Hierarchy: Low-Budget Crime Flick Takes STARZ by Storm
A shoestring action-thriller, 'Hierarchy', has shot up the STARZ streaming charts, wowing punters and critics alike with its gripping story and top-notch performances—all on a budget of less than $100,000.
Russell K Reed’s action-packed crime drama, Hierarchy, has managed to turn heads across the streaming world, proving you don’t need a blockbuster budget to make a splash. With a cast led by Chiderah Uzowulu, Xavier Alvarado, Dylan Winters, Jenny Frame, Ruben Javier Caballero, Carol Hickey, Neyla Cantu, Ervin Brown, and Alec Franco, this indie gem has become one of the year’s most talked-about releases. Since its August debut, it’s been making waves, showing that a tight budget—reportedly under $100,000—doesn’t mean you have to skimp on action. There’s no shortage of explosions, shootouts, and heist drama, all of which have helped the film climb back up the streaming charts.
Despite flying under the radar at first, Hierarchy has muscled its way into the Top 10 on STARZ, rubbing shoulders with big-name titles like the game-inspired Borderlands, the action flick Shadow Force, and the John Wick offshoot Ballerina. Still, the platform’s most-watched title remains the festive comedy Unexpected Christmas, but Hierarchy is giving the heavyweights a run for their money.
Plot and Characters
The official blurb sets the scene:
“As adopted brothers Stone and Reach prepare for the biggest and most dangerous heist of their lives, they find themselves caught in a high-stakes game of survival. A relentless foreign mafia, seeking to settle scores, hunts them down, while unresolved family tensions from their past threaten to unravel their plans. Meanwhile, a determined police force is closing in, intent on bringing them to justice, turning their ambitious job into a race against time.”
The story follows Stone and Reach, two adopted siblings, as they try to pull off a risky job. Things quickly spiral, with a foreign crime syndicate on their tail and old family issues bubbling up. To make matters worse, the cops are closing in, making every move a gamble.
Audience Reaction and Critical Buzz
Even without enough reviews to land a Rotten Tomatoes score, the film has found a loyal following. Punters have been quick to call it one of the best crime thrillers they’ve seen in yonks, with some even putting it up there with classics like Heat from 1995. The feedback has been glowing, with many praising the gripping plot, standout acting, and the impressive look and feel achieved on such a tight budget. There’s already talk among fans about wanting a sequel, with plenty saying the film kept them glued to the screen from start to finish.
Production Value on a Shoestring
What’s really got people talking is how much the team managed to pull off with so little. The action sequences, from the shootouts to the big set pieces, have been singled out as highlights. The cast’s performances have also drawn praise, with viewers noting the chemistry and depth brought to the roles. It’s a testament to what can be done when a creative crew makes every dollar count.