Why Nate isn’t the Villain of The Devil Wears Prada, Actually 

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So the "villain" of the story isn't any of the characters, but the systems and the expectations that they have been made to build upon? I believe that.

I wish you'd talked about the scene where Nate and Friends take Andy's work phone. It always makes my blood boil - they can see how stressed she is but they carry on. And this is AFTER Andy gives them all expensive designer presents that she could have kept for herself, but she wanted to treat her friends.

Nate can tell her she’s unhealthy without being a jerk

I could never get past that fact that it was only supposed to be a year, 1 year in hell and then she has an amazing foundation to build her journalism career on. If she had stayed that 1 year, she could have ended up writing a piece on her experience in runway and working under the creative director of Runway, which most likely would have been something good considering how popular Runway was and how infamous Miranda is. No one seemed to remember this was job was supposed to be rocket launcher for her career, if she stayed just a year. They said she could work anywhere she dreamed if she just worked under Miranda for a year, and yet everyone treated it like this was throwing away her dreams by working under Miranda.

I'd say both Miranda and Nate are terrible. It's easy to say it's a choice, but it's a choice that might leave her unemployed and without the job Miranda got her in the end. The job was hurting her, but he could've been understanding. It's very optimistic to say he was concerned, when he only complained about not getting enough attention.

It’s the “as long as you did it with some integrity” line that makes him such an ass. She got promoted over someone else because she was better at the job. She didn’t push someone down the stairs like Showgirls. And, yeah, being a chef pontificating about work/life balance is pretty rich.

Here's my take: Andy needed to walk away from both Nate and Runway.

I understood what his character was supposed to be for. It was to ground our protagonist, and call her attention at how unhealthy her work was. But it was badly executed. I still don't understand why a chef (one of the most intense careers a person can have. Some people work more than 12 hours a day!) has all that free time and never expects to make any sort of compromise. I mean, he's going to move by the end and the movie wants me to think that, if it was the other way around, that he wouldn't whine about it? C'mon. When things were just starting, he complained about her missing his birthday. Not like, when things started accumulating. At the start of her adapting to the flow of her work. God knows I had that happend to me twice because of others' university work or career related things. You just shrug and reschedule, like adults. I don't think he's the true villain but he's no hero or good romantic interest, either

Nope, sorry, not buying it. You're saying that a chef in the early years of his career in the NYC restaurant scene is fundamentally against hustle culture? Line cooks (especially those low on the totem pole) work into the late hours of the night almost every night. They have horrific schedules, do physically draining work, and often have extremely demanding bosses/work environments. (The fact that we don't see much of this in the movie I think is more of an unrealistic oversight in the writing vs a writing choice to prove that he heroically managed to avoid this killer work schedule on principle) They kill themselves for their work because they love it and that's the career path they've chosen. Andy's chosen career path is journalism and it's mentioned countless times that this (ONE YEAR LONG) position is the key stepping stone to propel her career forward. The fact that he can't support that even temporarily, the fact that at the end scene in the café he reduces all of her work decisions to be based on a superficial desire for clothes, the fact that he's hurt by her missing his birthday instead of empathetic when as a chef he's no doubt missed events he wished he could go to, the fact that he says they don't "have anything in common anymore" because she's dressing the part for her job in fashion and putting her all into the work...It's all just STEEPED in misogyny and he is being a horrible partner. Him accidently (and mostly likely hypocritically) stumbling onto some valid criticism of hustle culture doesn't excuse his lack of support for her. And even if (and that's a big if) he truly was anti hustle culture and really did maintain the perfect work/life balance as a chef (suuure), then his criticism should have been targeted exclusively toward her work environment itself and offering empathy/concern for how hard it's been for her, not shaming her for doing what she had to do to survive in that culture. And to be clear, the things she's "had" to do were grunt work, hard tasks, long hours. She's never done anything objectively immoral at work. His reactions through the movie are 100% of the time judgement of her vs concern for her. It's easy to look into someone's situation and point out all the flaws and how they should be behaving in a perfect world. But it's completely unfair to put it on that person to single handedly change the culture from the bottom or leave on principle. People need to eat, need to advance their careers, and sometimes that means they have to do shit work for a shit boss at a shit company. Not everyone has the luxury to pass over work because they don't like the job. Miranda even threatened to essentially blackball her from the publishing industry if she didn't take Emily's spot on the Paris trip. And even if she hadn't threatened her, while it's sad that Emily missed out on something she was looking forward to, at that point Andy was just the better assistant and business doesn't care about your feelings. She SHOULD have taken that opportunity without hesitation. I'll say it again, she never does anything at her job that is morally questionable and Nate's stance that she does her job without any 'integrity" is completely baseless. Nate was just insecure about his girlfriend excelling at work, working in a traditionally feminine industry that took away his view of her as being "not like other girls", and their relationship not being the end all be all of her 20-something life. 100% fuck Nate.

