Image: Indian Express
The Devil Wears Prada 2 is back with Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway, but does it live up to the original's iconic status? Find out what critics are saying!
GlipzoThe highly anticipated sequel, The Devil Wears Prada 2, brings back the iconic duo of Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway nearly 20 years after the original film made waves in the fashion and film industries. The film, released on November 3, 2023, sees Streep reprising her role as the formidable Miranda Priestly, Editor-in-Chief of Runway magazine, while Hathaway returns as the ambitious journalist Andy Sachs. However, with changing times come new challenges, and the film struggles to recapture the magic of its predecessor.
Meryl Streep once again nails her portrayal of the icy Miranda, but the world has changed since her last appearance. Miranda finds herself navigating a landscape where phrases like "body positivity" now dictate office etiquette. With her assistant Amari, played by Simone Ashley, constantly reminding her of what is considered acceptable, Miranda’s once unassailable authority seems increasingly compromised. Gone are the days of hurling designer bags at staff; now, even hanging her coat requires a moment’s pause.
Anne Hathaway's Andy is now an award-winning journalist, but once again, she finds herself on the unemployment line, seeking Miranda’s help for a career revival. This time, she is tasked with restoring the credibility of Runway, which was recently tarnished by Miranda’s questionable editorial decisions. This shift in dynamics introduces a more equal relationship between the two women, but it still feels like a rehash of familiar territory.
Moreover, the film introduces Emily Blunt's character, Emily, who has transitioned from Runway to a prestigious position at Dior. Emily’s life has clearly flourished, now dating a tech mogul named Barnes, played by Justine Theroux, who bears a striking resemblance to Jeff Bezos. Meanwhile, the subplot involving Barnes’s ex-wife, portrayed by Lucy Liu, introduces a philanthropic twist that feels underdeveloped and somewhat irrelevant to the main plot.
One of the film's significant hurdles is its attempt to balance nostalgia with contemporary issues facing the fashion and journalism industries. The original Devil Wears Prada was based on a book by a former assistant to Anna Wintour, who served as the inspiration for Miranda. While the sequel carries Wintour’s blessing, it lacks the biting satire that characterized its predecessor. The sequel’s plot, penned by Aline Brosh McKenna, feels safer and less edgy, opting for a storyline that mirrors current struggles in print media.
In the sequel, Runway grapples with declining readership and the ever-looming threat of digital media, making it relatable to anyone following the current trends in journalism. However, the resolution of Andy’s career arc feels more like a fairy tale than a realistic portrayal of the industry, leaving audiences questioning the authenticity of her journey.
While the film does deliver some stunning visuals, showcasing the glamorous world of fashion in Milan, it often leans on clichés that undermine its potential. The theme of the ugly duckling transforming into a swan and the classic battle between bad and good romantic interests feels tired and predictable. Despite this, Streep’s sharp delivery of Miranda’s trademark insults and Blunt’s acerbic wit breathe some life into the narrative, even if they can’t save it entirely.
The film's exploration of the fashion industry amid the digital age resonates with many who have witnessed the decline of print media. As Runway faces challenges reflective of real-world journalism, it raises important questions about the future of fashion publications and the role they play in shaping culture. The nostalgia surrounding the original film may draw audiences in, but the sequel ultimately raises more questions than it answers about the evolution of the industry.
In conclusion, while The Devil Wears Prada 2 has its moments, it ultimately falls short of the high expectations set by its predecessor. As we follow the journey of Miranda and Andy in a rapidly changing world, the film serves as a reminder that even the most stylish of stories need to adapt to survive.
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