Highest 2 Lowest: Spike Lee and Denzel Washington Reunite for a Modern Crime Thriller

A Classic Reimagined

Directed by Spike Lee, Highest 2 Lowest reinterprets Akira Kurosawa’s 1963 masterpiece High and Low, itself adapted from Ed McBain’s novel King’s Ransom. The project reunites Lee with Denzel Washington, marking their fifth collaboration and their first since the acclaimed Inside Man (2006).

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Storyline

Washington takes on the role of David King, a powerful New York music mogul celebrated for having “the best ears in the business.” His world unravels when a tragic mistake leads to the kidnapping of his chauffeur’s son—believed to be his own child. King is forced into an excruciating choice: sacrifice his wealth to save a life, or protect the empire he’s built.

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Production and Premiere

Filming took place across New York City from March to May 2024. The movie premiered out of competition at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, where Washington was honored with a surprise Palme d’Or for his career achievements. After its Cannes debut on May 19, the film had a limited U.S. theatrical release on August 15, 2025, before arriving on Apple TV+ on September 5.

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Cast and Creative Team

The ensemble cast includes Jeffrey Wright, Ilfenesh Hadera, A$AP Rocky, Ice Spice (making her feature film debut), Princess Nokia, and Dean Winters. The screenplay was written by Alan Fox, with visuals captured by acclaimed cinematographer Matthew Libatique. Editing was handled by Barry Alexander Brown and Allyson C. Johnson, while the score was composed by Howard Drossin.

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Soundtrack and Score

Music plays a central role in Highest 2 Lowest. The film’s soundtrack features original songs from A$AP Rocky, Aiyana-Lee, and Jensen McRae. This is paired with an orchestral score by Howard Drossin and a companion EP from the Fergus McReadie Trio. All three were released on August 15, 2025, through A24 Music in partnership with Apple.

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Critical Reception

Reviews have been mixed but passionate:

• Financial Times praised the film’s moral depth and its fusion of crime drama with social commentary.
• TIME called it a dynamic New York thriller that resonates on both an emotional and aesthetic level.
• Decider acknowledged some uneven pacing early on but highlighted standout moments, particularly a gripping subway sequence driven by Washington and A$AP Rocky.
• Pitchfork and others criticized its depiction of contemporary hip-hop culture as leaning overly critical, suggesting more nuance was needed.

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Final Thoughts

Highest 2 Lowest stands as both a reunion of two cinematic heavyweights and a bold exploration of morality, class, and urban life. With its blend of suspense, cultural commentary, and high-stakes drama, Spike Lee delivers a film that challenges viewers while reaffirming his and Denzel’s creative synergy.