Every so often, a film arrives that feels less like a product and more like a personal statement. It carries an energy that has little to do with budget or marketing and everything to do with the sheer will of its creator. These are the kinds of pictures I find myself thinking about long after the credits roll, the ones that remind me of discovering DIY zines or bootleg concert tapes in my youth.
The Shepherd Code II: Road Back is one of those films. It’s an independent action feature born from the vision of its star, Alan Delabie. He plays Alex “the Shepherd” Lapierre, a former assassin who has built a quiet life for himself in a Portuguese villa. His peace is, as expected, temporary.
An old ghost from his past resurfaces, kidnapping a trusted mentor and forcing Lapierre out of retirement. The mission to save his friend sends him across the globe, from London to Los Angeles, assembling a small team to confront the danger. The story is familiar, yet the film’s earnestness sets it apart from slicker, more cynical action fare. It is a throwback fueled by a genuine love for the genre.
The Visionary and His Crew
Alan Delabie is the undeniable heart of this picture, taking on duties as the lead actor, co-writer, and co-director. His dedication is palpable, a driving force that gives the film its purpose. As Lapierre, he has a weary, rugged physicality that suits a man haunted by his past actions. He embodies the classic stoic hero, conveying a deep internal conflict through presence more than dialogue.
His performance isn’t overly polished, but it feels authentic to the character he has created, a man caught between a peaceful future and a violent calling. The supporting cast feels like a curated collection of genre veterans. The appearance of Don “The Dragon” Wilson is a welcome sight, a deliberate nod to the direct-to-video action era that clearly inspires this film. His presence lends a certain legitimacy and historical context.
As the primary antagonist, Michael McKell delivers a performance that leans heavily into theatricality, presenting a villain who feels more like a classic Bond foe than a gritty modern threat. While this choice can be jarring, the film’s pulse is undeniably elevated by Shaina West. She brings a fierce, kinetic energy to her role as a formidable ally, moving with a power that makes her instantly compelling. Her dynamic performance provides a vital spark.
A Passport Full of Problems
The film’s visual language is a direct reflection of its micro-budget reality. The cinematography is straightforward and unadorned, lacking the glossy finish of contemporary action movies. This creates a raw, almost documentary-like feel at times, an aesthetic that feels less like a deliberate choice and more like a practical necessity.
It has the unvarnished quality of a home movie, which gives it a certain charm while also highlighting its limitations. The narrative is ambitious in its geographical scope, taking the characters on a whirlwind tour of international locations. However, the execution often betrays the budget, with brief establishing shots of landmarks serving as shorthand for a change of scenery.
The film’s greatest struggle is with its pacing and structure. The first act is dense with exposition, using a series of flashbacks to fill in the backstory. While intended to add depth, this non-linear approach frequently stalls the narrative momentum, making it difficult to become fully invested in the present-day stakes. The storytelling feels fragmented, jumping between timelines in a way that can cause confusion. This reflects a common challenge in independent filmmaking, where a grand vision sometimes collides with the practicalities of production.
When Fists Finally Fly
In a film of this nature, the action sequences are the main currency, and this is where Road Back delivers on its promise. After a slow narrative build-up, the movie finds its rhythm when the combat begins. The fight choreography is surprisingly effective, focusing on clear, impactful movements that showcase the performers’ skills.
It avoids the hyper-edited style common in many modern action films, instead allowing the physicality of the actors to carry the scenes. The action feels grounded and personal. Shaina West’s fight scenes are a definite highlight; she uses a combination of hand-to-hand combat and improvised weapons with a convincing ferocity. The climactic showdown between Lapierre and an enforcer, played by the physically imposing Mark Strange, is a satisfying and brutal payoff.
The sequence is well-staged, providing the kind of visceral confrontation the story had been building toward. The inclusion of a few fight scenes featuring Don Wilson adds another layer of appeal for dedicated genre fans. The action here has a raw, unpretentious quality that provides genuine excitement and will likely satisfy viewers looking for straight-ahead martial arts thrills.
“The Shepherd Code II: Road Back” is an action and thriller film that centers on Alex Lapierre, an ex-professional assassin who has traded his tumultuous past for a peaceful life. His retirement is cut short when a powerful criminal organization kidnaps his friend and mentor, forcing Alex to team up with his old allies to execute a daring rescue mission against a long-thought-dead enemy. The film, which is a sequel, is directed by Alan Delabie and Michael Morris, who also star in the movie alongside a cast that includes action veterans like Don “The Dragon” Wilson and Shaina West. Produced by M and M Film Productions, the film is scheduled for a theatrical release in 2025, with a UK cinema release on September 19 and availability on digital platforms starting October 9.
Full Credits
Director: Alan Delabie, Michael Morris
Writers: Alan Delabie, Michael Morris
Producers and Executive Producers: Monika Gergelova, Malcolm Winter, Christian Fassetta, Michael Morris
Cast: Alan Delabie, Don “The Dragon” Wilson, Lee Arenberg, Mark Strange, Shaina West, Michael McKell, Michael Morris, Jeff Langton, Rochelle Ashana
Composer: Alan Delabie
The Review
The Shepherd Code II : Road Back
The Shepherd Code II: Road Back is a rough-edged but earnest action film. It succeeds because of its clear passion and solid fight choreography, even when its narrative stumbles over pacing and production limits. For fans of old-school, direct-to-video action, its sincerity and raw energy offer a rewarding experience that bigger-budget films often lack.
PROS
- A clear and committed central vision from star Alan Delabie.
- Effective and well-staged fight choreography.
- A standout, energetic performance from Shaina West.
- A nostalgic throwback quality for fans of the genre.
CONS
- Uneven pacing, especially in the first act.
- A fragmented narrative structure that can be confusing.
- Visible micro-budget limitations in production values.
- Inconsistent acting quality among the supporting cast.
