 'breaking up', getting free and finally discovering herself. Instead this time, what truly impressed me, is they both came back together acknowledging: we can be imperfect together. In a gentle way, the film while showing women and their ambitions and their very happening lives, also reflected the importance of a partner that can make the journey more supportive and enjoyable, rather than an obstacle. Of course, I cannot close this piece without saying I was very, very happy to see some of my favourite actors in the film in quite engaging roles — BJ Novak, the Office show writer Jay Ravitz, and Simon Ashley, Bridgerton Viscountess, as Amari. It was also wonderful to see representation not just on secretary level still played gorgeously by the Viscountess, but also see ultimate boss ladies like Lucy Liu. Her interview with Miranda when she says, you are the only one who hardly asked about my divorce, and Miranda quickly replied why should her marriage define her, left a mark. Still after being all praise for the film, I came back home with a feeling of disappointment. Andy Sachs' world of journalism was on the edge, but exciting. She was ultimately offered to write a book for 350 grand!

It reminded me how exciting the world of communications can be, with writers, and editorials and engagement that matters. I hope one day I can too get a taste of it the New York way, running and crossing the streets while carrying six coffee cups which are actually empty, pretending to be late for something.