Overview

• Spike Lee released the film’s first 25-second clip online on August 8, opening with a rain-glossed New York car scene that underscores high-stakes tension.
• The sequence reframes Akira Kurosawa’s 1963 hostage drama in today’s music business, with A$AP Rocky taking a central acting role and contributing to the soundtrack.
• After its out-of-competition premiere at Cannes in May and standing ovation reception, Highest 2 Lowest holds an 89% Certified Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
• Apple and A24 have scheduled a limited theatrical release on August 15, 2025, followed by streaming on Apple TV+ beginning September 5.
• Early social media responses have praised the Lee-Washington reunion while offering mixed reactions to Ice Spice’s acting debut and the clip’s narrative clarity.