Yeah, Nate as a personification of anti-hustle culture is fine, but as a person? It just seemed like he wanted his naturally gorgeous but "not like the other girls" girlfriend to not change - especially in a way that could make her more attractive to the opposite sex, and give her exposure to the wider world. I always saw jealousy in Nate's actions. The video said it: she was learning by doing, and trying something new. Exploration isn't some giant betrayal of your relationships. And nobody's talking about the misogyny of "becoming one of those runway girls"? Isn't the whole point that Andy came to appreciate what she once perceived as vapid? And yet, she *apologizes* for ALL of it in the end - while Nate apologizes for *nothing*. I hate that ending.

Runway is not to be admired given it's overall terrible conditions but that doesn't give Nate or Andy the right to make a mockery of the people that choose to work there

Not "the villain" but really a jerk, if he and Andi broke up in friendly terms since they wanted diferent things/were not compatible after all that would have been FINE , the problem was that Andi got back together with him.Being frustrated was understandable and "be supportive" doesn't mean not figthing for your relationship, BUT Nate 1)was a chef, he must have know how hard was the situation for Andi in a demanding job, 2) he knew Miranda was giving Andi a hard time at her job and the least she needed was her boyfriend giving her a hard time at home, he made the situation more stressing that it should have been, his (and Andi´s friends) lack of empathy really shine

It's almost like Nate is an actual human being with flaws and nuance, and not a one-dimensional trope. Seems to be a pattern in this masterpiece of a movie 🤔

The Devil Wears Prada is one of my favorite movies, but unfortunately because of Andy's boyfriend (and friends) I always get angry when I watch the movie. I'm fine with Andy choosing herself in the end (even though I would've loved to see her ditch her bf and old friends), but I just hate it when she's like "You were right all along" etc. edit: Also, Andy was only supposed to work under Miranda for one year so that she could get her dream job as a reporter or writer somewhere else. If you're with someone, I think you both would agree to accept that during that one (1) year things are gonna be tough but it will be worth it (*should* be worth it) so that the other person can get their dream job. Plus, Nate decided to celebrate his birthday on a work/weekday. As an adult if you and/or your partner has a demanding job (like a chef or working under Miranda), I'd assume you'd agree to celebrate it on the weekend where you're sure all of your friends can join and have a good time. I do understand that they wanted Nate to be this grounding character, a reminder for work-life balance, but they executed is badly.

Nate didn't care about Andy being overworked or taken for granted as one of the lowest employee's at her job ("I had no choice"). If he did, he would have cared for her mental health/well-being rather than the impact it had on him and their relationship. Jobs change you. For better and for worse. He was mainly concerned with the negatives of the job (of which there were many!) and the only time he showed interest in how the job benefits her (and him) is when she wears different clothes, particularly lingerie. Wanting be a journalist and working in a fashion magazine, where she could learn about production, editing etc., made so much sense. The fact that she ended up apologizing to him in the end always irks me cause she was midst transition; finding herself and the professional she wanted to be. While the points being made are valid, these being highlighted as his "concerns" are a reach. His only concern with her work-life balance was how he and their old life fit into it. It's hard to watch your partner change/grow and Nate was projecting his fears onto Andy.

Nick is the same age as Andy as far as we know. It’s an age where many relationships fail because young people are not yet sure about what they want, and they go through so many life changes. Nate may feel deep down that he doesn’t want a partner who is too emotionally invested in their job, constantly exhausted, traveling, unavailable or back-and-forth about quitting every other day. However, the challenge in sympathizing with Nick for me is that Andy’s job is TEMPORARY - that she is just going to check the box of being there for 1 year… Nick was on board with that at first, so he seems entitled for changing his mind before the year expires. It’d be one thing if 3, 4 years passed and Andy was always checked out and he felt they had too little in common anymore - but idk as a 30 year old, 1 tough year of a relationship is a piece of cake that he should’ve been able to handle.

I get that he wasn't the villain but some of the things he says about fashion and the people involved in it were degrading. I just think there were better ways to communicate with Andy.

