Introducing Highest 2 Lowest (2025)

Highest 2 Lowest (2025) is a electrifying neo-noir crime thriller directed by Spike Lee, marking his fifth collaboration with Denzel Washington. A bold reinterpretation of Akira Kurosawa’s 1963 classic High and Low, itself based on Ed McBain’s novel King’s Ransom, this film transplants the story to the gritty, vibrant streets of modern-day New York City. Premiering out of competition at the Cannes Film Festival on May 19, 2025, and released theatrically by A24 on August 22, 2025, with streaming on Apple TV+ starting September 5, 2025, the film blends high-stakes drama, social commentary, and Spike Lee’s signature kinetic energy. With a runtime of 2 hours and 13 minutes, Highest 2 Lowest is a soul-searching genre piece that entertains while probing the costs of fame, morality, and success.

Plot Summary

The film centers on David King (Denzel Washington), a legendary music mogul renowned for having “the best ears in the business.” Living in a lavish penthouse in Brooklyn’s Olympia Dumbo building, King is on the verge of acquiring a majority stake in his record label, Stackin’ Hits, when a ruthless ransom plot disrupts his empire. The kidnapping of his driver’s son pulls King into a life-or-death moral dilemma, forcing him to choose between his wealth, ambitions, and principles. As he navigates New York’s underbelly, from Brooklyn’s streets to the chaotic 4 train, King confronts Yung Felony (A$AP Rocky), an aspiring rapper and kidnapper whose motives blur personal vendettas with desperation.

The narrative unfolds in two distinct acts, much like Kurosawa’s original. The first half is a tense, claustrophobic procedural set in King’s opulent home, where his wealth—surrounded by posters of Joe Louis, Muhammad Ali, and Toni Morrison—contrasts with the crisis. The second half explodes into a frenetic chase through New York, featuring a standout sequence at the Puerto Rican Day Parade with cameos from Eddie Palmieri, Anthony Ramos, and Rosie Perez. King’s oldest friend, Paul (Jeffrey Wright), a chauffeur with a criminal past, becomes entangled in the plot, highlighting racial disparities in how the police treat them. The film’s third act, propelled by a gripping confrontation between King and Yung Felony, delivers an electrifying twist that redefines the stakes, making it a deeply personal Spike Lee “joint” while honoring its Kurosawa roots.

Cast and Characters

• David King (Denzel Washington): A charismatic but flawed music mogul whose journey tests his integrity. Washington delivers a towering performance, blending gravitas with vulnerability.
• Yung Felony (A$AP Rocky): The cunning kidnapper and aspiring rapper, whose complex motives add depth to the antagonist role. Rocky’s breakout performance is a highlight.
• Paul (Jeffrey Wright): King’s loyal friend and driver, whose past complicates the crisis. Wright brings emotional weight to the role.
• Det. Higgins (Dean Winters): A detective navigating the case, adding tension to the police procedural elements.
• Det. Bell (LaChanze) and Det. Earl Bridges (John Douglas Thompson): Supporting law enforcement roles that enrich the investigation.
• Andrea King (Ilfenesh Hadera): King’s partner, caught in the emotional fallout of the crisis.
• Additional cast includes Ice Spice in her film debut, with cameos from Eddie Palmieri, Anthony Ramos, and Rosie Perez as themselves, grounding the film in New York’s cultural pulse.

Direction and Production

Directed by Spike Lee through his 40 Acres and a Mule Filmworks, Highest 2 Lowest is a co-production by A24, Apple Original Films, Escape Artists, Mandalay Pictures, and A/Vantage Pictures. Written by Alan Fox and Lee, the screenplay reimagines Kurosawa’s tale for the age of parasocial relationships and modern fame. Cinematographer Matthew Libatique captures New York’s contrasts, from the sterile wealth of King’s penthouse to the chaotic energy of Brooklyn’s streets, using wide frames and vibrant visuals. Editors Barry Alexander Brown and Allyson C. Johnson maintain a dynamic pace, while Howard Drossin’s score shifts from placid to frenzied, amplifying the film’s intensity. Filmed on location in Brooklyn, including the Puerto Rican Day Parade, the production infuses authenticity with Spike Lee’s love for his city, evident in details like Yankees fans shouting “Boston sucks!”

Themes and Style

Highest 2 Lowest explores the price of fame, moral compromises, and generational clashes, steeped in Black cultural identity. It examines how wealth and success can isolate, with King’s penthouse symbolizing his detachment from the streets he once knew. The film critiques systemic inequities—Paul’s treatment by police contrasts with King’s—while celebrating New York’s diversity through its vibrant settings. Lee’s style is unabashedly epic, fearlessly funny, and proudly Black, blending Kurosawa’s procedural precision with his own chaotic, colorful energy. The film shifts from a slow-burn drama to a manic thriller, with a standout third act that feels uniquely Lee, avoiding a straight remake.

Reception and Impact

Premiering at Cannes on May 19, 2025, Highest 2 Lowest earned a six-minute ovation and an honorary Palme d’Or for Denzel Washington. Critics praised its bold reinterpretation, with Rotten Tomatoes reporting an 89% approval rating from 36 reviews and Metacritic assigning a 76/100 based on 19 critics, indicating “generally favorable” reviews. Robert Daniels of RogerEbert.com gave it three and a half stars, lauding its energy and Lee’s personal stamp, though some, like France Culture’s Lucille Commeaux, called it a “complete wreck.” Audiences on platforms like Letterboxd and X hailed its entertainment value, Washington’s commanding performance, and A$AP Rocky’s surprising depth, though some noted its jarringly upbeat tone compared to Kurosawa’s despair. The film’s cultural impact lies in its modernization of High and Low for the social media age, sparking discussions about fame, morality, and Lee’s late-career resurgence.

Where to Watch

Highest 2 Lowest is released in select U.S. theaters on August 22, 2025, as a limited release by A24, competing with films like Splitsville and Honey Don’t!. It streams on Apple TV+ starting September 5, 2025. Rated R for language and brief drug use, it’s available in IMAX and Dolby Cinema for an immersive experience. Check Fandango or Atom Tickets for theater availability, as the limited release is confined to major markets.

Why You Should Watch

Highest 2 Lowest is a must-see for fans of Spike Lee, Denzel Washington, and high-octane crime thrillers. The reunion of Lee and Washington after 19 years delivers a potent mix of nostalgia and fresh energy, with Washington’s magnetic performance and Lee’s vibrant direction elevating a familiar story. A$AP Rocky’s compelling turn and the film’s bold New York backdrop make it a cultural event, while its exploration of morality and fame resonates in today’s world. Whether you’re drawn to Kurosawa’s legacy or Lee’s unapologetic style, this film offers a thrilling, thought-provoking ride that’s both a tribute and a reinvention. For context, watch Kurosawa’s High and Low on Max, The Criterion Channel, or Roku before diving in.