Amid the audience's laughter, Andy on the screen also embraced fashion.
Or rather, she let go of her once high-spirited self and embraced a new life, one that had shed its sharp edges to blend into society.
Because Andy's transformation was so obvious, almost everyone could sense the tension lingering in the air. People felt that a new conflict was about to erupt immediately;
Because the current Andy was no longer Andy, but merely a puppet manipulated by life;
When she was no longer doing what she loved, and every change she made was only to preserve her pride and self-esteem, then as the story progressed, she would inevitably tear off her disguise herself.
Don't ask why the audience watching the film all came to the same conclusion.
Ask.
And the answer would be: Hollywood has been making movies with formulas for decades.
To those who rarely watch films, Hollywood's creative approach may feel fresh, but for American audiences who have seen countless movies? You can say most people lack education, but you can't say they lack experience in the world they live in.
But even though everyone thought they already had the answer to the story, believing Andy would definitely clash with Miranda again, what happened next on the screen still surprised them.
Because the first person to notice Andy's change and try to persuade her to turn back wasn't her family. In Hollywood productions, family is always the go-to solution;
Whenever writers, directors, and creators realize that the protagonist's transformation lacks grounding, motivation, or depth, they turn to family to push the plot forward. Just shout "Family!" and everything is magically resolved;
And even before Andy's transformation, her father had already noticed something was off about her.
But in The Devil Wears Prada, the first person to notice Andy's change and urge her not to continue down this path of alienation was her roommate and best friend, Nate, played by Kat Dennings. The story unfolds like this:
After embracing change, Andy's career skyrockets, but her personal life begins to fall apart;
Because she genuinely throws herself into her work, she gradually loses time for socializing;
Today, her best friend invites Andy out for the weekend?
Andy says she has to accompany Miranda to an event.
Tomorrow, her friend asks her to go watch a movie in the evening?
Andy sighs and shrugs, saying Miranda has to work overtime at night, and she has to stay at her post.
This week, her friend tells Andy there's a sale at the supermarket near their place. They could go stock up on necessities and maybe buy some cheap but nice clothes, bags, and cosmetics?
In the past, Andy would have happily accepted such an invitation. But now, she regretfully tells Nate that she'll be traveling with Miranda all week, so she can't go shopping with her. Moreover, Andy even tells Nate to forget about buying discounted items, because whatever brand Nate wants, Andy can get it for her from Runway's storage room—
After this refusal, perhaps Nate feels that Andy's behavior is off?
Taking company property for others is, in a normal person's eyes, theft.
Or perhaps Andy's refusal made Nate feel a sense of coldness?
Only a doormat keeps throwing themselves into the same pit over and over, right?
In any case, Andy's words make Nate furious.
She shouts, "Miranda! Miranda! Miranda! Darling! Did you sell yourself to Miranda? Is she the only thing in your world now? Are you living just for her?"
"Do you even realize we haven't had a proper conversation in months? We haven't hung out in months! We haven't talked about the things we both love in months!"
"Andy! Do you know? Ever since Miranda got stuck in Miami, you've changed! Completely changed from who you used to be!"
"I don't know why you've become like this, but I do know—"
"The you right now feels like a stranger to me!"
The sudden outburst, or rather, emotional release, leaves Andy frozen on the spot.
Her mouth opens slightly as she tries to explain, but she realizes she can't make a sound.
So, sitting at the breakfast table with her friend, all she can do is hold her knife and fork, smiling awkwardly, falling into a confused and helpless state. And just as Andy tries to come up with an excuse to cover her embarrassment—
Ring—
Her phone rings.
She picks it up. It's Emily.
Instinctively, she answers.
Before she can even speak, Emily's urgent voice comes through, "Andy? Where are you? On your way to the office? If so, get out of the car immediately. Miranda needs you. You have to go to her—" The sudden new task makes Andy quickly agree.
This situation makes Nate, who witnessed everything, suddenly stand up and storm back into her room.
At the same time, she slams the door shut.
The sudden "bang" sounds like thunder, making Andy sense that something is wrong!
Uh—
No!
Because Andy on the screen is already facing the anomaly—
Her best friend's words make Andy realize her own change, something she once despised;
Just as she's lost and doesn't understand why she has become like this, she suddenly witnesses Miranda's vulnerability;
At work, Miranda seems like an all-powerful queen;
But in her personal life, she's a loser;
She can't balance work and life;
For example, she isn't a good mother and often leaves her children with a nanny;
And she has had two failed marriages. The first ended because her ex-husband couldn't tolerate her temper, and the second—her current husband is also seeking a divorce, because he thinks she's too busy—
As for how Andy knows all this?
