Apple TV+ is betting big this fall with Highest 2 Lowest, a high-stakes, neo-noir crime thriller from director Spike Lee and starring Denzel Washington. After premiering to strong buzz at the Cannes Film Festival on May 19, 2025, the film is set for a limited theatrical release on August 22, before hitting Apple TV+ September 5, 2025—an increasingly common hybrid release strategy for the streamer.
This marks Lee and Washington’s fifth collaboration, and according to Lee, potentially their last. “I think this is it,” the director said in a recent interview, making Highest 2 Lowest not just another entry in their storied partnership, but potentially its emotional capstone.
A Modern Reimagining of Kurosawa, Filtered Through Spike Lee’s Vision
The film is a contemporary reinterpretation of Akira Kurosawa’s High and Low, but transplanted to modern-day New York’s music industry. Denzel plays a powerful record executive whose world unravels when his child is mistakenly kidnapped in a ransom plot targeting someone else. What follows is a tense, spiraling descent into moral ambiguity, as he’s forced to balance protecting his family, safeguarding his empire, and confronting the corrupt forces that built his fortune.
The supporting cast adds serious range: Jeffrey Wright, Ilfenesh Hadera, and A$AP Rocky all feature prominently, while Ice Spice makes her film debut—raising eyebrows and expectations alike. Early word from Cannes praised the ensemble and Lee’s signature style: bold camera work, sharp dialogue, and social commentary woven into a thriller format that crackles with tension.
Critics are already calling it a hit. The film currently sits at 91% on Rotten Tomatoes, with many citing Washington’s performance as one of his best in years. Variety called it “a morally loaded pressure cooker,” while The Hollywood Reporter praised its “brutal honesty beneath a slick, stylized surface.”
The Significance for Apple TV+
Highest 2 Lowest is more than a film—it’s a litmus test for Apple TV+’s evolving movie strategy. With escalating costs across Hollywood and tighter scrutiny on streaming ROI, Apple is shifting away from multiple theatrical bets per year. Instead, they’re now aiming for one or two prestige “event films” annually, each with capped budgets under $80 million.
That makes Highest 2 Lowest the streamer’s flagship title for 2025, especially given the scale of its talent and subject matter. It’s no accident that this film blends real-world relevance (the exploitative nature of the music industry), star power, and a philosophical dilemma—a formula that worked for Apple’s Killers of the Flower Moon in 2023.
The company has also doubled down on high-profile partnerships, recently inking a multi-year first-look deal with Chernin Entertainment, the production house behind Hidden Figures and Ford v Ferrari. That’s part of Apple’s larger play to stay competitive in a streaming landscape that’s increasingly focused on IP-heavy franchises and bingeable series.
But Can Prestige Alone Move the Needle?
While Apple TV+ boasts around 45 million subscribers, it still captures under 1% of U.S. streaming watch time, according to recent industry reports. That’s despite hits like Ted Lasso, Severance, and Slow Horses. The company reportedly posted a $1 billion annual content loss, prompting a re-evaluation of how much original programming it can sustainably fund.
In that context, Highest 2 Lowest is a litmus test—can a bold, director-driven film with no franchise tie-in bring new eyeballs to Apple TV+? If so, it could chart a sustainable path for future original films: fewer, better, and louder.
Why This One Matters
Highest 2 Lowest represents a convergence of legacy, risk, and reinvention. It’s potentially the final Lee-Washington team-up. It’s Apple TV+’s flagship film in a year when the platform is dialing back its film output. And it’s a sharp, stylish reworking of a Kurosawa classic for the modern age, infused with themes of class, power, and personal reckoning.
Whether it hits with general audiences remains to be seen—but for now, the critics are on board, the hype is building, and all eyes are on Washington and Lee to see if they can pull off one last cinematic statement together.
Key Takeaways
- “Highest 2 Lowest” stars Denzel Washington as a music mogul fighting back against a vicious ransom scheme, with Spike Lee at the helm.
- The film’s doing the whole theater-first thing on August 22, then streaming on Apple TV+ a couple weeks later.
- Expect a neo-noir crime drama that digs into family, legacy, and survival in the high-stakes music industry.
Plot Overview of Highest 2 Lowest
Spike Lee’s neo-noir crime thriller reworks Akira Kurosawa’s classic, but this time it’s set deep in the New York music scene. The story? A music executive with power to burn gets pulled into a dangerous ransom mess that forces him to question his own morals.
Key Characters
Denzel Washington steps into the shoes of Marcus King, a self-made music mogul. He’s built an empire, but when criminals target someone he loves, he’s forced to make impossible choices.
Jeffrey Wright shows up as Victor Stone, Marcus’s right-hand man and longtime business partner—though, let’s be real, his ethics are pretty questionable. Their friendship gets seriously tested.
Ilfenesh Hadera plays Leila King, Marcus’s daughter and the next in line for the throne. Her kidnapping is what really kicks off the whole nightmare.
A$AP Rocky and Ice Spice both show up as artists on King’s label, which honestly gives the movie some legit industry vibes.
Dean Winters is Detective Miller, the guy trying to crack the case—though he seems to think Marcus might not be telling the whole truth.
Central Themes
Class divides run straight through the heart of the film. You’ve got Marcus’s swanky penthouse life set against struggling musicians hustling for a break. It’s a pretty clear echo of Kurosawa’s take on social inequality.
