The Devil Wears Prada 2 returns with strong performances and timely themes, but falls short of the original’s sharpness, according to a new review.

Directed by David Frankel, the film brings back Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt, Stanley Tucci, Justin Theroux, Simone Ashley, Kenneth Branagh and Lucy Liu in a story that explores how power in the fashion and media world has shifted.

The review says the sequel reflects a modern newsroom landscape where digital metrics and corporate influence now outweigh editorial authority and traditional taste.

It notes that Miranda Priestly, played by Meryl Streep, is no longer portrayed as an untouchable force, but rather someone adapting to a media industry shaped by data, engagement and corporate control.

Anne Hathaway’s character, Andy Sachs, is shown working as a journalist, with the film highlighting newsroom pressures such as sudden layoffs and shifting workplace dynamics.

Emily Blunt’s performance is described as one of the strongest elements of the film, with particular attention to scenes exploring ambition, rivalry and self-doubt in competitive workplaces.

The review also highlights Stanley Tucci’s supporting role as a steady presence in the newsroom setting.

However, it says the sequel struggles to match the original film’s sharp dialogue and impact, relying at times on familiar callbacks and nostalgia rather than fresh storytelling.

While the film is praised for reflecting real changes in the media and fashion industries, the review concludes that it does not fully recapture the precision and edge that made the original a cultural success.