Denzel Washington’s Latest Film “Highest 2 Lowest” Debuts on Apple TV+

Academy Award winner Denzel Washington’s new thriller “Highest 2 Lowest” launched on Apple TV+ today, marking his fifth collaboration with director Spike Lee after nearly two decades.

The streaming debut represents a significant milestone for both Hollywood veterans, reuniting them for their first project together since 2006’s “Inside Man.” The film’s release on Apple TV+ follows a successful theatrical run that began August 15, positioning it as one of the platform’s major fall offerings for subscribers seeking premium content.

Modern Adaptation of Kurosawa Classic

“Highest 2 Lowest” transposes Akira Kurosawa’s 1963 masterpiece “High and Low” to contemporary New York’s music industry. Washington portrays David King, a wealthy music mogul facing a moral crisis when a ransom plot threatens both his business empire and an innocent life. The adaptation shifts the original’s industrial setting to the hip-hop world, reflecting Lee’s continued exploration of urban American culture.

The film features an ensemble cast including Jeffrey Wright, Ilfenesh Hadera, and rapper AAPRocky, whomakeshisactingdebutalongsidefellowmusicianIceSpice.AAP Rocky also contributed original music to the soundtrack, emphasizing the film’s deep connections to the music industry it portrays.

Critical Reception and Festival Success

Following its out-of-competition screening at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival in May, “Highest 2 Lowest” earned positive reviews from critics. The film currently holds an 89% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a 73/100 score on Metacritic, with reviewers praising Lee’s ability to modernize the classic narrative without losing its psychological complexity.

The production showcased Lee’s trademark visual style, incorporating artwork from his personal collection of contemporary African-American artists including Jean-Michel Basquiat and Kehinde Wiley into the film’s sets. Cinematographer Matthew Libatique captured the project during spring 2024 filming across New York’s five boroughs.

Washington’s Evolving Career Perspective

The streaming release coincides with Washington’s recent candid remarks about his relationship with cinema. In promotional interviews for the film, the 70-year-old actor revealed he no longer watches movies, stating he’s “tired of movies” after making approximately 50 films throughout his career. “I don’t watch movies, man. I really don’t. I’m just being honest with you! I don’t go to the movies,” Washington admitted during a GQ video interview with Lee and A$AP Rocky.

Despite his weariness with the medium, Washington continues working selectively with elite filmmakers. He recently confirmed plans to appear in “Black Panther 3,” with director Ryan Coogler writing a custom role for him, before potentially retiring from acting. The actor emphasized his criteria for future projects: “For me it’s about the filmmaker, especially at this point in my career. I’m only interested in working with the best”.

Legacy of Lee-Washington Collaborations

Today’s Apple TV+ debut extends one of cinema’s most productive actor-director partnerships. Their previous collaborations include “Mo’ Better Blues” (1990), “Malcolm X” (1992), “He Got Game” (1998), and “Inside Man” (2006). Washington earned an Oscar nomination for his portrayal of civil rights leader Malcolm X, though he has publicly stated awards don’t drive his career choices.

The duo’s shared filmography represents a significant contribution to African-American cinema, consistently addressing social issues through compelling narratives. “Highest 2 Lowest” continues this tradition by examining themes of power, morality, and class through the lens of contemporary urban culture.

Streaming Strategy Success

Apple TV+’s acquisition and promotion of “Highest 2 Lowest” demonstrates the platform’s commitment to prestigious original content. The film joins a growing catalog of critically acclaimed Apple productions, with the company leveraging the star power of Washington and Lee’s established reputation to attract subscribers.

The simultaneous theatrical and eventual streaming strategy allowed the film to build critical momentum before reaching the broader Apple TV+ audience, maximizing both cultural impact and commercial potential for the streaming service.