A Crime Thriller Like No Other: Inside Spike Lee’s ‘Highest 2 Lowest’ with Denzel Washington and Ice Spice

Spike Lee’s Highest 2 Lowest, a crime thriller starring Denzel Washington, is poised to be one of the most anticipated films at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival. Set to premiere on May 19, 2025, the film not only marks a reunion between Lee and Washington but also brings a fresh reimagining of Akira Kurosawa’s 1963 classic High and Low. This article delves into the plot, cast, production details, and the significant cultural and industry impact of the film’s premiere.

Plot and Narrative Context

Highest 2 Lowest is an updated version of High and Low, a crime drama originally based on Ed McBain’s 1959 novel King’s Ransom. In the original, a wealthy executive’s son is kidnapped, only to discover that the ransom plot is a case of mistaken identity, involving his chauffeur’s son instead. The 1960s Tokyo setting of the original film has been adapted to present-day New York, reflecting the shifting dynamics of contemporary life.

The film is described as “a great film about family,” suggesting that, while it retains the suspenseful, high-stakes nature of the original, there will be a focus on familial relationships, moral dilemmas, and the weight of choices that can alter the course of one’s life. The narrative is expected to center on a man who, at the height of his fortune, faces a life-altering decision that may jeopardize everything, echoing the themes of sacrifice and responsibility from the original.

Cast and Creative Team

One of the standout aspects of Highest 2 Lowest is its star-studded cast, led by Denzel Washington, who takes on the role originally portrayed by Toshirō Mifune in High and Low. This marks the fifth collaboration between Washington and director Spike Lee, following iconic films like Malcolm X (1992) and Inside Man (2006). Washington’s return to Lee’s fold promises an emotionally complex performance, likely to draw on the deep history the two share both professionally and personally.

In addition to Washington, the film features a diverse ensemble cast that includes Ilfenesh Hadera, Jeffrey Wright, and emerging talents like Ice Spice, who makes her feature film debut, and ASAP Rocky, who plays a “main role” in the production. This mix of established actors and rising stars adds fresh energy to the film, making it an exciting blend of talent across generations.

Spike Lee directs Highest 2 Lowest with his signature style of socially-conscious storytelling. Lee also serves as an executive producer through his company, 40 Acres and a Mule Filmworks. The screenplay is written by William Alan Fox, with cinematography by Matthew Libatique, and music composed by Howard Drossin, promising a visually and sonically compelling experience.

Production Details

Production for Highest 2 Lowest began on March 4, 2024, in New York City and wrapped on May 31, 2024, signaling a swift turnaround for the film. The film is being produced by major studios A24, Escape Artists, Mandalay Pictures, and Apple, with Apple also backing the project for streaming. This collaboration indicates the film’s significant potential reach, both in theaters and on Apple TV+, ensuring broad access to audiences across multiple platforms.

The collaboration between Lee and Washington is particularly noteworthy given their previous successes. Their last joint project, Inside Man (2006), was a hit, and their work together has always been marked by a deep understanding of character and social themes. The new film builds on this legacy while embracing modern sensibilities.

Premiere at Cannes and Release Strategy

The film will have its world premiere at the prestigious 2025 Cannes Film Festival, screening out of competition on May 19, 2025. This date holds cultural significance, as it coincides with the anniversary of Do the Right Thing‘s premiere at Cannes in 1989 and the 100th birthday of Malcolm X, a figure central to one of Lee’s most acclaimed films. While the film was initially not included in the lineup announcement, the Cannes Chief, Thierry Fremaux, confirmed its inclusion following the last-minute confirmation of Washington’s participation.

Following its Cannes premiere, Highest 2 Lowest will be released theatrically by A24, a studio known for distributing indie darlings, before being made available for streaming on Apple TV+. This dual-release strategy reflects the growing trend of merging theatrical and digital releases to maximize a film’s critical and commercial reach.

Cultural and Industry Impact

The premiere of Highest 2 Lowest at Cannes is expected to make waves both in the film industry and among audiences. Lee’s history with the festival, combined with the reunion of him and Washington, adds a layer of historical resonance to the film’s release. The involvement of emerging stars like Ice Spice and ASAP Rocky also helps bridge the gap between established cinematic legacies and new talents making their mark in the industry.

Spike Lee has long been known for his ability to merge entertainment with social commentary, and Highest 2 Lowest is expected to continue this tradition. Interviews with Washington, such as those in IndieWire, show his enthusiasm for working with Lee again, suggesting that the project is imbued with both professional significance and personal connection.

The involvement of major players like A24 and Apple in the production and distribution of the film signals a growing investment in auteur-driven content, which may set the tone for future collaborations between established filmmakers and major streaming platforms. As noted in Deadline, Lee’s ability to work with such diverse talent, including Washington’s praise for his performance in Gladiator II, showcases the mutual respect shared among these cinematic giants.

Conclusion: A Landmark Film

Highest 2 Lowest promises to be a landmark film, blending Spike Lee’s socially conscious filmmaking with the emotional depth and star power of Denzel Washington. The film’s premiere at Cannes is just the beginning of what is expected to be a significant cultural and industry event. With its powerful cast, compelling narrative, and dual-release strategy, the film is set to leave a lasting impact on both the film world and audiences eager to see the next chapter in Lee’s illustrious career. As the world anticipates its Cannes debut, Highest 2 Lowest stands poised to captivate and provoke thought long after its release.