Spike Lee’s “Highest 2 Lowest” unites Denzel Washington, A$AP Rocky & Ice Spice in neo-noir crime thriller [VIDEO]
First Clip of Highest 2 Lowest Teases Tension, Luxury, and Moral Stakes Ahead of August Release
Spike Lee’s latest film, Highest 2 Lowest, has taken a high-profile first step into the public spotlight with the release of its debut clip — a sleek, moody scene that blends luxury, tension, and a sharp New York energy. The 2025 American neo-noir crime thriller brings together an eclectic cast that spans generations and industries: Denzel Washington, Jeffrey Wright, A$AP Rocky, and Ice Spice.
Slated for a limited theatrical release on August 15, 2025, followed by Apple TV+ streaming on September 5, 2025, the film marks Lee’s fifth collaboration with Washington, following Mo’ Better Blues (1990), Malcolm X (1992), He Got Game (1998), and Inside Man (2006).
A Modern Reimagining of a Classic
Highest 2 Lowest reinterprets Akira Kurosawa’s 1963 classic High and Low — itself adapted from Ed McBain’s 1959 novel King’s Ransom. Lee’s update moves the action to contemporary New York City, swapping the world of industrial tycoons for the cutthroat heights of the music business.
Washington stars as a legendary music mogul whose empire is shaken by a kidnapping plot. The crime forces him into a moral crossroads, confronting themes of wealth, power, race, fame, and the ethical compromises of the modern entertainment industry.
Jeffrey Wright plays a detective drawn into the case, while Ilfenesh Hadera takes on a supporting role. A$AP Rocky’s casting signals a major acting turn — he not only appears in a substantial role but also contributes to the film’s soundtrack. Ice Spice, fresh from her breakout music career and hits like Munch (Feelin’ U), makes her acting debut in a role that has already stirred intense social media debate.
The First Clip: Tension in the City
The clip — shared by @DiscussingFilm on August 8 — runs for roughly 25 seconds and unfolds in a dark, rain-glossed cityscape. Inside a luxury car, Washington’s character radiates barely contained fury, while Wright’s detective exudes quiet control. Jazz music hums in the background, underscoring the scene’s noir sensibilities. At one point, Washington leans forward with physical intensity, his body language suggesting a volatile confrontation just outside the frame.
The sequence doesn’t spell out plot specifics but conveys the film’s thematic DNA: high-stakes power plays in a world where status can be as fragile as a whispered rumor.
From Cannes to the Mainstream
Highest 2 Lowest premiered out of competition at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival on May 19, where it earned a standing ovation and generally favorable reviews. Critics praised Washington’s commanding presence and Lee’s bold visual style. Review aggregation currently places the film at 89% on Rotten Tomatoes (Certified Fresh) and 76/100 on Metacritic.
Early reactions hailed the project as a “masterful play on power and image in modern America” and “a soul-searching genre movie that entertains while sounding the alarm.” Others described it as “messy but ultimately great,” noting that the first half could feel uneven or overly busy with music.
Lee himself has framed the production as “the year of living dangerously,” pointing out the 18-year gap since he last directed Washington in Inside Man. The Cannes premiere also doubled as a celebration of Washington, who received an honorary Palme d’Or on Lee’s recommendation.
Social Media Buzz: Hype, Skepticism, and Humor
The @DiscussingFilm post featuring the clip amassed over 386,000 views, 5,900 likes, and 117 replies within hours. Online reactions have been sharply divided — and intensely engaged.
Excitement for the Cast and Reunion:
Many users were thrilled at the reunion of Washington, Wright, and Lee. One comment summed it up: “Denzel Washington, Spike Lee, Jeffrey Wright assembling to make a film together,” accompanied by a hype GIF. Another praised the pairing of “classic jazz music with Jeffrey Wright and Denzel Washington, made by Spike Lee.” Fans also spotlighted the prestige of an A24, Spike Lee, and Denzel project, with some vowing to be “there no matter what.”
Support for Ice Spice’s Acting Debut:
While her casting sparked skepticism, others defended Ice Spice, pointing to her New York roots and suggesting she prepared seriously for the role. “New York gone take care of New York every time,” one user wrote in support.
Skepticism and Criticism:
On the other side, many reacted with surprise — or outright disapproval — to the cast list. Several echoed variations of: “Denzel Washington and Ice Spice in the same sentence is something I never thought possible.” Some critics dismissed the clip itself: “What a dumbass scene to show off,” one wrote, while another asked, “So it’s about two guys driving in a car?”
Humor and Neutral Observations:
A lighter subset of comments joked that the casting felt like “someone hit shuffle on my Spotify and IMDb at the same time.” Others fixated on the film’s distribution, calling for a wider theatrical rollout: “Denzel is a BOX OFFICE DRAW.”
Style, Themes, and Spike Lee’s Signature
In reimagining High and Low, Lee infuses the narrative with his signature blend of social commentary and cinematic energy. Thematically, Highest 2 Lowest examines the contrast between material privilege and moral responsibility — the “highs” and “lows” of status, culture, and personal choice.
Visually, early footage and festival reviews suggest a mix of lush cityscapes, saturated colors, and sharp blocking. Jazz — a recurring Lee motif — plays a central role in the score, blending with contemporary beats courtesy of Rocky’s soundtrack contributions.
The Road to Release
The marketing campaign began in early May with a teaser and poster, followed by a full trailer in late July. The August 8 clip drop is timed to stoke anticipation in the final countdown to the theatrical debut.
Given the online discourse, the film is likely to benefit from curiosity-driven viewership, with Washington’s reputation and Lee’s directorial pull drawing cinephiles, while the music-world crossover casts a wider net.
Awards Potential and Legacy
While some critics have flagged pacing issues and tonal swings, Highest 2 Lowest is already being discussed as a contender in acting and directing categories for the upcoming awards season. The reunion of Washington and Lee — two artists with a long history of exploring race, justice, and American identity — carries cultural weight beyond box office numbers.
For Washington, the role adds another layer to a career defined by complex, morally conflicted characters. For Lee, it’s an opportunity to reassert his place in the modern cinematic landscape while honoring the genre traditions that shaped him.
Final Take
The first glimpse of Highest 2 Lowest suggests a stylish, tension-filled thriller that blends Spike Lee’s social conscience with the star wattage of Denzel Washington — and the generational curveball of Ice Spice. Whether audiences embrace the eclectic casting or remain skeptical, the conversation around the film is already loud, passionate, and reflective of the very “highs” and “lows” the title implies.
As August 15 approaches, one thing is certain: Highest 2 Lowest has already succeeded in getting people talking — and in the crowded summer movie season, that’s half the battle.