An Unserious Conversation About ‘The Devil Wears Prada 2’

Miranda Priestly is back, and with that, the life of a writer is romanticised once again. While The Devil Wears Prada is the quintessential fashion movie, it’s also a film that glamorises the chaotic, toxic, yet exhilarating job of a writer working in a prestigious publication. The whirlwind events, the rush of getting the first scoop, the editorial meetings where ideas go to live or die—it’s all there. 

As writers ourselves, we can’t help but get a little giddy seeing our job play out on the big screen like a title everyone covets (“Everybody wants to be us,” the Runway matriarch famously said).

But if The Devil Wears Prada is a film that puts Miranda on an untouchable pedestal, The Devil Wears Prada 2 pits her, and by extension, the old guards of print publishing, against the beast that is social media. 20 years later, the film reflects how social media has fundamentally changed the media landscape and how people digest content. Yeah, tell us about it…

But how much of The Devil Wears Prada 2 actually gets it right? If you’re wondering what people in the same industry think about the film, you’re about to get an unfiltered yap session. So, get cosy as BURO Malaysia’s fashion writer, Benedict Unang and culture writer, Marissa Chin, get candid about the sequel’s highs and lows. 

[Major spoilers, duh!]

PLOT

Marissa Chin (MC): Okay, so much to unpack! With all the talk about appeasing clients, the rise of digitalisation, the tension of trying to balance editorial integrity and clickbaity fodder, the film really felt like a mirror to us. Like, did they bug our office? Is this play about us?!

Benedict Unang (BU): Period. I think I already felt that way from the very first scene when Andy got fired. Oop—

MC: Oh my gosh, yes! That really set the tone.

BU: Exactly. I think that showed the reality of our industry and how unpredictable it can be. One day you’re in, and the next day, you’re out.

MC: Yeah, I don’t think people realise how cutthroat and volatile it can be. Social media and AI really shook things up.

BU: And not to spill the tea on anyone, but we know this because some of our friends are experiencing this, too. So, it really is happening.

MC: But also at the same time, Andy going back to Runway after 20 years is also a nice little reference to how cyclical our industry is. There’s a lot of movement, people move in and out, but it’s also quite common to return to a publication. It’s a big and small industry in the sense that we’re all, like, separated by six degrees. 

BU: For sure. And can I just say, plot-wise, I really did go in with no expectations because I wasn’t sure how they were going to build a new storyline from the first film 20 years ago.

MC: Me too. I didn’t want to be too optimistic because you know what they say about sequel slumps…

BU: Right? But thankfully, I think they did well. The plot was interesting, with twists after twists! 

MC: David [Frankel] and Aline [Brosh McKenna] did a great job in expanding the narrative in a way that is very timely and relevant to the current landscape. A lot of it hit hard, especially since BURO Malaysia is a digital-only publication, too. Like, yes, we’re all in the trenches together! 

Plus, the pacing was excellent—no, it didn’t move at a glacial pace. For an almost two-hour movie, there weren’t any noticeable lulls, and it really did replicate that charm and buzziness of the first film quite effectively. 

BU: The two hours really flew by! But, pause. Do you think we found it interesting because we work in the same industry? Maybe we enjoyed it because we got all the references from the get-go, but I wonder how other people might feel about the story beats.

MC: Yeah, like, would they be thinking, ‘Is it that deep?” But yes, it is that deep!

MC and BU: *finger snapping*

CHARACTERS

MC: I really liked Andy’s arc. It’s giving growth. My girl walks with so much more confidence in this sequel. She knows what she wants, she’s clear with her values, and she lives in a cute apartment in New York. Love! 

BU: I feel like there’s a “but” coming. 

MC: And you would be right. Okay, so, as a journalist who’s been working for 20 years, she was being a bit naive to think Emily wouldn’t try to take the position for herself from the buyout? Miranda saw it coming. Did Andy forget how sneaky people can be from the first film? 

BU: Hmm, she changed for the better, so perhaps she thought Emily would too. They still became friends at the end after all that drama. So, maybe you just need to be more forgiving.

MC: …Okay, moving on. Andy also has a new lover. What do we think about Peter? He’s an upgrade from Nate, so that’s a win! 

BU: I think they were pretty cute. Plus, the amount of screentime for their romance was just enough for me. I like that her love life wasn’t the focus of this film.

MC: You know who is the focus, though? Miranda. Mother Meryl Streep just brings so much charisma and gravitas to her.

BU: She’s tough but sweet. 

MC: She’s a lioness. Yes, she can be cutthroat, sneaky, and judgmental, but one thing she does not play about is Runway. You can feel how fiercely protective she is of her craft and the arts. 

I expected a lot more talk about AI just because of the time we’re in now, but I liked that when it was brought up, Miranda made a point about how important human-made creativity is, which is something I, famously anti-AI, also feel strongly about.

BU: And her relationship with Runway does come at a cost, too. In one scene, she talks about loving what she does but missing out on being in her children’s lives. I think a lot of working mothers will relate to Miranda and making that choice.

MC: And I think when you see flashes of vulnerability in Miranda like this, it strikes a chord when it shows up. Ultimately, she’s still the same Miranda. There’s no drastic change in her character development, but I don’t expect that from her, anyway. She’s a guarded person, so naturally, you would only get glimpses of her true emotions. 

I think that’s one reason why she’s such a compelling character. You’re not supposed to like Miranda, but in the end, you come away with this sense of respect for her.

Watching her struggle with hanging her own coat was hilarious, though. Bless.

BU: On the other hand, Emily Blunt as Emily Charlton.

MC: She is just in her villain era, isn’t she! Blunt really leaned into the role; she was so fun to watch. 

