“The Devil Wears Prada 2” Neatly threads fierce fashion and journalism woes

Let’s all return to Runway!

The fictional fashion publication from the beloved movie The Devil Wears Prada returns in this sequel film, set against a topical agenda on the trials and tribulations of modern journalism.

The Devil Wears Prada 2 does more than deliver nostalgia-heavy moments with fan-favorite Miranda Priestly (Meryl Streep). This ambitious venture highlights the drastic change in expectations of the press and its all too real repercussions affecting various industries.  

Put plainly, Stanley Tucci’s character Nigel explains the new age to a tee: “We used to have to know what people wanted to read; now we need to know what they want to click on.” Audiences experience a reality: the arts are endangered. But maybe Anne Hathaway’s ambitious Andy Sachs can save it.

As a print and digital magazine ourselves, the route taken in this film feels right on the pulse. The movie stands clear in its critique of how huge companies will merge, take buyouts, and screw their journalists at the bottom. The very first scene of the film has Hathaway’s noble writer accepting an award, only to reveal her entire hardworking staff was just fired via email. Cuts from massive conglomerates aren’t discussed nearly as much in the media (possibly because they control that too) at least compared to how often these unceremonious firings actually happen daily.

Aside from a scarily relatable plot, the film serves fashion that is fierce and bold. This is all thanks to costume designer Patty Rogers, who is a longtime collaborator and protégée of the original film’s designer, Patricia Field. Rogers was able to make everyone look glamorous, not just the famous faces dominating the screen.

Rounding out the cast is Stanley Tucci as Nigel. He lays out the “downloadable, streamable, in the ether” culture that they have to play into. He decries the phone-scrolling society we’re in, and Tucci’s signature sass makes the lesson hit home even harder. It’s an impression of a gay man that isn’t messy, mean, or over the top. As always, Tucci keeps it tasteful.

While heterosexual actor Stanley Tucci plays a gay role in the movie, there are queer actors featured. Caleb Hearon takes over each scene with crazy charisma and effortless humor. He plays Charlie, an eager-to-please assistant in the cutthroat fashion world. 

Prepare for name drops of all the top fashion houses — Dior, Chanel, and more. While the business of fashion is more or less the film’s theme, there’s so much designer eye candy that impresses.

Though altruistic overall, parts of this film could be considered a fashion faux pas. There are many threads pulling the audience in a lot of directions. When the first film was so straightforward, you can’t help but wonder why cameo-studded side quests had to get in the way of more Miranda time. As one of the most iconic characters of all time, a compliment I acknowledge is rarer than an uncooked steak, the Miranda moments of this film still satisfy me greatly.

The movie excels in nostalgia bait, but sometimes there isn’t much on the hook. Scenes with the duo of Streep and Hathaway pick up with the enticing tension from the first film. Streep channels the Anna Wintourian coolness with an ability to make any line sting like a viper’s bite. However, many storylines feel haphazardly started, like a big-budget fan fiction, which is both a pro and a con.

Continue supporting print media and small journalism organizations… like Out in Jersey magazine. We may not have mean Miranda Priestly on the editor’s team, but we know how to share a story like no other.