He’s 71. Most guys his age are busy figuring out pickleball or arguing about the lawn. Denzel Washington? He’s out here reinventing the crime thriller with Spike Lee. If you haven't caught Highest 2 Lowest, the Denzel Washington latest film that’s been tearing up Apple TV+ and select theaters, you’re missing the most intense version of the actor we’ve seen in a decade.
It’s a remake. Sorta.
Spike Lee took Akira Kurosawa’s 1963 classic High and Low and dragged it kicking and screaming into modern-day New York. Denzel plays David King. King isn't your typical hero; he’s a high-stakes music mogul who thinks he has the world by the throat until a kidnapping plot goes sideways.
Honestly, the setup is a nightmare.
The movie dropped in late 2025, but it’s finding a massive second life right now in early 2026. People are obsessed. Why? Because it’s not just a "guy with a gun" movie. It’s a "guy with a moral crisis" movie. Denzel’s performance is getting serious Oscar buzz—again. It’s that specific brand of Denzel gravity. He doesn't just say lines; he vibrates with this quiet, terrifying energy.
The Spike Lee Connection: Five Times the Charm
This is the fifth time these two have worked together. Think about that. Mo' Better Blues, Malcolm X, He Got Game, Inside Man. Now this. They have a shorthand that other director-actor duos would kill for.
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In Highest 2 Lowest, the Denzel Washington latest film, Spike Lee uses the backdrop of a decaying, corporate New York to highlight David King’s isolation. King is a man who built an empire on "having the best ears in the business." But when his world shrinks down to a single ransom call, those ears don't help him much.
The cinematography by Matthew Libatique is claustrophobic. You feel every bead of sweat on Denzel’s forehead. It’s a far cry from the sprawling Roman arenas of Gladiator II, where Washington played the flamboyant, scene-stealing Macrinus just a year prior.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Plot
People hear "remake" and they think they know the ending. They don't.
Spike Lee and screenwriter Alan Fox flipped the script on the original Kurosawa ending. In the 1963 version, the tension is about the money versus the man. In this 2026 version, it’s about legacy and the ruthlessness of the music industry. Jeffrey Wright shows up as a detective, and his chemistry with Denzel is like watching two grandmasters play speed chess.
Then there’s A$AP Rocky.
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Yeah, the rapper. He plays a pivotal role that most critics didn't see coming. He actually holds his own against Denzel, which is a feat in itself. The film deals with a "ransom plot" that isn't just about cash. It’s about social standing. It’s about what happens when a Black man who reached the "highest" point is forced to deal with the "lowest" parts of his own soul.
Is This Denzel’s Final Act?
We have to talk about the R-word. Retirement.
Denzel has been vocal lately. He told the press during the Gladiator II tour that he’s only interested in working with the best now. He’s got a checklist.
- Play Othello again (which he’s doing on Broadway).
- Play Hannibal.
- Do a project with Steve McQueen.
- Join the MCU in Black Panther: Shadows of Wakanda.
Highest 2 Lowest feels like the start of this "victory lap" phase. It’s a film that demands you pay attention. It isn't background noise for when you're folding laundry.
The movie’s box office was modest—about $1.5 million in its limited run—but that’s because it’s an A24 and Apple Original Films joint. It was always meant for the streamers and the cinephiles. On Apple TV+, it’s been the #1 movie for weeks.
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Why You Should Watch It Tonight
The "Denzel Washington latest film" isn't just another entry in a long IMDb list. It’s a reminder of why we care about movies in the first place.
It’s the nuance. Look at the scene where David King (Washington) has to decide whether to pay the ransom or save his company. He doesn't scream. He doesn't flip a table. He just sits there. His eyes do all the work. It’s heartbreaking and frustrating.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you’re looking to dive deeper into this era of Denzel’s career, here is how to navigate it:
- Watch the Original First: Check out Kurosawa’s High and Low (1963) on Max or Criterion Channel. It makes the 2026 version much more rewarding.
- Check the Streaming Schedule: Highest 2 Lowest is currently streaming on Apple TV+. If you’re a Netflix subscriber, they just added Man on Fire (2004) to the catalog this month to celebrate Denzel’s recent run.
- Track the Awards: Keep an eye on the Black Reel Awards and NAACP Image Awards in February 2026. Denzel and Jeffrey Wright are both heavy favorites for lead and supporting categories.
- Look Ahead: Ryan Coogler is reportedly starting production on the next Black Panther in June 2026. If you want to see Denzel in a cape (or the Wakandan equivalent), that’s your next big milestone.
Denzel isn't slowing down; he's just getting more selective. Highest 2 Lowest is proof that when he picks a project, he still brings the thunder. Go watch it. It’s arguably his most grounded and human performance since Fences.
To stay ahead of the curve, start by re-watching Inside Man to see the evolution of the Denzel-Spike partnership. Then, clear two hours this weekend for the new one. You’ll want to be able to talk about that final scene before the spoilers hit every social media feed in existence.