Spike Lee’s latest film, Highest 2 Lowest, takes time to gain momentum but finds its rhythm once it moves away from luxury apartments and into the streets of New York.
The movie reimagines Akira Kurosawa’s 1963 thriller High and Low, with Denzel Washington starring as David King, a music mogul torn between saving a kidnapped child or protecting his failing record empire. The ransom demand is $17.5 million, forcing King to confront both personal and professional collapse.
The first half of the film plays unevenly, with moments that feel melodramatic and staged. Washington’s character struggles with the decline of his label, the pressures of social media, and the fading power he once held in the music industry. When his son Trey is abducted, the story sharpens, introducing A$AP Rocky as Yung Felon, a frustrated rapper turned kidnapper whose clash with King brings tension and energy, even leading to a rap battle.
Lee’s trademarks are evident throughout from vivid depictions of New York’s diversity to sharp social commentary on wealth, race, and inequality. Jeffrey Wright adds depth as Paul, King’s friend and driver, who faces his own challenges with the police while searching for his missing son.
While not reaching the level of Lee’s most acclaimed works, Highest 2 Lowest delivers a compelling mix of crime thriller, social critique, and character drama. It highlights the inequities of modern America while showcasing the enduring chemistry between Lee and Washington.
Highest 2 Lowest, distributed by A24, opens in theaters on Friday and will stream on Apple TV+ starting September 5. The film is rated R for language and brief drug use, with a runtime of 133 minutes. Rating: Two and a half stars out of four.
