Bocas Film Fest – November 7, 2026
Award: HONORABLE MENTION – BEST ACTION FILM
Director: James Newman
Cast: Troy Roker, Javiier Macias, and Kiera O’Connor
Reviewed by: Jake Estrada and Beth Sipps
Additional Commentary: David Grace
Jake Estrada’s Rating: 9.1/10
Beth Sipps’ Rating: 8.7/10
Combined Rating: 8.9/10
Film Synopsis
A detective’s desperate hunt for a calculating serial killer becomes a deadly game of cat and mouse, where each victim represents another piece of a twisted puzzle. As the investigation intensifies, breaking the rules may be the detective’s only chance of stopping the killer before becoming the ultimate prize himself.
Film Review – Jake Estrada
I’ll tell you what, We Are All Monsters was a quick, tight action piece that certainly caught my attention. It was one of those films that didn’t waste time getting into the story, delivering a combination of suspense, action, and mystery that kept me interested throughout.
The story follows a detective on the pursuit of justice, tracking down a dangerous serial killer. One thing that stood out to me was how the detective seemed to possess a special skill when it came to finding people. That added another interesting element to the character and made me curious about where the story was heading.
But let me tell you something. That ending? WOW!
That was what really sold me on this film. The intensity of the final sequence, combined with the action and the way the story unfolded, made for one hell of a conclusion. Without giving anything away, it’s the kind of ending that makes you appreciate the journey the filmmaker took you on.
The action was next level. The fight choreography, physical performances, and overall execution demonstrated a level of experience that helped elevate the production.
Knowing that director James Newman has worked in stunts on major Hollywood productions, I could certainly see how that background influenced the film.
Jake Estrada’s Rating: 9.1/10
Additional Review – Beth Sipps
Beth Sipps also enjoyed the film, particularly its impressive action sequences.
“This was a good film. The fight sequence was awesome. Great work!”
Beth’s reaction highlights one of the production’s greatest strengths: its ability to deliver exciting physical action while maintaining the suspense of its crime-thriller storyline.
Beth Sipps’ Rating: 8.7/10
Additional Commentary – David Grace
David Grace had an interesting way of describing We Are All Monsters. To him, the film felt like “John Wick meets Dexter.”
And when you think about it, that’s a pretty fitting comparison.
You have the intense, hard-hitting action associated with John Wick, combined with the darker psychological elements and serial killer themes that audiences associate with Dexter.
David especially felt that this combination became apparent during the film’s extremely intense ending.
The final sequence brings those two worlds together, delivering the kind of violent action and psychological tension that makes the conclusion so memorable.
His observation captures what makes the film interesting. It isn’t simply another detective story or another action movie. It blends elements of both while maintaining its own independent filmmaking identity.
Honorable Mention – Best Action Film
Bocas Film Fest 2026
Bocas Film Fest proudly recognizes We Are All Monsters with an Honorable Mention in the Best Action Film category at our November 7, 2026 festival.
This recognition celebrates the film’s impressive action choreography, physical performances, and ability to combine intense fight sequences with a compelling crime-thriller storyline.
Action filmmaking requires more than simply throwing punches or staging confrontations. It demands timing, coordination, convincing performances, and an understanding of how physical movement contributes to storytelling.
Director James Newman demonstrates those qualities throughout We Are All Monsters.
His experience working in the stunt industry is reflected in the film’s physical action, particularly during its intense final sequence.
The film’s recognition in the Best Action Film category acknowledges the hard work and dedication involved in bringing those sequences to life.
While the film received an Honorable Mention rather than the category’s top award, its action sequences made a strong impression on our reviewers and deserve recognition.
About the Director – James Newman
James Newman discovered his love for filmmaking at just ten years old. Over the years, that passion developed into a career working in stunts on some of Hollywood’s largest productions.
His experience in the industry has helped him expand the scope and ambition of his own filmmaking projects, particularly when it comes to action-driven storytelling.
Newman has expressed an interest in morally grey characters and narratives that challenge audiences to question the motivations and actions of those on screen.
He has also cited The Matrix as his favorite film, an influence that reflects his appreciation for action, complex storytelling, and unexpected developments.
Those creative interests are evident in We Are All Monsters, where justice, violence, and morality collide.
Final Thoughts
We Are All Monsters is an excellent example of what independent filmmakers can accomplish when they combine a strong concept with practical filmmaking experience.
The story is engaging, the action sequences are impressive, and the ending delivers a memorable payoff.
Beth Sipps appreciated the film’s fight choreography, while David Grace described it as John Wick meeting Dexter, especially during that incredibly intense conclusion.
As for me, the ending absolutely sold the film.
As both an independent filmmaker and someone who appreciates action cinema, I enjoy seeing productions that demonstrate what can be accomplished outside the traditional Hollywood studio system.
James Newman and his team delivered an entertaining, action-packed thriller that earned its recognition at Bocas Film Fest.
Final Ratings:
Jake Estrada: 9.1/10
Beth Sipps: 8.7/10
Combined Score: 8.9/10
Official Recognition: Honorable Mention – Best Action Film
Bocas Film Fest – November 7, 2026
Congratulations to director James Newman, the cast, stunt performers, and entire production team behind We Are All Monsters on their achievement!
Bocas Film Fest – Celebrating Independent Cinema!
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