Just bc Nate was right about hustle culture doesn’t mean he’s a good guy now. He was still super misogynistic and unsupportive and I dont get why he was surprised at people in their early 20s changing and developing new interests

I have always said that neither Nate and Friends or Miranda are villains. All of the characters have negative traits and failed in some aspects because they’re human. I never saw this hustle lifestyle and Runway job as admirable as other people I could only see it taking more and more from Andy. People always say Nate and friends are only criticizing her for caring too much about her job and they fail to remember that scene with her father’s visit she didn’t even have quality time for her dad! That’s not healthy at all. Christian is trash and the only victims here are Nigel and Emily.

Even Adrian Grenier didn't understand why the fans disliked Nate so much, but now states that Nate hadn't grown up, while Andy had, and simply wanted more out of life. He was unable to support her emotionally because he was still a fragile, wounded boy.

That was Aline Brosh McKenna's angle with this movie originally. She wanted to say something about work-life balance without taking potshots at the fashion industry like the book did, but felt Nate was right. I still feel that he's childish, and her friends were unsupportive, but I see this viewpoint.

Can we please have a Cruel Intentions video of Kathryn Merteuil and The Last two videos of the elements from Avatar the last airbender.

His behavior really was inappropriate. Despite the culture, he was still *throwing shade at his girlfriend's accomplishments* because it was making him insecure

So basically everybody is a Bit a villan and people arent Just black or white

I think the issue is calling anyone the “villain”. I notice this same issue when a relationships end in the real world: nothing is one sided. Nate could have been more supportive and Andy could have had better boundaries at work. That’s life, it’s messy.

i still think andy was right when she said "i didn't have a choice", i also think miranda didn't have another choice but betray Nigel, at least if she wanted to keep her job. This job (in andys case also limited to just 1 year!!!) requires complete commitment, which everyone who works there knew. Besides, It would have been childish and unprofessional to tell a person like miranda "oh i cant go to paris, because its emilys biggest dream and would mean the world to her", like? Do they really think miranda would care? And the night Andy got late to Nates birthday, i think simon baker saying "stupid boyfriend" is more an insult with a wink so i understand that andy didn't jump to defend her boyfriend. Besides simon bakers character being douchy and annoying. Simon Baker even offered her to meet new york times people and andy turned it down because of her (in fact) stupid boyfriends birthday. I wouldnt have blamed andy if she stayed to meet these people, it actually could be a one time chance. And still, she comes home, nate is pissed af, and andy didnt even tell him what she just turned down to come home as early as possible. In the end, when andy says she turned her back on her family and friends and asks herself for what she even did that. Nate says "haha you did it for clothes and makeup", as if we (the audience) didnt hear mirandas speech in the beginning about the significance of fashion. So in the end, it seems that andy blames herself for falling for a shallow superficial inflated world, but in reality, she actually learned how to really put an effort in a job and discovered the art and fun of fashion. Its sad she didnt realize that. I dont think that andy is perfect or anything. But for nate, it's just a year, get your shit together.

It's not that he doesn't have a point, but it's the way he goes about pointing it. He isn't willing to grow with her, he is not willing to accept her new passions, yet he is willing to enjoy to fruits of her labor. He is also very petty, and is making it about him being right instead of what's best for Andy. Basically, he is not a villain, just an unsupportive, petty, and demeaning partner

I will accept Nate as not being an antagonist if we can say that capitalism was the real villain.

Nate was the villain to the extent that, as someone who was supposed to be one of the most supportive relationships in Andy's life, he was one of the least supportive. He never really offered constructive criticism/support, he just complained all the time and tried to make her feel bad for taking her job seriously. If he truly cared about her he would have found better ways to talk to her about the personal compromises she may have been making for the sake of her job, instead of being a whiny teenager most of the time.

Okay so you've said it yourself: Andy's biggest flaw was not striking the balance (while experiencing growth, pressure and hostility from EVERYONE). While Nate's was not being able to communicate his emotions... in a serious relationship... WHEN time and again he still chose to express those emotions immaturely, irately or passive aggressively???? And he never apologises. You can have all the good points in the world but if you talk at someone/raise your voice, assume the worst, or shut someone down when they're trying to make things up to you... That's not acceptable in any circumstance. You also talk about food being an act of care for Nate that Andy rejects (again, due to verbal digs about her appearance) but Andy offers food in the form of a lit up cupcake and a heartfelt gesture and he rejects it. After he clearly stayed up to wait for her to get home

I can understand Andi making those choices. Just starting her career in a city where there is a LOT of competition for journalism jobs. The fact she settled for the Runway job after all the others fell through shows that situation. We're they the right choices? Not necessarily. But understandable.

