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Spike Lee is back behind the camera — and this time, he’s bringing his longtime collaborator Denzel Washington with him for their fifth film together. Their latest project, Highest 2 Lowest, is a thought-provoking thriller inspired by the writings of legendary Japanese filmmaker Akira Kurosawa. The film will have its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival, with a theatrical release set for August 22, 2025.
This marks a major collaboration between Spike and production powerhouses A24, Escape Artists, Mandalay Pictures, 40 Acres and a Mule, and Filmworks.
Alongside Denzel, the cast is stacked: A$AP Rocky, Dean Winters, Jeffrey Wright, and Michael Potts are all onboard, promising powerful performances across the board.
The story centers on a wealthy businessman (played by Washington) who finds himself at a moral crossroads, forced to confront how he’s used — or misused — his wealth. As the title suggests, Highest 2 Lowest explores the full arc of power, privilege, and the potential downfall that comes with chasing success without conscience.
The newly released trailer by A24 gives a sneak peek into the emotional intensity of the film. It opens with Washington’s voiceover:
“There’s more to life than just making money. There’s integrity, and that’s what you stand for.”
From lavish boardrooms to moments of brutal reckoning, the trailer teases a journey of highs and lows that reflect the very heart of the movie’s message.
During an appearance at the Red Sea Film Festival, Spike Lee opened up about the influence of Akira Kurosawa on his work. He recalled how Kurosawa’s storytelling, particularly in the film Rashomon, shaped his own cinematic voice.
“One of the best things about film school is that you get introduced to world cinema, not just Hollywood,” Lee said.
“Seeing Rashomon inspired me to make She’s Gotta Have It. Kurosawa’s work has influenced me since the beginning.”
Rashomon famously explored how different people can have completely different perspectives on the same event — a theme that clearly echoes in Lee’s own storytelling. Now, with Highest 2 Lowest, he revisits that inspiration through a fresh, modern lens.
Reflecting on working with Lee again, Denzel shared his appreciation for their continued partnership:
“I’m just glad we got five in.”
From Malcolm X to Inside Man, this duo has delivered iconic films — and Highest 2 Lowest is shaping up to be another unforgettable entry in their legacy.