'Hierarchy' Review: Netflix's wannabe 'Elite' rip-off is an exasperating cringe fest
SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA: 'Hierarchy' is streaming on Netflix from June 7, 2024. The teenage K-drama is Netflix's bid to replace 'Elite' but the show falls short of the mark by an absolute country mile losing steam in the first few episodes itself.
The show tries to unnaturally blend mystery and romance in a teen-drama setup and fails miserably as predictable tropes that have been done to death make this show unwatchable beyond a point. The entire disrupting existing order concept is already cliched but using ubiquitous character arcs and familiar romantic angles makes this show so predictable that you’d guess the next big event of the show episodes in advance.
'Hierarchy' tells the story of a quiet and secretive transfer student Kang ha (Lee Chae-min) who disrupts the existing order of Jusin High School by going up against Kim Ri-an (Kim Jae-won). He falls in love with Jeong Jae-i (No Jeong-ee) in the process. The makers of this show are desperately trying to live up to audience expectations and in the process, they make the show too predictable and boring
A confused plot and average storytelling hamper the show
The show is centered around high school surroundings which aren't new for viewers who have seen 'Elite' and 'Maxon Hall - The World Between Us'. 'Hierarchy' tries to use mystery and violence to make itself feel different but ultimately it ends up confusing itself and the plot keeps going around in mysterious circles never finding a clear way out.
The show is based on a serious personal agenda of the protagonist, one that he never quite fulfills thill the end of the show but the way he goes on to avenge what his family has had to endure is childish and doesn't let the audience feel sorry for him and his loss. That consequently means that the viewers are never able to get on the back of the protagonist and cheer for him.
Predictable characters like a strict guardian, a secretive protagonist, a rich bully, and the entire paraphernalia are nothing new and overtly done in many shows.
Performances are a major letdown
The problem with adding multiple elements to characters is that you then need skilled and experienced actors who could portray all the layers that the writers have added.
Unfortunately, none of the characters looked the part in this show, and mostly placid facial expressions and over-the-top dialogue delivery make the characters look like caricatures.
An already weak plot suffers even more with the performances adding nothing significant to it.
'Hierarchy' is a show you can skip
'Hierarchy' is a show that you can easily skip as it adds nothing new to your watchlist. The show isn't directed or written well and even its one-hour-long episodes move at a turtle's pace.
The only saving grace for the series is probably its cinematography which is extremely neat and makes the show visually look beautiful but once the plot kicks in, it becomes a very difficult show to watch.
'Hierarchy' Trailer
'Hierarchy' is streaming on Netflix from June 7, 2024