Highest 2 Lowest
- Aug 22, 2025, USA
Highest 2 Lowest marks Denzel Washington’s fifth collaboration with legendary filmmaker Spike Lee.
The neo-noir crime thriller will arrive in movie theaters this August and is based on the Japanese film High and Low by Akira Kurosawa. Also, it is loosely based on Ed McBain’s 1959 novel King’s Ransom.
The film has already received many positive reviews following its world premiere at Cannes Film Festival, suggesting it will perform well at the box office.
It may even pick up an award nomination or two during awards season, with Spike Lee likely hoping for a Best Picture nod at the Oscars 2026.
If you’ll be the first in line to buy tickets to see it, here is everything you must know about Highest 2 Lowest, including its release date, plot, cast, critics’ reviews, and award season potential.
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What is the Release Date for Highest 2 Lowest?
Highest 2 Lowest will have a limited theatrical run on August 22, 2025, and it will arrive on Apple TV+ on September 5, 2025.
However, early reviews are already rolling in following its recent world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival on May 19, 2025.
What’s the Plot?
Highest 2 Lowest tells the story of music mogul David King, who becomes the target of a ransom plot and faces a life-or-death dilemma.
Who Stars in the Film?
Two-time Academy Award winner Denzel Washington (Gladiator II) takes on the lead role of music mogul David King.
Joining the legendary actor on screen is Jeffrey Wright (American Fiction) as Paul Christopher, Ilfenesh Hadera (Werewolves) as Pam King, ASAP Rocky (Monster) as Yung Felony, and Ice Spice as Marisol Cepeda.
The film features a phenomenal supporting cast, which includes Dean Winters (30 Rock) as Detective Higgins, John Douglas Thompson (Midway) as Detective Earl Bridges, LaChanze (Birth/Rebirth) as Detective Bell, and Wendell Pierce (The Wire) as Gabe, to name a few cast members.
Who Directed It?
Spike Lee directed Highest 2 Lowest, which marks his fifth collaboration with Denzel Washington.
The US filmmaker is best known for directing She’s Gotta Have It (1996), Do the Right Thing (1989), Malcolm X (1992), and Inside Man (2006).
Who Wrote the Screenplay?
Alan Fox wrote the screenplay for Highest 2 Lowest. He is best known as the co-creator and writer of the TV series Model Caterers.
What Do Top Critics Say?
Many top film critics have published early reviews about Highest 2 Lowest following its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival.
As of May 2025, the film has a 93% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, which is based on 28 critic reviews.
For example, Variety’s Peter Debruge wrote, “Lee has taken “High and Low” to new highs, delivering a soul-searching genre movie that entertains while also sounding the alarm about where the culture could be headed.”
Is the Film Likely to Perform Well During Award Season?
Highest 2 Lowest has already got off to a positive start before its release, earning many positive reviews ahead of its August release.
Also, its theatrical run ahead of its arrival on Apple TV+ makes it eligible for various accolades during award season, including Best Picture at the Oscars 2026.
Can I Watch an Official Trailer?
Yes. You can watch the official trailer and teaser for Highest 2 Lowest on YouTube now.
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