The Devil Wears Prada (2006) Ending Explained
TL;DR:
The Devil Wears Prada (2006) ends with Andy Sachs (Anne Hathaway) quitting her high-pressure job as Miranda Priestly's (Meryl Streep) assistant at Runway magazine after realizing the toxic compromises she's made to succeed in the fashion industry. She walks away from Miranda's manipulative world, reconciles with her boyfriend Nate (Adrian Grenier), and pursues a more authentic career in journalism. The finale underscores themes of integrity, self-respect, and the cost of ambition, leaving Miranda subtly impressed by Andy's defiance. The ending is bittersweet but empowering, suggesting that success shouldn't come at the expense of one's values.*
Detailed Explanation of the Ending
The climax of The Devil Wears Prada occurs when Andy, after nearly a year of enduring Miranda's ruthless demands and transforming into a polished but morally compromised version of herself, finally reaches her breaking point. During Paris Fashion Week, Miranda betrays her protégé, Nigel (Stanley Tucci), to save her own job, revealing her cutthroat nature. This moment forces Andy to confront the ethical sacrifices required to thrive in Miranda's world. When Miranda assumes Andy will similarly step on others to advance, Andy instead quits on the spot, throwing her phone into a Parisian fountain-a symbolic rejection of the toxic glamour that once seduced her.
The resolution sees Andy returning to her roots. She reconnects with Nate, who had grown distant as she became absorbed in Runway's culture, and she applies for a job at a more respectable newspaper. In a final twist, Miranda-though initially dismissive-smirks when she hears Andy landed the position, hinting at begrudging respect for Andy's refusal to play the game. The film closes with Andy walking away from Runway's offices, symbolizing her reclaimed autonomy and moral clarity.
Unresolved Questions & Possible Answers
Does Miranda actually respect Andy, or is she just amused by her defiance?
- Possible Answer: Miranda admires Andy's strength because it mirrors her own, but she'd never admit it. Her smirk suggests she sees a younger version of herself in Andy.
- Alternative: Miranda is simply entertained by Andy's idealism, knowing the industry will eventually harden her.
Will Andy's relationship with Nate last, given their earlier struggles?
- Possible Answer: Yes, because Nate supported her growth and Andy has now prioritized balance.
- Alternative: No-their values may still clash if Andy's career takes off again.
What does Andy's future in journalism look like?
- Possible Answer: She'll succeed without losing herself, applying Runway's lessons ethically.
- Alternative: The industry's pressures might test her again, leading to another moral crisis.
Themes & Symbolism
The ending reinforces the film's central conflict: ambition vs. integrity. Andy's arc-from wide-eyed outsider to Miranda-lite to her final rejection of that persona-illustrates the seductive danger of sacrificing one's identity for success. The fountain scene, where she discards her phone (a literal and metaphorical tether to Miranda), represents purification. Meanwhile, Miranda's cold professionalism is both a warning and a mirror; the film doesn't villainize her but critiques the system that rewards her behavior. The parting smirk suggests that even Miranda recognizes the hollowness of her victories.
Personal Opinion
The Devil Wears Prada's ending resonates because it avoids a fairytale resolution. Andy doesn't “win” by beating Miranda; she wins by choosing herself. Hathaway's performance sells the transformation, and Streep's nuanced portrayal makes Miranda more than a caricature. I appreciate that the film acknowledges the allure of power - Andy's stylish montage is fun—while condemning its dehumanizing effects. Some argue Andy's journalism job is unrealistically easy, but I see it as poetic justice: her Runway hustle did open doors, just not the ones Miranda expected. The finale is satisfying because it's honest-sometimes, the bravest thing is walking away.
Final Thoughts
The film's enduring appeal lies in its balance of wit, heart, and critique. Andy's journey-from scoffing at “stuff” to nearly becoming it-is a cautionary tale about assimilation. Yet, the ending isn't preachy; it lets Miranda remain formidable while giving Andy grace. The fashion world is both dazzling and damning, and the finale leaves us pondering: Is success worth the soul? Andy's answer-a quiet, resounding no—is why the film remains iconic.
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