The problem is that employers don’t promote people who place work life balance bc they see it as not going above and beyond, my HR boss said this flat out for a state government company of 1300. She wasn’t the only one, so in this way you are forced given you need a job and this is so common.

I used to love this movie. I bought it for the 10th anniversary and it gave me so much anxiety. I've never understood how everyone defends Miranda. She treats everyone so horribly.

I hate that the underlining theme of the film is that we have to sell ourselves, even if it’s only temporary, to make it.

Hot Take: The kinds of women who idolize Miranda and ignore/excuse her abusive/toxic behavior are no different than the dudebros who worship Tyler Durden from Fight Club.

This is why I love this channel. Looking at both sides of the argument; and accepting the pros and cons of each character archetype without being (too) judgmental.

Ok but taking a job miles away within a week or two after the breakup (Emily is still in the hospital so it can’t have been that long) after having an interview. Interviews usually don’t just happen and he was likely planning or entertaining ideas of leaving the city without talking to Andy. It comes across that he expects to be supported in all his career choices and for her to make sacrifices but couldn’t bother to offer the same to Andy. As a chef I’m sure he’s had to miss some important dates (hello holidays). Also he did like the lingerie and the general makeover, so he likes the transformation parts that please him which is selfish. He isn’t The villain but is he A villain to Andy’s story.

I thought her friends were so mean to her.

Yeaaaah idk, I still can’t stand Nate. I hate hustle culture as much as the next guy, but at the end of the day, Andy was exploring an exciting new opportunity, and he should have been happy for his partner. He should get hustle culture as a chef, because if anything that workplace is just as hectic and has weird hours, too. I think it’s important in a relationship to allow space for your partner to explore themselves and grow, even if it means they aren’t a carbon copy of the person you met. It’s totally okay to voice concerns if you think they’re doing harm to themselves, but I think Nate started hating Andy’s job prematurely. It took nothing for him to start pouting, and his complaints are almost always self-centered. So from the outside, it seems like the second Andy was no longer exactly the way she was when he met her, he starts complaining. And to me, that cheapens whatever moral guidance he is supposed to be proffering to her. If he’s supposed to be her conscience, he should have been written to reflect on how her current path is detrimental to her mental health and her friendships, relationships other than him, etc. I’m not saying that Andy should have stayed in the fashion world, but I’m not convinced by the ticking clock the writers tried to have going throughout the movie. I don’t see a time limit to Andy figuring herself out, but Nate makes it feel like it’s some witch’s curse where if she doesn’t get her soul back by the next full moon, she’ll be trapped in the fashion world with Meryl Streep forever. But that’s just not the case, and it’s not generally how life works. Anyway, rant over. I didn’t realize I had so many feelings about this movie lmao

This "Nate is the villain" discussion never made sense to me. Andy should have the ability to change her persona, goals, and priorities as she grows as a person. That said, Nate should also be able to challenge her choices if they leave him feeling alone, and he should have the ability to leave if his partner grows into a new person that he doesn't feel compatible with. Trying to pin one of them as a "villain" is because the relationship fell through is reductive and regressive. Not every breakup needs a "villain".

Nate is as much of a villan as Janis was a villan in mean girls. Both Nate and Miranda try to make Andy something she's not. While Miranda ofcourse is more extreme in her approach to bring out the Miranda she sees in Andy. Nate trys to stunt Andy's growth and wants her to be " old Andy" who is passive and willing to take the rude jabs he makes at her. Let's not forget before and after her transformation Nate is kind of a passive aggressive bully to Andy. What I think makes Nate look like a worse villan than Miranda is that he never grows.He doesn't apologize for the mean way he treats Andy nor does he compromise anything in the relationship. Andy, now changed, has to deal with a relationship with a guy who is happy with her more serious journalist job and has no intention on addressing his obvious flaws

If you want to view this movie in the lens of a toxic workplace/abusive employers, the way Andy's friends and boyfriend treat her can be viewed as victim blaming. Instead of asking why she can never seem to find any free time or why she seems so terrified of displeasing her boss, they attack her for not acting like the girl they knew 16 years ago - their words, not mine. Also, it's very telling that when Lily confronts Andy, she starts off by saying, "the Andy i know is madly in love with Nate." She's essentially tying her identity to her relationship which is never healthy, especially when that identity is being imposed on you by others. Ultimately, Andy's quest to escape Runway and get back to her "true self" seems to be the movie's way of discouraging personal growth. Also the only person who is not a possible villain in this is Doug. Doug is a treasure of which we're not worthy.