Simple.
After her conflict with her best friend, didn't Andy escape by answering Emily's call?
When Emily told her Miranda was looking for her and asked her to go to her house, Andy rushed over as fast as she could. And the first thing she saw upon entering was Miranda's disheveled state.
And this—
"Oh—here comes the turning point—"
"Andy realizes her own abnormality, and at the same time sees the future of what she's becoming—"
"If she continues down this path of alienation, embracing so-called normal society, she'll become a puppet who has lost her dreams and only pursues a refined lifestyle. She might conquer everything at work, but in life—Miranda's present will be her future!"
"This turning point is brilliantly designed! Miranda and Andy are like mirrors of each other!"
"So—will Andy wake up because of Miranda's vulnerability?"
"I think so! Andy's glimpse into Miranda's life will definitely become the key to their conflict!"
"I agree! But I also think Miranda is too proud to tolerate someone seeing her weakness. So—she might fire Andy because of this intrusion! Even though Andy came at her command, she can't let others see her true self!"
"…"
"…"
Often, the more lively the audience's discussion during a movie, the better the film is.
And this time—
Their guesses were correct.
Miranda is a proud person, so when she realizes Andy has intruded into her life and seen her vulnerable side, she reacts like an awakened lion king, wanting to eliminate anything in her territory that makes her uneasy.
So, after returning to the office, she adjusts Andy's work.
For the next week, Andy doesn't need to travel with her, but her daughters want to read the latest Harry Potter, so she wants Andy to get her the unpublished manuscript.
About that—
"You're always capable of anything, aren't you?"
Miranda, for once, gives Andy a bright smile. "You've only disappointed me once before, so I don't think this will be the second time, right?"
"And—"
Her gaze drifts.
Her eyes are filled with amusement and mockery.
"Our Runway is part of the publishing industry, after all. Communicating with peers should be easy, right?"
"And even if our dear colleagues aren't willing to provide us with the unpublished manuscript of Harry Potter, I'm sure you can still get it for me, because—you're Hermione Granger!"
"I believe Hermione Granger can contact J.K. Rowling, right?"
At this, Miranda even playfully winks at Andy.
When the line about Hermione knowing the future of Harry Potter appears, the theater once again erupts in laughter.
Everyone finds this breaking-the-fourth-wall joke amusing.
But in Andy's eyes, this is outright dismissal!
And even more—
The bluster of someone powerful masking insecurity!
Andy's logic goes like this:
Earlier, when Andy realized even her best friend supported Miranda's perspective, believing fashion had meaning, she refused to admit defeat and argued her friend down with sophistry;
Now, when Miranda realizes there might actually be flaws in her own life, she refuses to admit defeat as well, and instead tries to eliminate the person who has seen her secrets by shifting the target, to cover up her own imperfections;
The similarity is deeply ironic!
And this similarity makes Andy, for the first time, seriously question whether her transformation is right or wrong!
Of course, while thinking, she doesn't forget to try and get the unpublished Harry Potter manuscript for Miranda.
Unfortunately—
Miranda says her fashion empire is worth millions?
But every Harry Potter book brings in billions!
Compared to Harry Potter, Miranda's empire is insignificant!
So no matter what Andy does, the North American publisher refuses to give her the manuscript. In the end, they even mockingly say, "Darling."
"If I were you, I'd throw that iced Americano in Miranda's face."
"Who does she think she is?"
"The queen of the world?"
"Ha."
"What Runway creates isn't even worth mentioning next to Harry Potter!"
"So—why should she get to see the next part before everyone else?"
"…"
"…"
The publisher's words leave Andy deeply disappointed.
She feels that this time, she might truly lose.
And this loss isn't just about failing to complete Miranda's task.
It's about realizing that even after abandoning her edge and embracing the version of herself she dislikes, she still can't obtain what she wants.
She is—
Completely defeated.
However, just as Andy is about to accept her loser life, something unexpected happens.
On the night the deadline arrives, her best friend Nate suddenly appears in front of her.
Like Andy, Nate works in New York. But unlike Andy, she isn't in the fashion industry, but on Wall Street. So when her boss's daughter also wants to see Harry Potter early—
"Maybe it's because I've been doing well at work?"
