Spike Lee’s ‘Highest 2 Lowest’ Unpacked: Vulture Review Explores Music, Legacy, and a Chaotic NYC Ransom Plot

Spike Lee, the celebrated chronicler of American life and culture, returns with his latest feature film, “Highest 2 Lowest.” Premiering as part of the 2025 Cannes Film Festival lineup, the movie has already begun to generate significant discussion, including a comprehensive review from Vulture that dissects its narrative ambition, thematic depth, and signature directorial flourishes.

According to Vulture’s analysis, “Highest 2 Lowest” represents a complex blend of suspense and vibrant urban celebration, particularly highlighted in a pivotal setpiece unfolding within the New York City subway system. This single sequence masterfully interweaves a high-stakes ransom dropoff with the backdrop of the bustling Puerto Rican Day Parade and a New York Yankees game, creating a tapestry of tension and dynamic city life.

A Tale of Legacy and Reinvention

At the heart of the film is the character of David King, portrayed by long-time Lee collaborator Denzel Washington. King is depicted as a powerful music mogul whose record label, Stackin’ Hits, is facing a period of decline in a rapidly evolving industry. Grappling with the potential sale of his company, King ultimately resolves to buy back control, a decision that sets the stage for the ensuing drama.

This core conflict allows Lee to explore pertinent themes surrounding legacy, the generational shift within the entertainment business, and the pervasive influence of the modern “attention economy” and the internet. The narrative, as noted by Vulture, engages directly with how industry titans like King navigate a landscape irrevocably altered by digital disruption.

The Plot Unfolds: Extortion and Mistaken Identity

The plot thickens with the introduction of Yung Felon, an aspiring rapper played by Rakim Mayers, also known as A$AP Rocky. Yung Felon hatches an extortion scheme targeting David King. However, the plan goes dramatically awry due to a critical error: the wrong boy is accidentally kidnapped.

This unexpected twist involves Kyle, portrayed by Elijah Wright, who is the son of David King’s driver, Paul, played by Jeffrey Wright. The kidnapping of Kyle instead of King’s intended target – his own son, Trey – injects a profound layer of human consequence and moral complexity into the thriller narrative, shifting the focus from corporate maneuvering to the ripple effects of criminal action on innocent lives.

Shifting Settings and Tones

Vulture’s review observes that the film opens with a distinct aesthetic, setting scenes within the sleek, opulent confines of the Kings’ Dumbo penthouse and David King’s Manhattan offices. This initial presentation is described as having a polished, almost promotional feel.

However, the film undergoes a significant transformation as the action moves out of these controlled environments and onto the city streets. It is in the vibrant, unpredictable urban landscape that “Highest 2 Lowest” truly comes alive, according to the review, culminating in the chaotic yet meticulously orchestrated subway sequence that serves as a narrative and visual anchor.

A Storied Collaboration Renewed

A particularly poignant element highlighted in the Vulture piece is the metatextual significance of reuniting Spike Lee and Denzel Washington. Their collaboration spans decades and includes iconic films, and their return together in “Highest 2 Lowest” adds an extra layer of resonance for audiences familiar with their shared history in cinema. This partnership itself speaks to themes of legacy and enduring impact within the film industry.

The Vulture review ultimately suggests that “Highest 2 Lowest” encapsulates aspects identified as both the “best and worst of Spike Lee” – a characteristic often attributed to his distinct, sometimes polarizing, artistic vision. The film’s ability to oscillate between tense suspense and celebratory chaos, particularly in its handling of the ambitious subway setpiece, exemplifies Lee’s willingness to push narrative and stylistic boundaries.

Having premiered at the prestigious 2025 Cannes Film Festival, “Highest 2 Lowest” is poised to spark further critical debate and audience reaction as it makes its way to wider release, inviting viewers to delve into its complex portrayal of modern media, family, and survival in the urban jungle.