I always felt uncomfortable with people labeling Nate as a villain. Sure, he was an ass during a few of his scenes, but his reactions for the most part always seemed understandable, even if they weren't the best ways of handling the situation. Nate and Andy were jerks to each other, and neither were emotionally mature about their relationship.

Why do people think Andy would stay at that Job longer that a year as multiple Times said

he's not a villain, but he does suck

Someone can be the villain of someone else’s story and still not be an actual bad person. If a person is unhappy with their own career progression, jealous, and believes a person can only change how they want and they take that out on someone else, that’s toxic. Nate rarely is shown listening to Andy. His response to her venting is ‘just quit’ with no empathy that she cannot just quit. His lack of respect towards her job is selfish and belittling, and as people have pointed out considering his job, leans heavily to the whole misogynistic undertones. It screams I’m good when we’re on the same level, but don’t jump ahead. I’m not emotionally mature enough to be supportive to someone else and their success’ vibes.

I am starting the video, and i hope this doesn't turn a victim-blaming fest towards Andi, sometimes people can't afford to say "no" to their boss (unless in an imoral thing)

Nah, still a villain in my book. Even the movie's mantra was that this gig is only for a year and that it wasn't permanent. He could support her and stick it up. And yeah, later it becomes obvious that Andy changed her attitude and started enjoying her job, redirecting her career, and what's so wrong about that? I redirected my career a few times, growing and changing and figuring out what I like. Andy deserved better than him.

The real problem is that Andy chose a job she didn't want and chose to work in an environment that changed her identity to one that she didn't like, and she acted like she had no choice. At least her "toxic" boyfriend tells her the truth and wants what's best for her. Isn't that what a good boyfriend is about? yes, he wasn't perfect, but he was immature, not toxic. People love throwing around the word toxic too easily these days 😒

That's what i love about this movie, the characters are not 8 or 80, they can be bad at times, good at others, like humans, we have to stop to look at movies and series in Disney eyes, not everybody is a mastermind villain or a super kind person... we're fucked up as hell!

I disagree with the general ethos of this analysis. This was Andy’s first real professional job and she went from not caring at all about it to giving it her all. She was able to learn about an entirely new industry that she started to like and get excited about and her job allowed her to utilize her intelligence and creativity. Nate was unsupportive, close minded, and dismissive not seeing the growth and change in Andy that’s obvious to anyone watching the movie. Yes, Miranda crossed boundaries that weren’t appropriate but I also completely understand Andy’s perspective of wanting to stick it out for a year and not tarnish her resume. This is a Great Recession millennial coming of age story and Andy had a better career trajectory than most. I think even if Andy hadn’t quit the magazine she would have established firmer boundaries in time. That said I do understand how dating Andy during a period of transition like this could have been frustrating. But it’s how dismissive and unsupportive her friends are that really hits today. Also I don’t think Miranda stepped on anyone, she found out she was about to be stepped on and defended herself. Her instinct isn’t to get ahead by stepping over people, it’s to utilize her talent, connections, and reputation which she acquired through passion and hard work. The Take has been oddly harsh on her character given it’s otherwise progressive lean.

No one is saying her job and Miranda weren't toxic, but all parties involved knew that going in. That doesn't absolve him for his crappy behaviour. All he had to do was support her for one year while she gained the necessary experience. It was literally just resume filler. Really good filler but filler nonetheless. All he had to do was no be a d*ck for a year and he couldn't manage that.

I am not his fan but I don't think he's the villain. I just felt he wasent very understanding, she had a demanding job that she needed as a stepping stone it's not easy to just quit when you need to pay bills and what not. However he gets over hated. You can sympathize that he didn't like Miranda being demanding of andi and andi spending all her time pleasing her. There are two sides of his character

I don't understand why her friends are even considered villains. The only moment they were childish and kinda rude to her was when they were passing her phone around while Miranda was calling her. After that, her friends were always supportive throughout the movie. When Andy's friend called her out, it was because she was letting herself be kissed by Christian, and smiling about it, WHILE SHE WAS STILL WITH NATE. I thought her friend's reaction was perfectly appropriate.

For me the worst moment was when Nate and the others stole Andy's phone making fun of her just because she was worried she could lose an important call from work. Helloooo she's telling you her boss is demanding, if you can't be supportive at least don't be a jerk

Well ... Basically, Andy has a hard time dealing with the egos of the people around her and Nigel is her only Fairy Godmother~ Poor girl, she is surrounded by people who think in their own way is the best and they feel like Andy must listen to them or people will say that she becomes a very bad person.

