Highest 2 Lowest is a 2025 American neo-noir crime thriller directed by Spike Lee and written by William Alan Fox. It’s a modern remake of High and Low (1963), originally by Akira Kurosawa, which was inspired by Ed McBain’s novel King’s Ransom.
The movie features a powerhouse cast including Denzel Washington, Ilfenesh Hadera, Jeffrey Wright, ASAP Rocky, and Ice Spice in her film debut.
Set in a sharply divided American city, the story follows a wealthy businessman whose life spirals into chaos after his driver’s son is kidnapped by mistake. What follows is a tense moral and criminal investigation that exposes class conflict, corruption, and emotional breakdowns.
Highest 2 Lowest Age Rating
Highest 2 Lowest is rated R for language throughout and brief drug use. This film explores serious themes through mature dialogue and intense storytelling. Below is a spoiler-free breakdown to help parents understand the content areas:
Violence & Peril
The movie has moderate violence. It includes tense moments involving police raids, kidnapping situations, and psychological stress. There are no extended scenes of gore, but the emotional weight of the crime is felt throughout.
Language
Language is strong and frequent. The characters use harsh profanity, including multiple uses of the f-word and other explicit terms. This element is the main reason for the R rating.
Drug & Alcohol Use
There are brief scenes involving drug use (e.g., marijuana), and characters are sometimes shown drinking alcohol. These moments are not glamorized but are part of the world the characters live in.
Sexual Content
Sexual content is mild. There are some suggestive remarks and moments of adult conversation, but no nudity or graphic scenes.
Frightening or Intense Scenes
The film builds intense emotional pressure, especially during the kidnapping investigation. Themes of injustice, social inequality, and fear add to the tension, though not in a horror-like way.
Is Highest 2 Lowest Suitable for Teens?
Ages 10–12: Not suitable: The strong language, adult themes, and emotional tension are not appropriate for pre-teens.
Ages 13–15: Not recommended: Teens in this age group may find the content too mature, especially the language and intense subject matter around kidnapping, class tension, and drug use.
Ages 16–17: Possibly suitable with guidance: Older teens who enjoy thought-provoking thrillers may handle the film’s content, but parents should be aware of the language and mature themes. Consider previewing first.
Highest 2 Lowest is best suited for adults and mature older teens, especially those interested in social justice stories and crime thrillers.
What Parents Should Know
Watch it first: This movie deals with heavy real-world issues like kidnapping, class conflict, and moral choices under pressure. It’s thoughtful but intense.
Discuss the themes: If older teens watch it, talk with them about the film’s message on justice, wealth, and power.
Set expectations: Make sure teens understand this is a serious drama, not a fast-paced action film. It’s slow-burning and emotionally layered.
Official Trailer
FAQs
Q: What is the age rating for Highest 2 Lowest?
A: The film is rated R for language throughout and brief drug use.
Q: Is Highest 2 Lowest appropriate for teens?
A: Not for younger teens. It may be suitable for older teens (16+) with parental guidance due to strong language and mature themes.
Q: Is there graphic violence in the film?
A: No, violence is moderate and mostly emotional or off-screen.
Q: Does the film have sexual content?
A: Very mild. There are no explicit scenes or nudity.
Q: Where can I watch Highest 2 Lowest?
A: It will be released in U.S. theaters by A24 on August 22, 2025, before streaming on Apple TV+ starting September 5, 2025.