Power’s a big deal here, too. Marcus is constantly torn: does he use his influence to save his daughter, or to keep his empire from crumbling?
And then there’s the whole moral compromise thing. The movie really pushes you to wonder—how far would anyone go if the stakes were this high?
Money’s a motivator for just about everyone. The ransom demand is more than just a plot device; it forces Marcus to really wrestle with what wealth means to him.
Setting and Atmosphere
New York City isn’t just a backdrop—it’s basically a main character. Lee’s camera jumps between glitzy skyscrapers and rough city streets, showing off the city’s extremes.
The music industry gives everything a modern edge. You’ll see recording studios, nightclubs, even those intimidating executive offices—basically, the whole wild world where art and business collide.
Lee’s not shy with color, either. He uses bold reds to amp up the tension, and cool blues when things get introspective.
The soundtrack? It’s a mashup of hip-hop, jazz, and classical—sometimes all in the same scene. Music’s not just in the background, it’s driving the story forward.
Production and Cultural Impact
Apple TV+, A24, and Spike Lee teamed up for “Highest 2 Lowest,” and honestly, it’s got people talking. It’s a bold move—streaming giants working with old-school filmmakers—and it’s shaking things up in Hollywood.
Creative Influences and Collaborations
Spike Lee is back doing what he does best: poking at social hierarchies and making you uncomfortable (in a good way). The film’s inspired by Ed McBain’s work, but critics say it’s more of a Spike Lee manifesto than a straight-up remake.
Lee and Denzel Washington? That’s a combo that already gave us “Malcolm X,” and their reunion here brings out a big, theatrical performance from Washington—nobody else could pull that out of him quite like Lee.
A24 and Apple are in the mix as producers, along with Lee’s 40 Acres and a Mule, Escape Artists, and Mandalay Pictures. That’s a lot of heavy hitters, which kind of shows how big a deal this project is.
Behind the Scenes
The movie takes a hard look at class and capitalism, picking apart how money and power mess with people and society. Lee’s visual style is all over it—bold camera moves, color choices that pop, you name it.
Alan Fox, another music mogul character, is right at the center of things. The sets are pretty elaborate, really driving home the contrast between the “highest” and “lowest” rungs of society.
Not that it was all smooth sailing. The production had to deal with:
- COVID-19 rules during filming (because of course)
- Tricky locations that spanned the city’s richest and poorest neighborhoods
- The challenge of making a movie that works both in theaters and on streaming
Premiere and Reception
The premiere definitely got attention—some critics loved the “wild tonal swings,” others weren’t so sure. There’s been a lot of chatter about Apple TV+’s release plan, with some folks saying it “deserved more than a limited theatre release” before hitting streaming.
The teaser trailer made waves months before the movie dropped, mostly thanks to Washington’s intense screen presence. People are already debating what it means for streaming platforms and “prestige” movies.
Some critics wish it had gone through the festival circuit—Cannes, maybe?—before showing up on Apple TV+. The whole thing just highlights the ongoing tug-of-war between old-school theatrical releases and the streaming revolution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here’s a quick rundown of what people keep asking about “Highest 2 Lowest,” the Apple TV+ film with Denzel Washington and Spike Lee. Release info, plot stuff, how to get Apple TV+—it’s all here.
When is the release date for ‘Highest 2 Lowest’ on Apple TV+?
“Highest 2 Lowest” should be arriving on Apple TV+ sometime in late 2025. Apple hasn’t dropped an exact date just yet.
It did just have its premiere at Cannes, by the way, and the reviews? Mixed, but definitely interesting.
Where can I watch the trailer for ‘Highest 2 Lowest’?
You can catch the trailer for “Highest 2 Lowest” over on YouTube. If you want a taste of Denzel Washington’s vibe in this, it’s worth a watch.
Apple’s also posted the trailer and some press pics on their Apple TV+ Press page.
Is ‘Highest 2 Lowest’ available as a full movie on Apple TV+?
Nope, not yet. “Highest 2 Lowest” is still making the rounds in theaters and at festivals.
Once it’s officially out, it’ll be part of Apple’s growing lineup of originals.
What is the plot of the film ‘Highest 2 Lowest’?
“Highest 2 Lowest” is inspired by Akira Kurosawa’s 1963 classic “High and Low.” Denzel Washington leads—some critics have called his performance “one-note”, but hey, you be the judge.
Spike Lee’s directing again, teaming up with Washington. Some say it doesn’t quite hit the emotional highs of the original, but it’s still a ride.
How can subscribers access Apple TV+ at no cost for an initial three-month period?
If you just bought a new Apple device, you usually get three months of Apple TV+ for free. It’s automatic when you set up your new gadget.
Just a heads-up: you might not get the deal if you’re already using another Apple TV+ promo or if your subscription’s billed through a third party. More info here.
What are the subscription plans for Apple TV+ following the free trial?
Once your free trial wraps up, Apple TV+ runs $9.99 a month in the U.S. You’re free to cancel anytime before the trial’s up if you don’t want to get charged—just don’t forget, or you’ll see that fee hit your account.
Every now and then, Apple throws in some promo pricing; for instance, a handful of folks have snagged a $2.99 per month deal, though it’s not always available. If you’re already using a bunch of Apple stuff, you might wanna check out Apple One—it bundles Apple TV+ with other services, and honestly, it can save you a bit if you’re all-in on the ecosystem.
