‘The Bench’ Resurrected: Scottish Slasher Emerges After Nearly Two Decades

In a surprising twist that mirrors the resilience of a horror film villain, The Bench, a long-abandoned Scottish horror film, has finally seen the light of day after 17 years of obscurity. What began as an ambitious project in the summer of 2007 has transformed into a cult curiosity, with the film now available to stream on Amazon Prime Video.

The brainchild of writer and director Sean Wilkie, The Bench was inspired by the gritty, visceral storytelling of horror classics such as The Texas Chainsaw Massacre and Halloween. Wilkie, who had previously worked on short films, envisioned a low-budget slasher set in the eerie landscapes of rural Scotland. The film’s premise follows a group of friends who venture into the Renfrewshire wilderness, only to encounter a sinister force tied to a mysterious bench that begins picking them off one by one.

Filming began in Lochwinnoch in 2007, with additional scenes shot at The Caves in Edinburgh and Drumpellier Country Park. However, the production was plagued by challenges from the start. The unpredictable Scottish weather, coupled with the financial woes and logistical nightmares, brought the project to a grinding halt. By 2011, The Bench was mostly complete, but it wasn’t until 2016 that the final touches were added. Exhausted by the process, Wilkie shelved the film, believing it might never see the light of day.

But in a twist of fate, the film was resurrected when director Ryan Hendrick, known for his work on Mercy Falls and Lost at Christmas, approached Wilkie with an offer to distribute The Bench through his newly established company. With Hendrick’s help, the film was finally completed, cleverly navigating continuity issues caused by the years-long gaps between shoots.

The release of The Bench has not only revived a forgotten project but also reignited Wilkie’s passion for filmmaking. Now streaming on Amazon Prime, The Bench offers audiences a glimpse into the raw, guerrilla-style filmmaking that defined horror’s golden age while serving as a testament to the perseverance of independent filmmakers.

As Wilkie reflects on the journey, he’s already contemplating his next move, jokingly acknowledging that shooting in 2007 has inadvertently given The Bench the feel of a “period piece.” What started as a homage to the great slasher films of the past has now become part of Scotland’s horror legacy, proving that even the most delayed projects can still find their moment in the spotlight.

The Bench is available now to rent or buy on Prime Video.

The Bench trailer