Spike Lee is back with Highest 2 Lowest, featuring Denzel Washington, Jeffrey Wright, Ilfenesh Hadera, and A$AP Rocky. The movie comes out in theaters on August 15, 2025, and its streaming is set to premiere on Apple TV+ on September 5.
This is the first time Lee and Washington have worked together in almost 20 years. It’s their 5th film as part of a long-term working relationship.
Synopsis
Based in modern-day New York City, Highest 2 Lowest is a chilling crime thriller that centres on David King (Denzel Washington), a giant music mogul with an infallible ear. When his chauffeur’s son is inadvertently kidnapped in a ransom plot, King is confronted with an ultimate life-and-death moral dilemma.
Highest 2 Lowest is a remake of the master filmmaker Akira Kurosawa’s crime thriller High and Low, transposed now to the gritty streets of modern-day New York City. The tale plunges deep into power, loyalty, and justice in an intense, neo-noir atmosphere. The excellent cast also includes Jeffrey Wright, Ilfenesh Hadera, and A$AP Rocky in critical roles.
Watch the Official Trailer
Other Details
Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller, Neo-noir
Director: Spike Lee
Cast: Denzel Washington as David King, Jeffrey Wright as Paul Christopher, Ilfenesh Hadera as Pam King, A$AP Rocky as Yung Felon, Ice Spice (film debut) as Marisol Cepeda.
Production: Produced by A24, Apple Original Films, Escape Artists, and Mandalay Pictures.
Runtime: 2h 13m (133 minutes)
Rating: R (for brief drug use and language)
Premiere: World premiere at Cannes Film Festival, May 19, 2025 (out of competition)
Release Dates: Theatrical – August 15, 2025
Streaming on Apple TV+: September 5, 2025
The film has so far received positive critical response, featuring 89% on Rotten Tomatoes and a 76 Metascore, praised for its fresh take on a Kurosawa classic and the strong performances, especially from Washington.
Highest 2 Lowest is an intense, stylish thriller bringing together two cinematic giants for a sharply crafted modern crime drama. A must-watch for fans of Spike Lee, Denzel Washington, and incisive storytelling.