BU: I think she nailed it, too. Somehow, you just can’t help but love her despite her little schemings.

MC: Because she’s painfully relatable. We all want to think we have that special je ne sais quoi, but sometimes, we have to accept we don’t have the main character energy. We can’t all be an Andy. And that’s okay. 

BU: You know who’s special, though? Nigel. I’m so happy he finally got his flowers. 

MC: We were all truly rooting for him. What a sassy, sweet soul.

BU: Although it only happened towards the end of the film.

MC: But again, that also shows the reality of it all. We know Nigel has been by Miranda’s side all these years, but he’s the loyal and quiet type, which can sometimes translate to being just…there. The scene where Miranda realises tugs at the heart! 

BU: There’s also a bunch of new faces in this film. With the celebrity cameos too, it’s like a snapshot of who’s relevant in fashion in the past decade. Law Roach, Lady Gaga, Marc Jacobs, Donatella Versace. 

MC: And we can’t leave out the body and racial diversity in the sequel, too. It’s something Anne [Hathaway] really fought for to be included. 

BU: Yes, Ashley Graham’s cameo also made a lot of sense for this. As one of the pioneers of the body positivity movement in the modelling industry, her presence shows how the fashion industry has evolved over the last 20 years. 

MC: Simone Ashley was also a great addition to The Devil Wears Prada 2. I think she brought a lot of charm, although she is severely underutilised. Serving face every time on the sidelines. I’m gonna need Hollywood to wake up and give her the treatment she deserves! 

BU: What do we think about the other Asian representation? Andy’s assistant, Jin Chao. There were still some stereotypes being perpetuated, I feel. 

MC: And did you catch that the finance guy that Jay Ravitz brings for Miranda to meet in that cafeteria scene is Asian? Because, of course, he’s the one good with numbers. Why do Asians have to either be really nerdy or extremely eccentric? 

BU: Definitely wasn’t perfect in execution, but at least the intention was there. A win is a win?

MC: Fine. I’ll give them just a tiny side eye for that since they got the Lucy Liu! She looked absolutely stunning, and I’ll gladly eat up anything she decides to be in.

FASHION

MC: Okay, fashion writer, what were some style moments that stood out to you in the sequel?

BU: First thing I noticed was a lot of power dressing. Tons of tailored pants, crisp blazers. The women are literally wearing the pants in the film, and I love that for them. It’s a mother convention.

MC: I’m a huge fan of the suits, too. Rather than the usual feminine, flowy silhouettes, a lot of the styles were structured. That’s going straight to my office chic Pinterest board! 

 Do we have any favourite looks? For me, Andy’s maxi dress to the Hamptons was really cute. Plus, the sparkly blue dress she wore on her date with Peter is stunning and fits her body like a dream! I need that in my closet expeditiously. 

BU: I loved Miranda’s dress when she first made an appearance on the red carpet. It was designed by Balenciaga under their new creative director. Just the shape and drama of it all was very Miranda Priestly-coded. Her fashion very much reflects her position of authority.

MC: I’m not usually a fan of sparkly clothing, but I also remember her bejewelled coat. Kind of inspired to get something like that, so I too can walk around the city in melancholy while serving.

BU: There were also many references to cerulean blue. Such an iconic colour in the franchise that appeared a bunch of times in this movie.

BU: Meanwhile, Emily’s wardrobe…

MC: Yeah, some were rough. Unlike the other characters, she’s very hit or miss. No in between. 

BU: Again, the fashion reflects her character, too. Remember when Miranda tells Emily she ultimately lacks the taste and vision to make it in Runway? You can see that in the fashion choices she makes in the movie.

MC: Exactly, cause what even was that outfit at the funeral?

BU: And the logomania at Dior.

MC: Runway is about quiet luxury, isn’t it? Emily was just loud AF.

BU: Period, and that’s why Miranda knew she wasn’t the right fit. The fashion did all the talking. 

MC: Okay, be honest. Overall, did you gag at the fashion in The Devil Wears Prada 2? I mean, there were moments of gaggery.

BU: Right, there were moments. But overall…no. I think they didn’t go overboard and actually followed the dress code. Like, if they were in the office, they would dress appropriately for the office. 

But in saying that, I feel they could have pushed the fashion a little more. I mean, compared to the first film, they have all the access and budget for the sequel. No excuses! 

MC: I’m no fashion expert, but I do agree they could have taken it up a notch, because I don’t think the outfits here are nearly as memorable as the first film’s. Miranda’s gold blazer, Andy’s Chanel boots, and even her baker boy hats are so iconic. 

BU: Exactly, expectations were super high. They even went all out for their press tour. But unfortunately, the film played it a little too safe.

MUSIC

BU: The soundtracks for this movie deserves its own category. I love how they gathered all the it girls—Miley Cyrus, Dua Lipa, Lady Gaga.

MC: Yes! So many fun needle drops that really captured the pulsating energy of the film. ‘Runway’ is a banger, and ‘Glamorous Life’ gagged me. We even saw people dancing in our cinema.

BU: The choice of songs was chef’s kiss. And also very in sync with what’s popular right now. 

MC: That nostalgic electronica sound is really having a moment, isn’t it? 

FINAL VERDICT

MC: I’m pretty comfortable giving this one a 7.5/10.

I think, ultimately, while it was an enjoyable film, it’s not going to be in the echelon of films that defined pop culture like its predecessor. People will still quote cerulean speech years from now, but I’m afraid the sequel doesn’t reach the same heights of iconic. 

BU: Yeah, I’m with you on that. Groundbreaking? Not really. But it’s a fun, solid film, nonetheless. 

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