Spike Lee returns with Highest 2 Lowest, a gripping urban thriller starring Denzel Washington, Jeffrey Wright, Ilfenesh Hadera, A$AP Rocky, and more. This marks the fifth collaboration between Lee and Washington, 18 years after Inside Man, and is co-produced by Apple and A24, with theatrical distribution handled by A24 and streaming on Apple TV starting in September. Interestingly, the film is a reimagining of Akira Kurosawa’s High and Low, a connection that adds an extra layer of intrigue for cinephiles.
The story follows music industry titan David King (Denzel Washington), who is on the brink of reclaiming his struggling label when a kidnapping turns into a moral dilemma. Believing his son is the victim, King soon realizes it’s actually the son of his driver, played by Jeffrey Wright. King must then decide whether to protect his fortune or do the right thing, navigating themes of wealth, ethics, and responsibility.
Technically, the film is impressive. Matthew Libatique’s cinematography captures New York City in all its vibrant detail, and Howard Drossin’s piano-heavy, jazz-infused score elevates many sequences, adding both tension and emotional weight. The screenplay by Alan Fox, his feature debut, tackles moral dilemmas and the risk-driven nature of the music industry, highlighting how social media and clout often overshadow real talent.
Performances are largely strong. Denzel Washington commands the screen with his usual charisma and gravitas, while Jeffrey Wright delivers nuanced support, particularly in their shared scenes, which balance drama and humor effectively. A$AP Rocky surprises with a solid performance despite limited screen time. Ilfenesh Hadera, as Pam King, has moments of uneven acting that occasionally feel soap opera-like, but overall, the main cast shines.
There are a few minor drawbacks. Some sequences could have been trimmed for pacing, and Spike Lee’s signature stylistic choices occasionally distract from the story. Additionally, certain cameos, including Ice Spice’s brief appearance, add flavor but don’t substantially impact the narrative. The film also features some small ADR moments where audio and lip-syncing are slightly off, but these are minor technical blemishes in an otherwise polished production.
Despite minor flaws, Highest 2 Lowest is a compelling film with strong performances, striking visuals, and a thoughtful score. The moral complexity at its core, paired with Spike Lee’s distinct directorial voice, creates a movie that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. While it may not appeal to everyone, especially viewers less tolerant of Lee’s stylistic indulgences, it’s a solid entry for fans of the director, Denzel Washington, and cinematic reimaginings of classic works.
Rating: 7/10.