"Or maybe my boss is just a nice person."
"Anyway, when I found out he had the unpublished manuscript, I asked if I could make a copy, and he said sure, and then—well—"
Nate points to the freshly printed manuscript in Andy's hands and says, "Now it's yours."
"You can give it to Miranda. Just don't let it leak from your hands."
"You understand what I mean."
Of course Andy understands!
Ever since Harry Potter became popular, whenever a new book is about to be released, the story always leaks early.
And regarding this—
J.K. Rowling has never pursued it.
Because as long as people have desires, there will always be hierarchy in society.
So when the children of the elite want to read her novels, how can she refuse?
Or rather—when the families of the elite are her fans, letting them preview the story isn't a loss, but a gain.
The manuscript falling from the sky fills Andy with joy!
She immediately thanks her best friend!
Not only that, she also becomes curious about Nate's job. Before today, Andy only knew Nate, like her, worked at a large investment bank on Wall Street doing grunt work. As for anything else—
Because she was too busy, she never really asked.
And as for that—
"Actually, I became a full-time employee a month ago."
Nate says with some regret, "I remember I wanted to invite you to a movie."
"And tell you the good news over dinner."
"But unfortunately, someone was too busy."
"Oh—sorry—Nate—I—" Andy tries to make up for it.
But before she can finish, Nate shakes her head. "Andy, before, I did tell you to cherish your job, but what I meant was that when you take a job, you should deal with it properly."
"That way, you can quickly figure out whether you like it."
"If you do, okay, congratulations, you've found your direction in life."
"But if you don't—"
"Do you still remember what you like?"
Nate's question once again brings an awkward smile to Andy's face.
And this time, Nate doesn't give her a chance to awkwardly fumble for excuses. After saying what she wants, she picks up her bag and leaves for work.
Her friend's departure makes Andy sigh.
She sits in her chair at home, thinking for a long time.
In the end, she firmly picks up the unpublished Harry Potter manuscript and decisively leaves the house.
At the same time, rhythmic drumbeats suddenly begin—
"I used to bite my tongue and hold my breath~"
"Scared to rock the boat and make a mess~"
"So I sat quietly, agreed politely~"
"I guess that I forgot I had a choice~"
"I let you push me past the breaking point~"
"I stood for nothing, so I fell for everything~"
"…"
"…"
As the powerful music plays, everyone in the theater understands that Andy has made her choice!
At this moment, she may still not like her job at Runway, but she will continue to stay!
This doesn't mean she has embraced life.
It means she wants to reclaim her former self.
That confident self.
And the way to do it—
She will confront and defeat Miranda's flawed beliefs head-on.
As Roar plays—a song by Katy Perry, which in Isabella's previous life was released in 2013—
Because the song is full of strength and carries a sense of defiance against the world, Isabella chose it for the moment when Andy declares war on Miranda.
And how is it shown?
Andy slams the unpublished Harry Potter manuscript in front of Miranda. This shocks the "devil," who has just returned from a business trip, because she never expected Andy to actually obtain Deathly Hallows.
Perhaps she was determined to fire Andy?
Or maybe Andy's capability had started to intimidate the "devil" herself.
In any case, even though Andy managed to obtain Deathly Hallows, Miranda still nitpicked and found fault with her.
Miranda said, "Only one manuscript? How are the twins supposed to manage? Share a single copy?"
Andy replied, "No, no, I made two copies, bound them, and even added covers. This one is just a backup."
Miranda asked, "Then where are the other two bound copies? Why haven't I seen them?"
Andy smiled. "Because before you got back, they were already in the twins' hands. If you had called them at any point before now, you'd know they've already read Harry Potter."
That comeback made Miranda bite her lip.
Though disbelief was written all over her face, at this moment, she had no choice but to acknowledge Andy's excellence.
And—
Andy's threat.
Pinching her nose, she accepted the fact that Andy would remain at Runway for a while longer—
Because she would definitely find another way to get rid of her;
But precisely because she cared about appearances—
Someone shameless would have already fired Andy for stepping into the office with her left foot that morning;
She ended up falling into Andy's trap, or rather, her counterattack. Once Andy regained her sense of self, she became the embodiment of a highly educated elite. Not only could she flawlessly handle Miranda's assignments, she could even anticipate what Miranda would need;
When she repeatedly provided exactly what Miranda wanted before instructions were even given, no matter how unwilling Miranda was to admit Andy's brilliance, she still found herself impressed by her attentiveness;
Miranda might refuse Andy's care in daily life. For example, she could coldly tell Andy she didn't want steak today, wasting Andy's careful preparation. But she couldn't refuse Andy's help at work;
When Andy produced the exact photos Miranda wanted the moment she spoke;
When Andy placed that morning's finished shoot on her desk before she even asked;
When Andy had already prepared the materials needed for the next day's meeting the night before...
