The Devil's Advocate (1997)

“Verity is a mystery movie” is a statement that is technically correct, but does not do justice to the film.  It is just as much style as it is substance, if not more so.  It is no coincidence that the script feels similar to a mystery book, considering it is based on Colleen Hoover’s 2018 acclaimed novel.  It is just as sensual as it is dark.  But what’s more interesting than the genre or style that the film takes is its approach to grief.  Specifically, not the grief of pure loss, but of loss by addition. 

Mild spoilers for the first half of the film ahead.

I will be the first to admit that I am a creature of comfort who doesn't understand fashion, let alone haute couture. But that doesn’t mean I did not like The Devil Wears Prada when it first came out, back in 2006. I even bought and read the book, despite it being about a world I had and still have zero interest in.

Like everyone else who liked the original and understood its lasting popularity throughout the years, I was eager to see the sequel. Even if, to be completely honest, I didn't see why it needed one. The first movie gave everyone their perfect "happily ever after". Miranda Priestly remained the iconic, untouchable editor-in-chief of Runway, Andy Sachs landed her dream job as a serious journalist, and Emily finally secured her place as Miranda's assistant.