AppleTV+’s newest big movie, Highest 2 Lowest, is now available on the streamer and is a must-watch. Telling a story based on Akira Kurosawa’s High and Low, while also drawing from the Ed McBain novel that inspired it, King’s Ransom, the new movie tells a unique and contemporary story in the world of music executives.

Denzel Washington’s movies have been some of the greatest of all time, and the actor has not missed a step with this new project. Following his other great, more recent performances in films like The Tragedy of Macbeth and Gladiator II, Washington gives a powerful performance here as David King, the founder of Stackin’ Hits Records.

It has been a strong year for AppleTV+’s movies, which included the surprising box office success of F1: The Movie. While that film is only available to purchase currently, Highest 2 Lowest is already available on the popular streaming service, only a couple of weeks after debuting in theatres, and is a must-see.

Denzel Washington And Spike Lee Reunite After 19 Years

Spike Lee has drawn great performances from his stars, and his relationship with Denzel Washington is one for the ages. The two have collaborated five times in the past, with the most memorable being their work on Malcolm X. The powerful drama was nominated for two Academy Awards, including Best Actor.

The two first worked together on the 1990 film Mo’ Better Blues, a story about the fictional jazz trumpet player Bleek Gilliam, and established a working relationship that lasted for many years. The last time they collaborated was in 2006, in the crime thriller Inside Man. Washington gave a strong performance alongside other stars Clive Owen and Jodie Foster.

After not working together for so long, it’s so exciting to see Lee and Washington collaborating on Highest 2 Lowest. Washington chooses his projects sparingly, only dedicating himself to work he feels personally drawn to. With the actor speaking of retirement in the future, this could be the last time he collaborates with Lee.

Lush, Sweeping Visuals Of New York City

Highest 2 Lowest is a beautiful film. The cinematography is done by Matthew Libatique, and he brings a fresh look to the familiar locales of New York City. With enormous drone sH๏τs, and great views of the city from above and below, the film is truly stirring to look at.

The story of Highest 2 Lowest makes it one of the strongest New York movies. The textures and life of the city, in representing various classes of characters who inhabit that space, feels unique and lived in. The street sH๏τs feel authentic, and it is no surprise that most of the film was recorded in New York City.

Capturing truth in locale is significant. Lee was born in Atlanta, but moved to New York City when he was young, and the city has been an important part of his life.

Where Do the Right Thing captures the working-class textures of his New York borough in the 1980s, so Highest 2 Lowest does an excellent job with the upper-class environment of the same Brooklyn.

Highest 2 Lowest’s Stellar Supporting Cast

Obviously, Denzel Washington is the main draw in the lead of the film, but the movie also does a great job of building a strong supporting cast. A few of these are just featured cameos of some excellent performers playing themselves, including Anthony Ramos and Rosie Perez, but several other great actors play more notable roles.

Dean Winters and Wendell Pierce are great performers who appear in the film. Pierce has been seen recently in both the Marvel Cinematic Universe in Thunderbolts*, and the DC Universe in Superman. Winters, meanwhile, is familiar in films and especially on television, with recurring roles on series like Brooklyn Nine-Nine and Girls5eva.

Each of these performers adds to the pedigree of the story. Winters plays a police detective, while Pierce has a small role as Gabe. Amidst this larger ensemble, however, one of the best actors working today also plays a prominent role.

Jeffrey Wright plays a major supporting role as Paul, David’s chauffeur and lifelong friend. His son, played by the actor’s own son, Elijah Wright, factors significantly into the story, as he is the one abducted, with the kidnappers believing that he is Trey.

Jeffrey Wright is one of the best actors working today. Nominated for an Academy Award for his role in American Fiction, Wright is celebrated in arthouse and popular cinema alike. The best Jeffrey Wright movies take advantage of the actor’s incredible versatility, and his strong and emotional performance in Highest 2 Lowest is especially notable.

A Strong And Comprehensive Relationship To Music

Music is a big part of Highest 2 Lowest‘s story. David is a celebrated music mogul, and his life, as well as his relationships with his family, are linked to this. The beginning scenes of the movie see Trey looking to his father for help, with their discussions flowing seamlessly between music, business, and interpersonal affairs.

A great soundtrack plays throughout the film, and various stars who appear are musicians. Isis Naija Gaston, better known as the famous rapper Ice Spice, plays a supporting role in the film in her acting debut. Rakim Athelston Mayers, known and billed as the award-winning rapper ASAP Rocky, plays an even larger role.

ASAP Rocky plays Archie, who goes by Young Felon. A rapper who wishes to reap fame and glory, Young Felon abducts Kyle, believing him to be Trey. This plot stems from Young Felon’s failure to connect with David through the years, with whom he had hoped to build a professional relationship.

While Highest 2 Lowest is a movie that is more about the music business than the music itself, music does factor in in several significant ways. It permeates through each character’s life and strongly contributes to the film’s immersion.

Highest 2 Lowest Could Be An Oscar Contender

The 2026 Oscars are still a ways away, but Highest 2 Lowest has a good chance of making it into the conversation. The film already holds a strong 88% approval rating from critics on Rotten Tomatoes, and every component of its story is masterfully put together.

Costuming, cinematography, editing, and more could see Highest 2 Lowest‘s filmmaking awarded when the Academy Awards occur next year. The film’s screenplay, by Alan Fox, could certainly also qualify for a Best Adapted Screenplay nomination. History also suggests that the film could vie for some of the larger prizes.

Spike Lee is an important filmmaker and, while he has not received nearly as much Oscar attention as his works deserve, he is always in the conversation. Despite only winning a Student Academy Award in 1983, he was presented with an Honorary Academy Award in 2015 as recognition for his important work, including directing films like Do the Right Thing.

Since then, Lee has made a significant impact at the awards once, receiving several nominations for his 2018 feature BlacKkKlansman, an important drama that was nominated for Best Picture and Best Director. The film lost to Green Book in the former and Alfonso Cuarón for Roma in the latter. BlacKkKlansman‘s true story did, however, win Best Adapted Screenplay.

Denzel Washington, too, is an Academy favorite. The actor has been nominated 10 times over the course of his career, and it would be surprising if he was not at least in the conversation for Best Actor at the 2026 Awards.

Washington has won once, for Best Supporting Actor, but depending on his compeтιтors, this could be his chance to finally win the Best Actor award. Other stars, including Jeffrey Wright, have previously been nominated, and could be recognized again for their work in this new movie.

Highest 2 Lowest is a great movie, and a big deal. While the theatrical release and quick shuffle to streaming might suggest otherwise, the film is a major work by some of the best talents working today. With the film now available to stream from home, it is one that absolutely must be seen.