Emily was cast aside.
Because of an unexpected allergic reaction, Emily ended up in the hospital, losing her chance to accompany Miranda to Paris Fashion Week. Taking her place was Andy, whom Miranda didn't like but found increasingly indispensable.
This infuriated Emily. She felt Andy had taken her down.
As for Andy—
After receiving Miranda's decision, she went to visit Emily in the hospital.
In Emily's eyes, Andy's visit felt like flaunting.
So the moment she saw her, her anger flared up, and she lashed out at Andy nonstop.
Andy didn't mind. She listened with a smile, then said—
"Emily."
"Believe it or not, I want to tell you this. From the first day I met you, you didn't give me a good impression. But I never disliked you because of that."
"In my eyes, you're an excellent colleague. You showed me how harsh the workplace can be, how cruel society is, so—thank you—dear—"
Andy's words were gentle.
But in Emily's eyes, she was nothing but a bitch!
No—
A sanctimonious, fake angel of a bitch!
Though Emily didn't accept Andy's gratitude, Andy didn't care. After saying her piece, she left, boarded a plane, and flew to Paris with Miranda, helping her through a productive week.
Well—
During the trip, there was still one unpleasant incident.
Runway had been acquired. The new owner didn't like Miranda and planned to fire her.
Andy overheard this by accident at a banquet. Emotionally, she shouldn't have told Miranda. But professionally—
She told her boss.
This surprised Miranda.
At that moment, she gave Andy her first sincere smile since they met.
Andy didn't understand it at the time.
But during the investment luncheon in Paris, Miranda, already prepared, effortlessly neutralized the new owner's attack.
That outcome surprised Andy as well.
After the banquet, on the way to the next venue, sitting in a luxury car, Miranda spoke candidly with Andy. She asked how Andy had learned of the news;
When she found out it was purely by chance, she smiled with satisfaction;
She told Andy when she herself had learned of it, and explained how she had handled the new owner's dissatisfaction—
Her ruthlessness shocked Andy, but also earned her an approving look from Miranda.
"Andy, your loyalty has impressed me."
"I admit, before today, I didn't really like you. But from now on, you have my respect. You're truly capable. Truly intelligent."
"So—although you've only been at Runway for eight months, once we return, I'll make you my official assistant. And you'll be my only assistant—"
"What if you can't handle the workload?"
"The vassal of my appendage is not my appendage."
"…You mean I can hire people myself?"
Miranda's words made Andy pause.
But soon, a faint smile appeared on her lips.
It looked like happiness.
But more like she had finally obtained what she wanted most.
In a calm voice, Andy said, "What about Emily?"
That question brought a trace of regret to Miranda's face. "This society runs on survival of the fittest."
"The successful rise. The unsuccessful fall. There's no middle ground."
"And—you've already accepted these rules, haven't you?"
"Before coming to Paris, you visited Emily. If I'm not mistaken, she must have cursed you viciously, right? That's what success entails. When you defeat your rivals, you hear their powerless rage, see their ugliness—but all of that—"
"Only makes you feel good."
Her cold words laid bare her mastery of the workplace.
And at that moment, everyone believed Miranda had fully accepted Andy.
She saw her as a confidant.
Even a successor.
Because in her eyes, Andy was her younger self—smart, confident, beautiful.
But Andy had already sung her song of defiance half an hour earlier.
"Yeah, you're right."
Sitting beside Miranda in the backseat, Andy smiled faintly.
Looking at the approaching red carpet, she murmured, "When you succeed, your rivals' cries do feel satisfying. And when you want success, climbing up by any means necessary is indeed the best way."
Miranda smiled, pleased.
In her eyes, Andy had accepted her worldview.
Unfortunately, before she could praise her, Andy continued—
"But Miranda, I never liked fashion. You knew that from the first day we met. I only came to Runway because you offered me the job."
"So—"
"Thank you for your guidance."
"If one day I want to protect my dreams, I might be just like you—biting and tearing at my enemies."
Miranda's smile froze.
Andy's smile only grew brighter.
