Stonecutter Media has officially acquired the North American distribution rights for the independent gangster crime thriller The Sweetest Kill, starring Sidney Flanigan and Sofia Yepes. The film is scheduled for a theatrical and digital release across North America in April 2026.
Directed by Francisco Ordoñez, the movie is described as a modern film noir set within the LatinX and LGBTQ+ communities of Los Angeles. The story originates from Yepes, who also co-wrote the screenplay alongside Ordoñez.
According to Stonecutter Media executive Steven Karel, the company was drawn to the film’s edgy storytelling and unique perspective. He noted that gritty crime thrillers set in urban environments can be both stylish and commercially appealing when executed well. The film also offers a fresh take on the crime genre by focusing on powerful female characters operating within the drug underworld.
Before receiving its current title, the project was previously known as The Low End Theory. In the film, Yepes portrays Raquel, an aspiring hip-hop beat producer struggling to make a name in the underground music scene. To support herself financially, she secretly launders money for a local drug boss. When personal debts pile up—driven partly by a complicated romantic relationship—Raquel makes a desperate decision to steal from her employer.
Flanigan plays Veronica, Raquel’s emotionally intense and unpredictable partner. Their passionate yet unstable relationship becomes a major driving force in the story, pushing both characters toward dangerous choices and escalating consequences.
Set against the backdrop of Los Angeles’ underground music culture, the film explores themes of ambition, loyalty, love, and self-destruction. As Raquel attempts to juggle her double life, tensions rise and alliances begin to fracture, forcing her to confront the limits of what she is willing to risk for the person she loves.
The film also features a supporting cast including Rene Rosado, Eddie Martinez, Ricky Russert, Scotty Tovar, Ser Anzoategui, Jackie Quinones, J.R. Villarreal and Da’Vone McDonald.
Ordoñez explained that the goal of the project was to create a noir-style film that explores timeless ideas about betrayal, love, and karma while highlighting Latino voices rarely placed at the center of the genre.
The film is produced by Atomic Features in partnership with Shakti Sol Productions. Yepes also serves as a producer alongside Daniel Ragussis.
Speaking about the project, Yepes said she wanted to create a crime story where women take the lead with strength and complexity, adding that she hopes to continue developing similar roles for women in future projects.