Some people don't have the privilege to quit their toxic jobs and start looking for a new one while they are unemployed... sometimes putting food on the table doesn't allow you to prioritize your wellbeing because you may a person under your responsibility

Looks like this is the first video I disagree with. I feel both Andy’s boyfriend and friends were awful to her. Now I don’t think they are worst than Miranda but they weren’t very supportive of her.

I remember when I watched that movie with my Mom when I was Young I Just couldnt See why they Just didnt Take a break for a year and Then have a good Life where she also Had her Dreams career

Finally someone said it, lol. When I watched the movie, if felt he is a bit annoying. But, I can understand his frustration. He expected a decent work life balance which Andy's new job was unable to provide. I don't think its wrong to want to spend some quality time with your partner everyday, especially on your birthday. Unfortunately, Andy was too preoccupied with Miranda and had little to no time to spend for her boyfriend. Once Andy updated her fashion sense and became a 'better' person, their interests became incompatible and the relationship inevitably ended in a break-up. It doesn't make either person bad. Edit: However, i was definitely irked by Andy's unprofessional attitude. She always looked down upon the people in her office for being into fashion. And when she quit her job in Paris, it was an impulsive decision. Without a care of thought about her commitments to Miranda in Paris, she quit on the spot without a notice!. That's very unprofessional. She should have finished her job at Paris and then quit after they came to the US.

I don't always get why people seem to think a boyfriend character owes unconditional love.

No. In the end Nate blames Andy for everything and she accepts total guilt. And that’s it. He didn’t grow at all and the film wants us to accept he didn’t do anything wrong. Just. No. I’m sorry but he was an immature jerk most of the time.

I feel like we as millennials were enamoured by the glamour of the magazine. We would probably be able to see more clearly the toxicity of this work environment if it were something less pretty than fashion. But as Miranda says at the end: "Everyone wants to be us". Yeah, we as a generation totally drank the kool aid and now we grew up and just want peace of mind.

This is a bad take. The "villain" label is a simplistic one to begin with, but Nate IS a selfish asshole and a bad boyfriend. All Andy had to do was put in one year as Miranda's assistant before she would have any entry job in publishing open to her. Nate was a pouty 4-year-old (while having a busy stressful job himself), totally unsupportive. Her awful friends were similar. All of them act like Andy is out there committing war crimes. She doesn't do anything unethical (the movie does not sell her "betrayal" of Emily i.e. agreeing to go to Paris). She's a good assistant and maturing, something Nate desperately wants to stop. She's 22 for god's sake. Those are not the years to prioritize a worthless boyfriend over finding one's career, expanding one's horizons, and gaining new skills and experiences.

What genuine boundary with Miranda? I don't think Miranda lets her employees have boundaries. She's famous for that.

The problem with Nate was that Miranda was wonderfuly played by Meryl Streep so some one else had to be blamed for the protagonist strugle.

The problem I STILL have with Nate (sorry) is that he only supports Andy when she is acting the way he wants her to act. He doesn't respect fashion nor the people interested in it, so when Andy starts caring about fashion and her job, he stars to disrespect her and her decisions. He never really learns that Andy has changed her mind and now cares for her job, but it is not because she doesn't say it, but because he doesn't want to hear it, he makes fun of her for her new interests. I he had listened, maybe he could've give moral advices that weren't "quit your job". Conclusion: Nate is a jerk, and I don't think their relationship would work at the end, because Andy changed, grew and learned a lot and Nate clearly didn't change or grew up a bit.

I want to point out that all these changes in Andy occured in two months.

I never understood the vitriol Nate would get like he wasn’t great, still have my qualms, but I thought he made some good points at times and honestly I can sympathise with his position on occasion. I always thought it was a bit more complicated than him being the villainous boyfriend. Maybe it’s a case of good intentions, poor execution

I always felt Nate was truly concerned about Andie's surrendering to the fashion culture she previous loathed. He knew she was not being true to herself.

THANK YOU! I never thought Nate acted the best way, and he could have been more supportive and less accusatory, but people saying he was wrong to even be upset never sat right with me. Miranda's actions were way worse and downright abusive, but people just gloss over that and brand Nate as the villain. Anybody would be upset if they were in his place.

I saw the movie dozens of times, can't think of one good quality he had. In the whole book the only good thing he did was that he ONCE brought food for Andy. Arguing is great and all, but this one's really not for me as a die hard fan.

