Spike Lee returns with a cinematic force in Highest 2 Lowest, a bold reimagining of Akira Kurosawa’s 1963 masterpiece High and Low. Set against the backdrop of modern-day New York City, this film marks the fifth—and possibly final—collaboration between Lee and Denzel Washington, a duo responsible for some of the most iconic moments in American cinema.
Credit: A24
With a powerful blend of suspense, social commentary, and street-level storytelling, Highest 2 Lowest is already one of the most anticipated films of the year.
In this retelling, Washington stars as David King, a music mogul whose moral code is tested when his driver’s child is mistakenly kidnapped. The crisis unravels a layered story that dives deep into America’s class divide, moral compromise, and the price of power. Lee brings his signature lens to this adaptation, infusing the classic thriller with a gritty edge and cultural sharpness that resonates with today’s headlines.
© Blex Media / People.com — Denzel Washington in a tense subway scene.
The cast features a dynamic mix of veterans and fresh faces, including A$AP Rocky in a breakout role as King’s son. His presence opposite Washington delivers generational tension that electrifies the screen. Also appearing are Jeffrey Wright, Ilfenesh Hadera, Ice Spice (in her film debut), and Dean Winters.
The film was co-produced by A24, Apple Studios, and Lee’s 40 Acres and a Mule Filmworks, with Kurosawa’s grandson on board as executive producer—bridging cinematic legacies across cultures and generations.
Premiering at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, Highest 2 Lowest was met with critical acclaim for its taut direction, stylized visuals, and the gripping performance by Washington. Many are calling it Spike Lee’s return to peak form, blending his love for New York, justice, and layered Black narratives into one final crescendo with his longtime collaborator.
Highest 2 Lowest hits U.S. theaters on August 15, 2025, distributed by A24, and will stream globally on Apple TV+ starting September 5.
Watch the official teaser and get ready for what might be the last chapter of a legendary director-actor partnership.
