Denzel Washington’s “Highest 2 Lowest” Receives Critical Acclaim as Apple TV+ Debut Sparks Review Wave

Critics are praising Denzel Washington’s performance in Spike Lee’s “Highest 2 Lowest,” which premiered on Apple TV+ yesterday, marking their fifth collaboration together.

The streaming debut has generated significant critical attention, with major entertainment publications releasing reviews highlighting Washington’s commanding performance in the crime thriller. The film represents the first collaboration between the Academy Award-winning actor and acclaimed director in nearly two decades, following their previous work on “Inside Man” in 2006.

Strong Critical Reception Emerges

Early reviews emphasize Washington’s compelling portrayal of David King, a music mogul caught in a life-or-death moral dilemma when targeted by kidnappers. Critics describe his performance as “dazzling” and note how it elevates Lee’s modern adaptation of Akira Kurosawa’s 1963 classic “High and Low”.

The Indian Express review published today specifically praised Washington’s central performance, calling it “one of the most dazzling” of his career and crediting it with taking Lee’s latest project “to the next level”.

Fifth Lee-Washington Collaboration Draws Attention

“Highest 2 Lowest” marks a significant reunion for the director-actor duo, whose previous collaborations include iconic films such as “Malcolm X” (1992), “He Got Game” (1998), and “Mo’ Better Blues” (1990). The film’s Apple TV+ release follows a limited theatrical run that began August 15, generating anticipation among fans of both filmmaker and star.

The crime thriller relocates Kurosawa’s Japanese kidnapping story to modern-day New York, with Washington playing a wealthy record executive facing an impossible choice when his son is abducted. The cast also features Jeffrey Wright, Ilfenesh Hadera, and A$AP Rocky in his film debut.

Streaming Strategy Pays Off

Apple TV+ subscribers gained access to the film yesterday as part of the platform’s strategy to offer high-profile original content. The timing coincides with the broader fall streaming season, where major platforms compete for viewer attention with premium releases.

Industry observers note the film’s journey from Cannes Film Festival premiere in May to its current streaming availability, highlighting how A24 and Apple’s partnership continues to deliver prestige content to home audiences.

At the film’s New York premiere in August, Lee hinted that this might not be his final collaboration with Washington, leaving the door open for future projects despite earlier suggestions that five films would conclude their partnership.