Twenty years on, the fashion and publishing worlds have changed, but Miranda Priestly's clothing and accessory choices remain much the same. The sequel to the adored mid-00s Manhattan romcom brings back the original team for a sprightly and amiable follow-up. Anne Hathaway reprises her role as Andrea 'Andy' Sachs, now laid off from an upmarket broadsheet and forced to return to Runway magazine as features editor.
The film finds the magazine struggling with reduced budgets, a need to distance itself from sweatshop labour, and the pressures of chasing clicks in a digital world ruled by a fickle teen customer base. Miranda, played by Meryl Streep, must pay lip service to body positivity and correct language, and even flies coach. Stanley Tucci returns as Nigel, still Miranda's loyal second-in-command.
The sequel is fun, though let down by Andy's chemistry-free romance with a dull Australian real estate magnate, played by Patrick Brammall. Kenneth Branagh appears as Miranda's latest boyfriend, a lead violinist in a string quartet. The film also features numerous star cameos, though notably absent is Anna Wintour, the Vogue editor on whom Priestly is modelled.
Emily Blunt shines as Emily, Andy's former nemesis now head of Dior, making shrewd points about ultra-luxury brands being recession-proof. The movie revisits beats from the first film, including scenes in the cafeteria, a trip to the Hamptons, and a visit to Milan. Fans will appreciate the return of Andy's awful blue polyblend sweater.
Overall, this is good-natured, buoyant entertainment that wears well, despite some missteps. The sequel reunites most of the old gang, including screenwriter Aline Brosh McKenna and director David Frankel, delivering a pleasant if not groundbreaking follow-up.
