Fridae

If you need just one reason to catch The Devil Wears Prada, the peek into the glamourous world of high fashion is compelling enough. Add to the mix one exceptional performance by Meryl Streep, and this immediately becomes a must-watch. Just like the many outfits that are paraded in the film, The Devil Wears Prada is absolutelyfabulous, outdoing even the novel that it is based on.

Aspiring journalist Andy (Anne Hathaway) has just come to New York in search for a job, and fate comes knocking on the door in the form of an interview at Elias-Clarke, one of the biggest publishing houses in the city. However, Andy finds out that her job will be that of junior assistant to Miranda Priestly (Meryl Streep), editor-in-chief of the illustrious Runway fashion magazine. Miranda hires Andy on a whim, even though she is sorely lacking in knowledge about the fashion industry.

Miranda is an extremely difficult boss, and Andy finds that her whole life starts to revolve around the demanding woman, much to the detriment of her private life, especially her relationship with Nate (Adrian Grenier). However, anyone who endures working one year with Miranda Priestly will find a whole world of job opportunities open to her, and Andy is counting down the days till that happens. How much can she take before she cracks?

Based on Laura Weisberger's bestselling novel, the movie version of The Devil Wears Prada makes some distinct changes to the plot, including a new ending that actually is much better than the original. Another major amendment is that instead of a one-dimensional "villainess”, the film version of Miranda Priestly is a believable, nuanced character that has her moments of vulnerability. Much of the credit has to go to Meryl Streep and her flawless performance. It is a pleasure watching her act in the movie, and an equal pleasure to sit through this film, surely one of the most enjoyable movies this season.