Highest 2 Lowest (2025) Movie Review – Where to Watch Online
Spike Lee has never been a director who plays it safe. With Highest 2 Lowest (2025), he reinterprets Akira Kurosawa’s 1963 classic High and Low, but through the lens of America’s contemporary music industry. Starring Denzel Washington as David King, a powerful music mogul entangled in a ransom plot, and Jeffrey Wright as his loyal chauffeur, the film is both a crime thriller and a political statement.
But does Lee succeed in balancing homage with originality? And most importantly—where can you stream Highest 2 Lowest in the U.S.? Let’s dive into a detailed review that considers its direction, performances, themes, and streaming availability.
Plot Overview
At its core, Highest 2 Lowest follows David King (Denzel Washington), a record label CEO attempting to regain control of his empire. His plans are disrupted when kidnappers mistakenly abduct his chauffeur’s son instead of his own. This sets off a high-stakes moral dilemma: should he risk everything to save a child that isn’t his?
From that premise, Spike Lee crafts a story not just about crime and ransom, but about power, inequality, and the uncomfortable intersections of wealth, legacy, and morality.
Spike Lee’s Direction – Between Brilliance and Excess
Lee’s signature is unmistakable: bold colors, restless camera work, symbolic framing, and scenes that feel more like cultural statements than cinematic filler. In Highest 2 Lowest, he doubles down on these traits.
The first act, however, struggles with pacing. Some critics described it as sluggish and overloaded with score choices that felt mismatched. But once the subway chase begins, the film locks into its rhythm. Here, Lee’s kinetic style matches the narrative tension, delivering one of the film’s most memorable sequences.
Yet the movie is also uneven. At times, the social commentary feels more like slogans than layered dialogue. While Lee’s ambition is undeniable, some viewers may find the message louder than the story itself.
Performances – Washington and Wright Shine
Denzel Washington delivers a commanding performance, though one that has divided audiences. His portrayal of David King oscillates between cold calculation and desperate vulnerability, making him both magnetic and frustrating. Some viewers found his choices confusing—was this a comedy, a thriller, or both?
Jeffrey Wright, however, is the consistent standout. His grounded presence gives the film its emotional core, especially as a father trapped in circumstances beyond his control. Their dynamic elevates the moral stakes of the story.
Supporting cast performances range from strong (notably Ilfenesh Hadera) to distracting. Some cameos feel unnecessary, while certain actors, despite heavy billing, are underutilized.
Themes – Wealth, Power, and Social Commentary
Spike Lee has always intertwined politics with cinema, and Highest 2 Lowest is no exception. This isn’t just a kidnapping story—it’s a critique of economic disparity, the influence of social media on morality, and the legacy of fame.
The film also plays with meta-commentary. Washington’s character grapples with questions of relevance, virality, and cultural impact—issues that could just as easily apply to Spike Lee himself at this stage in his career.
For some, this makes the film fascinating. For others, it feels self-indulgent, as if Lee is using the movie as a platform to wrestle with his own legacy rather than focusing on the narrative.
Cinematography and Score
Visually, the movie is striking. Matthew Libatique’s cinematography captures both the sterile opulence of King’s penthouse and the raw vibrancy of New York’s streets. Symbolic use of color and wide frames create a layered visual texture, even if it sometimes overwhelms the viewer.
The score, however, has been more divisive. Some found it intrusive, describing it as “emotional strings over every scene.” Yet when it works—particularly during the subway sequence and final act—it heightens the intensity.
Strengths
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Strong performances from Washington and Wright
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Bold, stylish cinematography
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Ambitious attempt to merge Kurosawa’s themes with modern American issues
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Memorable sequences, especially in the second half
Weaknesses
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Uneven pacing, especially in the first act
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Overuse of music that distracts rather than supports
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Supporting cast underutilized
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At times, the film feels like a lecture rather than a thriller
Where to Watch Highest 2 Lowest (2025) Online
For viewers in the United States, Highest 2 Lowest (2025) is available exclusively on Apple TV+. The platform has secured streaming rights, making it the only legal option to watch the film online.
Apple TV+ offers a subscription model, typically at $9.99 per month, with a 7-day free trial for new users. The film is also available in 4K with Dolby Atmos, ensuring that Spike Lee’s visual and sonic ambitions can be experienced at their fullest.
Final Verdict
Highest 2 Lowest is a film that will divide audiences. On one hand, it’s visually bold, socially charged, and anchored by two powerhouse performances. On the other, it struggles with pacing, tonal confusion, and heavy-handed commentary.
For fans of Spike Lee and Denzel Washington, it’s worth watching—even if only to witness two masters of cinema reunite. For others, it may feel like a missed opportunity, particularly when compared to Kurosawa’s original masterpiece.
Spike Lee’s Highest 2 Lowest (2025) is not a perfect film, but it is an ambitious one. Whether you find it frustrating or electrifying, it sparks conversation—which is precisely what Lee has always set out to do.
If you’re a fan of thought-provoking cinema, stylish visuals, or powerhouse performances, give it a chance. Stream it today on Apple TV+ and judge for yourself: Is Highest 2 Lowest a daring reinvention, or a flawed experiment?
Start your free trial on Apple TV+ and watch Highest 2 Lowest now.