As the car slowed, it felt as though time froze.
In that suspended moment, Miranda looked at Andy in shock—
She couldn't believe Andy would refuse her offer.
And Andy looked back with quiet triumph—
Because at that moment, she had completely shed Miranda's influence.
They stared at each other;
Even as the car stopped;
As reporters gathered;
As flashes lit up;
They kept staring—
Until—
Miranda finally smiled in resignation.
When admiration flickered in her eyes, it was as if time resumed. Like someone rescued from drowning, everything returned to normal. Then both women opened the doors and stepped out.
Miranda walked the red carpet with elegance, dazzling countless cameras;
Bathed in flashes, she held her head high, embracing the glamour she loved;
Andy walked instead toward the open square under the sky. At that moment, her phone rang;
She answered. A weak voice came through, "Hey… where are you? New York? I know you're busy, but… do you have time? I just got hit by a car. I'm in the hospital—"
Nate's words made Andy's face change instantly. "You got hit? Are you okay?"
"I'm in Paris! But don't worry! I'll be back tonight!"
"No, no—it's not trouble at all—because I just got fired by Miranda!"
With that shout, Andy on the screen called for a taxi.
Since her shawl restricted movement, she tore off the expensive but cumbersome outfit. As she embraced warmth and normalcy, light music played—
"You're insecure~
Don't know what for~
You're turning heads when you walk through the door~
Don't need make-up~
To cover up~
Being the way that you are is enough~"
In Isabella's previous life, What Makes You Beautiful was released in 2011.
Its creator, Savan Kotecha, wrote it for his wife, who always thought she wasn't pretty, while he believed she was the most beautiful.
On the surface, the song doesn't fit Prada.
Because it's about love, and Prada isn't.
But when Andy sheds fashion and embraces her true self—
It fits perfectly.
Because when she first entered society, she was lost;
When she joined Runway, she lacked confidence;
But after overcoming her trials—
What Makes You Beautiful.
And this choice—
"Oh! This song is so good!"
"My god—is it saying what makes you beautiful? Isabella is so talented!"
"So is it about staying true to yourself being the most beautiful?"
"I think so! Andy looks completely different after finding herself again!"
"This movie is amazing!"
"It's not a typical fashion film!"
"Isabella is still Isabella! She hasn't changed at all!"
…"
To the general audience, the film had already reached its end.
But in reality—
After a sharp montage, Andy returns to New York and accompanies her friend through surgery.
During recovery, the now "unemployed" Andy finds a new job—
A British animation company plans to release its first work next year. Since the boss has money, they start marketing a year in advance.
Unfamiliar with the U.S. market, they establish a branch and hire locals to create a tailored campaign.
Andy gets an interview because she has an art background and worked at Runway, a top fashion magazine.
When she enters the office—
"Andrea Sachs?"
The manager smiles. "We're very satisfied with your resume. It fits perfectly. Only one question—you only worked at Runway for eight months?"
"Why?"
"Because it wasn't right for me. I guess fashion and I… don't belong together."
"Okay…" The manager smiles. "We actually called Miranda Priestly."
"She said—you're the most disappointing assistant she's ever had."
"And also the third cutest girl she's ever met."
"The first two are her daughters."
"So—welcome to Beaver Animation."
Andy bursts into laughter.
As she thanks him, he shakes his head. "Even without that call, we would've hired you."
"What? Why?"
"Has anyone ever told you—you look like Isabella Haywood?"
"Welcome to Isabella Haywood's company."
"…What?" Andy is stunned.
The manager leads her inside.
As the door opens, a giant poster appears.
At the center—a cartoon beaver in a chef outfit, smiling and holding a spatula;
Beside it, two companions—
A sharp-eyed, arms-crossed, tsundere marmot;
And a chill, seen-it-all capybara swordsman.
In Prada, Andy knows Isabella, so of course she recognizes it.
And now—
"The cartoon beaver is getting an animation???"
She freezes, then turns in shock.
The manager nods. "Yeah."
With a "clang," the film ends.
The screen goes black.
Credits roll.
Usually, applause would erupt.
But today—
The theater is dead silent.
Not because people didn't like the film.
Many thought it was excellent.
And after Andy left Runway, praise never stopped.
But the ending—
Was just that shocking.
"So—the cartoon beaver is getting an animation?"
After a long pause, someone murmurs.
And as the lights slowly rise—
Isabella realizes—
Almost everyone in the theater is looking at her.