When I first saw the movie with my friends, they all hated him but I didn’t. It felt like the “what are you booing, I’m right” meme. He was worried that she was changing in a negative way. She eventually realized that he was right.

Anyone who saw Nate as the villain either 1. Has never worked in a toxic work environment or 2. IS the toxic person in our work environments. Nate actually loves and cares about Andy. Miranda would replace Andy instantly if anything happened to her. Nate would be an easy choice for anyone if this were real life.

To say that Andy had a choice when Miranda told her to basically do as she was told or she would become unemployable is pretty nearsighted. If a robber came to you and pointed a gun at you and said your money or your life, would you say you had a choice? In theory, yes, in both cases they're is a choice to be made, but it's not one you're actually making, you're *forced* into making and that's the difference. You can't judge people that make choices under duress as if they were acting out of their own free will. Andy actually didn't have much of a choice if the only other option was potentially risking her entire career and future (which meant putting food on the table and having a roof to live under). In the end she chose to do it and face the possible consequences, which in her mind (and in reality) were very real as seen by the job interview scene where Miranda actually wrote them personally. Andy was mentally prepared for the worse and thanks to her determination through her stay at Runway, she managed to touch Miranda.

I want to add I don't get the adding boundaries with Miranda was her boss. Andi tried to get out of the party but Miranda wasn't having it at the Andi was low on the totem pole she would have gotten fired.

I like the idea that Nate isn't the villain but the idea of taking advantage of being in a high-level job makes a ton of sense (e.g. going to the benefit and taking it all in). I don't see missing a birthday with your long-term partner being that big a deal.

Thanks for this piece! I understand the point of the “Nate-villain” thesis, I do. But I always saw this movie as not so much a commentary on all working women, but specific to the cut-throat fashion/entertainment industry that will inevitable put strains on these workers personal lives. I never saw Nate’s criticisms as something that would occur in Andy were a working woman in general. He makes valid points that her specific job in that moment is a shit-show and that she should re-evaluate her options.

"I didn't have a choice." - good ol' defense of every soldier on the 'wrong side' of a conflict who is just 'following orders'. 🤷‍♀️

I see the point, however, how many women behave like Nate in the screen and we don't even consider "oh, she might have a point"

FINALLY, SOMEONE SAID IT

i don't care what anyone says. NATE IS THE VILLIAN FOR NOT SUPPORTING HIS GIRLFRIEND'S DREAMS!

I understand the purpose of the video to expose the sighting of a toxic work environment, but if they don't give you open doors to have a great job right after finishing the collage, you must succumb to the system. It's not just about personal fulfillment only, it's also about making a living, just like Erin Brockovich ... That's why you need not only empathy, but understanding and love; not all that condescending bullshit he put her through... It was up to her to realize the toxic side of her job and then decide...

Miranda Priestly and Andera herself, are the true villains. Because at several points in the movie, Andera and Emily could turn her into the B.B.B, for not following workplace laws, taking advantage of her staff, etc., even the stylist/photo developer could turn Miranda in for falsely promising a career in defrauding contracts to steal his money, family jewels, & gems, etc.

Y’all ever consider doing something on the Jekyll and Hyde trope?

I think that people miss that this movie is really a person vs self story- while Nate and Miranda can both be viewed as antagonistic forces, they really serve to represent Andy’s past and who she believes she is and who Andy’s becoming without realizing it, respectively. So neither of them can really be “villains” because the take away from the film is that the world will change you and sometimes change can be a good, necessary thing, but to always stay grounded in who you are fundamentally. That’s why in the end she isn’t with Nate but they’re on good terms and she isn’t working for Miranda but they’re on good terms- she’s combined elements of both “Andy’s” to become someone newer and truer and embracing the next chapter of her life. You can even see this in her fashion choice for the interview; it’s not her old frumpy look nor is it the high end runway look, but a more refined blend of the two that feels more comfortable, more flexible, more her.

I keep thinking that scene of Andy apologizing to Nate and saying "You were right all along" stupid, they could cut it out of the movie that wouldn't be missed.

Unpopular opinion: I always liked Nate, and he was a pretty solid partner. "I don't care if you're pole-dancing, just pole-dance with integrity," is a solid point. Ambition is something that I believe should be used in moderation: what good are the perks of a solid career if I haven't got a pet, or a person to share it with? We need someone/something to spend our money on besides keeping ourselves alive.

The worst thing about The Devil Wears Prada to me is still the fact that Anne Hathaway's character was called "fat".

