Denzel Washington and Spike Lee don’t work together often. But when they do, it is always cinematic magic. Films like Malcolm X and Mo’ Better Blues are certified classics that continue to resonate with audiences today. After many years apart, Spike Lee and Denzel Washington are linking up again, and the trailer for Highest 2 Lowest shows that they still have that magic touch.
For those who aren’t familiar, Highest 2 Lowest is a loose adaptation of Akira Kurosaw’s highly influential 1963 crime thriller High and Low. That film is about a businessman who must decide if he’s going to use his wealth to push his career forward or save a kid’s life.
High and Low’s influence on police procedurals and crime films is undeniable, with everything from Parasite to the set design of The Batman citing it as a source. Now, Lee, Washington, and A24 are putting their own spin on this story.
In the trailer for Highest 2 Lowest, we head to NYC and get glimpses of Washington’s character as he does a voiceover. He reminds us that all money ain’t good money and asks some very salient questions about whether one can handle the fame, the memes, and everything that comes with being in the public eye. It’s just enough to tease what’s happening without really letting us know what Spike Lee will deliver in his latest joint.
What Is the Release Date for Highest 2 Lowest?
Highest 2 Lowest also stars A$AP Rocky, Jeffrey Wright, and Ilfenesh Hadera. The film will hit theaters on August 22 and stream on Apple TV+ on September 5. But, if you’re going to Cannes, you can see it there first.