‘Highest 2 Lowest’ Shocks Cannes with 92% Rotten Tomatoes Score After Premiere

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Approximately two decades following their collaboration in the 2006 thriller “Inside Man,” Spike Lee and Denzel Washington reunite for a modern take on Akira Kurosawa’s 1963 Japanese film “High and Low.” Entitled “Highest 2 Lowest,” this neo-noir crime thriller had its first showing at the Cannes Film Festival yesterday, earning an impressive Rotten Tomatoes rating of 92%, suggesting that Lee and Washington might be looking at another successful box office run when the movie hits cinemas later in the year.

As a cinephile, I had the pleasure of watching the riveting film, Highest 2 Lowest, which boasts an impressive ensemble cast including Jeffrey Wright, Ilfenesh Hadera, ASAP Rocky, and Ice Spice making her cinematic debut. In this gripping tale, Denzel Washington plays David King, a renowned music executive known for his exceptional ears in the industry. However, when King is caught in a dangerous ransom plot, he’s thrust into a heart-pounding moral quandary that tests the limits of life and death.

Matt Neglia, critic at Next Best Picture, points out that the movie isn’t merely a delightful reunion of two cinema legends, but also a powerful masterpiece by a filmmaker who skillfully modernizes an age-old tale to tackle contemporary and intimate themes without losing his unique style. Meanwhile, Peter Debruge from Variety states:

Ultimately, Lee’s work on High and Low has pushed their quality to unprecedented levels. This profoundly impactful film genre not only provides entertainment but also serves as a warning bell, hinting at potential future cultural directions.

Robert Daniels of RogerEbert.com observes that the film “Highest 2 Lowest” is “boldly epic, hilariously funny, and unashamedly Black,” adding that while it may have been influenced by a Japanese filmmaker, its essence undeniably lies within Lee. David Ehrlich from IndieWire agrees, stating that the film truly shines when it strays from its original storyline.

‘Highest 2 Lowest’ Is Another in a String of Hits for Spike Lee

As a cinephile eagerly awaiting the big screen premiere on August 22, 2025, I can’t help but share my anticipation for the upcoming film “Highest 2 Lowest,” distributed by A24 before landing on Apple TV+ on September 5. Therese Lacson from Collider has weighed in, stating that while it may not be director Lee’s best work, it’s still an engaging watch, particularly for devoted fans of Denzel Washington. Geoffrey Macnab from The Independent adds that this crime thriller is indeed entertaining, but appears somewhat shaky and underweight when compared to their previous collaborations, with the 1992 classic “Malcolm X” being a notable example.

Regardless of a handful of small criticisms, the majority of reviews for the movie “Highest 2 Lowest” have been positive. At present, Tim Grierson from Screen International seems to be the film’s sole critic, expressing his dissatisfaction with it in his review.

In the end, the image’s whirling energy seems somewhat empty, as its multitude of themes and urges fail to achieve balance or unity.

With a 92% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, it appears that Highest 2 Lowest is shaping up quite well, continuing Lee’s streak of success following the critical praise for 2018’s BlacKkKlansman and 2020’s Da 5 Bloods. Given Lee’s track record dating back to the 80s, it’s no wonder that Highest 2 Lowest is highly anticipated. The movie is set to hit theaters later this year, and will premiere on Apple TV+ in September.

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2025-05-20 18:18