Nate now has three Michelin Stars and Christian has found that he can't get a reservation at any of Nate's restaurants. Nor at the restaurants of Nate's friends.

one thing i love about this movie is that it taught me that job really isn't everything. After being bossed about and so focus on work, i legit forgot sometimes i have a life outside of work and to not be afraid of letting go of a position everyone kept saying is wonderful, but just not fit for your lifestyle.

I may have been really young when I 1st saw this but I never saw him as the villain

Who thought he was a villain? What did he do wrong? Edit: I hardly remember the film so just run along

Maybe... but if that's what they were going for then they did not do a good job. I never thought of him as the villain but always found him whiny and petulant - bringing up problems without offering a solution. A great thing for stressed-out Andy. Also, at no point in the story, Andy suggests she wants to stay with Runaway past the initial year. Whether she was changed enough to do it is another matter but this was never presented as a potential problem. She never went 'You know I said this was only a stepping stone but I am crazy happy about being mentally drained so I might stay a bit longer'. So for me, he knew Andy has a challenging year ahead but instead of providing a supportive environment for her to retreat to, he made her feel also stressed when coming home, which is contrary to any 'well-being' concerns he might have had. And it was only a year. People make greater sacrifices for longer to achieve their goals.

Very happy that at least someone is willing to look deep enough. Nate was right all along. Andrea lost her friends and her boyfriend, for an abusive job that she never wanted. Andrea hated her job, she was a very nice and smart type of girl, not a toxic backstabber. That why Christian Thompson told her from the start "You won't survive Miranda. You're nice, smart'." Through the whole movie Andrea says "I didn't have a choice" to convince herself that she did nothing wrong. However when Miranda herself objects Andrea's pathetic excuse, then Andrea comprehends that Nate was right all along and she is going to become the new Miranda if she doesn't quit. Nate did absolutely nothing wrong. As a matter of fact, breaking up with her was the 2nd most masculine thing he has done. Offering them to get back together was the 1st.

He couldn't compromise for Andy!

I never saw Nate as a villain, rather a someone who says the right stuff but in the wrong, quite harsh way. Actually I see Nigel as more of a villain because of his comments about Andy’s weight throughout the film....because when she comes to him as he said to “whine” he basically tells her to get on with toxic work place and plants the seed in her head that she needs to get a makeover to fit in and be accepted. I never felt sorry for him when Miranda “screwed” him over because in all honesty he was only ever accepted by her for pleasing her and get the job done as she wanted to, but I doubt she ever really respected him because he had no real character, he never stood up to her. Remember how he whines to Andy that he will finally be able to come to Paris and see it or take control of his life? It shows he was just a loyal follower to Miranda, who secretly wished for more and wanted more, but never had the balls to actually do what he wants. That is why when he thinks a time will come and Miranda will pay him back, Andy is highly doubtful. Nigel and Emily are so similar in every aspect which is why Miranda could do what she did to them, because she knows they are loyal no matter what. They have no opinion or self-respect, unlike Andy.

I don’t know if this new format is a dictate from the sponsors, but I’m finding the promotion inserted in the middle of the videos to be pretty jarring.

I’m sorry but no. Then Nate better not end up with a doctor because their schedules are crazy (aren’t chefs known to have crazy schedules? The irony). My father is a doctor and has missed some events but I would never ever say the things Andi’s friends said to him because he always made every effort to be there (I mean andi got nate a cupcake and was super apologetic but ya know clearly she’s horrible). Sure Andi chose to go to these things, but it was to keep her job not because she just felt like it. What boundary is she going to be able to set with a boss who is willing to fire her if she doesn’t do everything she’s asked? The only boundaries she’ll get is “do the job or get fired/leave”. As someone who has had to be in toxic jobs, it’s not as easy as choosing to do what your job requires or to leave your job. I was desperately trying to leave for years but struggled to find a job to leave for. It’s so privileged to act like people can just quit their jobs with a snap of their fingers. So unless Andi’s friends have a job all lined up for her when she leaves, maybe they should be a bit more understanding (especially since andi’s one friend was living for the perks but turns on her when things get hard). Andi did not change who she was or compromise her integrity. She was doing what she could to get the recommendation and trying her best to juggle things. It’s fine if her friends express concern for her toxic job and suggest leaving from a place of empathy, but demonizing her is just ridiculous. I’m glad I didn’t have friends, family and a bf (now my husband) like Andi’s because it would’ve made it all the worse to try and survive what I was dealing with.