Denzel Washington’s latest film, Highest 2 Lowest, has opened to widespread acclaim following its premiere at the Cannes Film Festival. Directed by Spike Lee, the crime thriller is a modern retelling of the 1963 classic High and Low. The movie, released on August 15 by Apple Studios and A24, features a cast including Jeffrey Wright, Ilfenesh Hadera, and A$AP Rocky.
The film currently holds a 91 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes, earning the “certified fresh” distinction based on 45 reviews. Critics have praised both Washington’s compelling performance and Lee’s dynamic direction, highlighting the film’s intensity and stylish approach.
Highlights from Critics on Washington and Lee’s Latest Work
Roger Friedman emphasized Washington’s commanding presence, stating,
Denzel: he’s one name now. He can do no wrong. Even with Jeffrey Wright seriously trying to pull attention as the second banana, Denzel knows to pay out his charms slowly. By the time he builds to a crescendo, you see what greatness on film can be.
—Roger Friedman
Joey Magidson described the film as a tribute to New York, writing,
Highest 2 Lowest is a New York City love letter from Spike Lee that also reunites him with Denzel Washington.
—Joey Magidson
Jeff Ewing acknowledged the strengths of the film while noting some unevenness near the ending:
Highest 2 Lowest is another visionary turn from Spike Lee, with a lot to say amidst excellent performances from Denzel and Jeffrey Wright. It feels less focused at the end, but it’s still an exceptional example of Spike Lee’s talents.
—Jeff Ewing
David Gonzalez praised the film’s unique approach, commenting,
Spike Lee’s Highest 2 Lowest is more remix than remake, a slick, sharp thriller fueled by tension, wit, and moral ambiguity. Lee blends gripping suspense with his signature cinematic flair, delivering a film that pulses with urgency and swagger.
—David Gonzalez
In contrast, Alex Billington offered a less favorable view but echoed some similar observations:
Spike Lee’s Highest 2 Lowest is more remix than remake, a slick, sharp thriller fueled by tension, wit, and moral ambiguity. Lee blends gripping suspense with his signature cinematic flair, delivering a film that pulses with urgency and swagger.
—Alex Billington
Potential Continuation of the Washington–Lee Partnership
Initially, Spike Lee had suggested that Highest 2 Lowest would mark the last collaboration between him and Denzel Washington, feeling that five joint projects were sufficient. However, he has since revised this position. In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Lee admitted,
I said that before, but I got my mind right.
—Spike Lee
He further expressed openness to future work with Washington, adding,
I’m open to work with Denzel Washington, and this [may] not be the last film of the dynamic duo, D and Lee.
—Spike Lee
This shift suggests that fans of the actor-director pairing could see more projects from the duo, continuing a creative partnership that has produced several acclaimed films.
