“Runway is not just a magazine. It’s a global icon. Pull yourself together, we have work to do. And by we, I mean you.” —Miranda Priestly.

Two decades after the release of The Devil Wears Prada, a long awaited sequel has finally arrived, debuting in theaters on May 1 and bringing audiences back into the fast paced world of high fashion.

The sequel opens in New York City, reintroducing Andy Sachs (Anne Hathaway) now a respected journalist. However her success is cut short when she is unexpectedly laid off during an awards gala by text. This setback forces Sachs to make her way back to Runway, where she takes on the role of features editor and finds herself working under the intimidating Miranda Priestly (Meryl Streep) once again.

Unlike the original film, Runway is no longer at the height of its former success. The magazine has been struggling to keep up with the rise of digital media and is facing backlash over its endorsement of third world sweatshops. It is Sach’s job to restore credibility to the publication while simultaneously balancing Priestly’s intense expectations. Her challenges only escalate further when Chairman Irv Ravitz of Runway’s parent company passes away and his son Jay Ravitz begins prioritizing profit over fashion. Jay’s proposed budget cuts threaten the already struggling magazine, forcing Sachs and Priestly to work together to protect its future. 

One of the film’s strongest elements is its emphasis on character development, specifically in Sachs. In the first movie she was uncertain of her abilities but now she is no longer afraid to challenge Priestly when necessary. Priestly herself is no longer untouchable which makes her character feel more vulnerable as well. Meanwhile Emily Charlton (Emily Blunt), Priestly’s former first editor, has advanced to become a high level executive at Dior. Her control over the advertising revenue Runway desperately needs introduces a new layer of tension between her and Priestly. 

Another highlight of mine is how well the film reflects the evolution of the fashion industry over the past 20 years. The increased diversity in terms of style and representation made everything feel more inclusive and also reflective of how society has changed. Alongside the new fashion, there were also original songs by Lady Gaga and Doechii, as well as guest appearances from Donatella Versace, Heidi Klum and others in the fashion industry. 

By the end, the film comes full circle. Priestly acknowledges her harsh behavior, giving her right hand man Nigel Kipling (Stanley Tucci) a chance to deliver the keynote speech at Milan Fashion Week. Charlton offers Sachs an overdue apology for how she was treated while they worked together at Runway years earlier. Finally, Sachs and Priestly secure a new buyer for Runway preserving the magazine’s legacy for years to come.

Here are my final ratings, broken down into categories. 

Character Development: 9 

Plot: 8

Suspense: 7

Overall, I would give The Devil Wears Prada 2 an 8/10. While the plot felt a bit predictable at times, the strong character development and majority return of the original cast make it worth watching especially for fans of the first movie. 

*Editor’s note: Shrinidhi Sridhar is a student writer. All views expressed in the commentary are her own and are independent of the district, Rouse High School and the publication.