Opening in theaters on August 22, 2025, and streaming globally on Apple TV+ from September 5, Highest 2 Lowest marks a monumental reunion for cinema legends Spike Lee and Denzel Washington. Directed by Lee and penned by William Alan Fox (adapting Akira Kurosawa's iconic High and Low and Evan Hunter's novel King's Ransom), this gripping neo-noir crime thriller is distributed by A24 and Apple Original Films. The film features a stellar cast including Washington as titan music mogul David King, alongside Jeffrey Wright, Ilfenesh Hadera, A$AP Rocky, and Ice Spice. Set against the vibrant, often cutthroat, backdrop of modern-day New York City, the plot reimagines Kurosawa's classic dilemma: a powerful businessman is thrust into a life-or-death moral quandary when a ransom plot targets his world. This eagerly anticipated collaboration is the fifth between director Spike Lee and star Denzel Washington, a partnership that has yielded cinematic gold with films like Mo' Better Blues (1990), the critically acclaimed Malcolm X (1992), He Got Game (1998), and the smart thriller Inside Man (2006). Their previous works are celebrated for their profound social commentary and powerful performances, making Highest 2 Lowest a capstone moment, with Lee hinting it might be their final joint venture.
Genre:Crime, Drama, Mystery, Thriller
Spike Lee’s Highest 2 Lowest is a vibrant, searing, and often exhilarating reinterpretation of Akira Kurosawa’s 1963 crime thriller High and Low. Set deep within the pulsating heart of the modern music industry in New York City, Lee masterfully transmutes the original's post-war anxieties into a sharp critique of America’s pervasive capitalist grindset and toxic celebrity culture. This is a film that crackles with energy, a testament to Lee’s enduring directorial prowess and his unparalleled ability to capture the soul of the city. While Kurosawa's original examined corporate ethics in a bygone era, Lee's "Joint" throws us into the high-stakes world of streaming numbers, attention economy, and the relentless pursuit of fame and fortune.
At its core, the film is a powerful showcase for Denzel Washington, who delivers a truly viscerally engaging performance as David King. King, a music mogul renowned for having the "best ears in the business," finds his carefully constructed empire, Stackin' Hits Records, threatened by a terrifying ransom plot. Washington inhabits the character with a furious intensity, portraying a man caught between his immense wealth and a profound moral dilemma. His portrayal is so captivating that it elevates the entire film, making you want to re-watch it just for his nuanced expressions and commanding presence. Indeed, reviews praise Washington as "On Fire," suggesting this might be one of his most powerful performances to date.
Lee’s signature filmmaking style is evident throughout, from dynamic camera work to sharp editing, infusing the narrative with his distinctive rhythm and perspective. The film's musical aspect is not merely background noise; it's an integral component of David King's journey and a deep dive into the frustrations faced in real-world music label boardrooms. Lee and screenwriter William Alan Fox ensure that the film's take on the contemporary music industry is far from superficial, adding layers of authenticity and relevance to the crime thriller genre.
Despite its many strengths, Highest 2 Lowest is not without its peculiarities. Some early reviews indicate a "rough start," and indeed, Lee's "excesses are not for everyone." His audacious artistic choices, while often brilliant, can sometimes veer into moments that are "unintentionally hilarious and on-the-nose," a characteristic some viewers might find jarring. However, these stylistic flourishes are part of what makes a "Spike Lee Joint" unique, challenging the audience to engage with the material on a deeper level. The film also features a particularly memorable action sequence, praised for its editing and intensity, which stands out as a thrilling centerpiece.
The supporting cast, including Jeffrey Wright, Ilfenesh Hadera, A$AP Rocky, and Ice Spice (in her film debut), contributes significantly to the film's gritty authenticity. Their performances help ground the high-stakes plot in believable human drama, adding layers to King's complex relationships. The film’s critical reception has been largely positive, earning accolades for being Lee's "most fun film in years" and generating significant buzz, including a reported six-minute standing ovation at the Cannes Film Festival. This indicates its potential to be a major player during awards season.
Highest 2 Lowest is a masterclass in adaptation, demonstrating how a classic story can be recontextualized for a new era while retaining its core ethical questions. It uses the kidnapping plot as a springboard to dissect themes of class inequality, moral responsibility, and the true cost of success in a world obsessed with wealth and public perception. This is a thought-provoking crime drama that balances intense suspense with sharp social commentary, a hallmark of both Lee and Washington’s individual and collaborative careers. For fans of Spike Lee movies, Denzel Washington films, or neo-noir thrillers, Highest 2 Lowest is an essential watch. It's not just a remake; it's a vibrant, urgent piece of cinematic art that speaks directly to the anxieties and aspirations of our time. It’s a powerful testament to the enduring chemistry between two of Hollywood’s most iconic figures, reminding us why their collaborations are always worth the wait.