Indie Scottish horror film The Bench began filming 17 years ago, and it’s only now streaming on Amazon Prime.
When writer/director Sean Wilkie set out to make horror film The Bench 17 years ago, he surely couldn’t have imagined it would take until 2024 for audiences to see it.
According to the BBC, production began in 2007, with scenes shot in the Caves venue in Edinburgh, with exterior scenes shot in Lochwinnoch and Drumpellier Country Park.
The synopsis reads as follows:
A breakdown. A kind invitation. A cabin with a bloody past. Alex and her newfound friends face a nightmarish reality as they are picked off one by one, drawn to the sinister bench below. Inspired by low-budget horror films of the 1970s.
The cast includes Jennifer Byrne, Matt McClure Ilaria Nardini and Joy McAvoy.
Wilkie wrote and directed the film. Of the delay, he said, “The first two weeks on...
When writer/director Sean Wilkie set out to make horror film The Bench 17 years ago, he surely couldn’t have imagined it would take until 2024 for audiences to see it.
According to the BBC, production began in 2007, with scenes shot in the Caves venue in Edinburgh, with exterior scenes shot in Lochwinnoch and Drumpellier Country Park.
The synopsis reads as follows:
A breakdown. A kind invitation. A cabin with a bloody past. Alex and her newfound friends face a nightmarish reality as they are picked off one by one, drawn to the sinister bench below. Inspired by low-budget horror films of the 1970s.
The cast includes Jennifer Byrne, Matt McClure Ilaria Nardini and Joy McAvoy.
Wilkie wrote and directed the film. Of the delay, he said, “The first two weeks on...
- 8/13/2024
- by Jake Godfrey
- Film Stories
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 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...
- 8/12/2024
- by Emily Bennett
- Love Horror
Following its acclaimed theatrical bow, you can now visit Mercy Falls from the comfort of your own home. This wickedly enthralling survival horror starring acclaimed actor Lauren Lyle (Outlander, Karen Pirie) and directed by award-winning filmmaker Ryan Hendrick (Lost at Christmas, Sundown) is set to receive its highly anticipated digital release on 6th November 2023 from Bingo Films.
This tense and terrifying psychological thriller follows a tight-knit group of friends – Rhona (Lauren Lyle), Heather (Layla Kirk – Two Doors Down), Scott (James Watterson – Kirk), Donnie (Joe Rising – Casualty) and Andy (Eoin Sweeney) – who arrive in the Scottish Highlands in search of a long-lost family cabin… but their trip turns into a nightmare when a fatal accident leads to suspicion, bloody betrayal and brutal murder.
As they travel deeper into the wilderness their journey takes an unexpected turn when the group pick up hitchhiker Carla (Nicolette McKeown – Convergence) and bring her along for the ride…...
This tense and terrifying psychological thriller follows a tight-knit group of friends – Rhona (Lauren Lyle), Heather (Layla Kirk – Two Doors Down), Scott (James Watterson – Kirk), Donnie (Joe Rising – Casualty) and Andy (Eoin Sweeney) – who arrive in the Scottish Highlands in search of a long-lost family cabin… but their trip turns into a nightmare when a fatal accident leads to suspicion, bloody betrayal and brutal murder.
As they travel deeper into the wilderness their journey takes an unexpected turn when the group pick up hitchhiker Carla (Nicolette McKeown – Convergence) and bring her along for the ride…...
- 10/20/2023
- by Peter 'Witchfinder' Hopkins
- Horror Asylum
Stars: Lauren Lyle, Layla Kirk, Joe Rising, James Watterson, Eoin Sweeney, Nicolette McKeown | Written by Ryan Hendrick, Meliá Grasska | Directed by Ryan Hendrick
Going into this review, I don’t think I have much to say about Mercy Falls other than, with all respect to the cast and crew, you all came together and made a movie. Not a great one mind you but I have never made a movie so I respect the achievement.
Although, if the idea of a horror/thriller set in the Scottish Highlands from a director whose previous project was a Christmas movie tickles your fancy, I guess Mercy Falls would be the exact kind of movie you need in your life. Or if like me you are acutely aware that every now and then when taking a punt on an indie horror, it has turned out to be a bit of an unsung gem,...
Going into this review, I don’t think I have much to say about Mercy Falls other than, with all respect to the cast and crew, you all came together and made a movie. Not a great one mind you but I have never made a movie so I respect the achievement.
Although, if the idea of a horror/thriller set in the Scottish Highlands from a director whose previous project was a Christmas movie tickles your fancy, I guess Mercy Falls would be the exact kind of movie you need in your life. Or if like me you are acutely aware that every now and then when taking a punt on an indie horror, it has turned out to be a bit of an unsung gem,...
- 9/18/2023
- by Kevin Haldon
- Nerdly
Further openers are Sony’s ’Equalizer 3’, Mub’s ’Passages’ and Lionsgate’s ‘Cobweb’ .
Seventeen new films launch into UK-Ireland cinemas this weekend in a sign of the release schedule returning to its pre-pandemic state; as exhibitors look for a post-Barbenheimer success, and to capitalise on this year’s National Cinema Day, on Saturday, September 2.
Tickets for all films are available for £3 at over 630 cinemas across the UK and Ireland; last year’s National Cinema Day brought in 1.46m admissions.
Angel Studios is releasing Alejandro Monteverde’s biographical drama Sound Of Freedom, about a government agent-turned-vigilante who aims to rescue children from sex traffickers,...
Seventeen new films launch into UK-Ireland cinemas this weekend in a sign of the release schedule returning to its pre-pandemic state; as exhibitors look for a post-Barbenheimer success, and to capitalise on this year’s National Cinema Day, on Saturday, September 2.
Tickets for all films are available for £3 at over 630 cinemas across the UK and Ireland; last year’s National Cinema Day brought in 1.46m admissions.
Angel Studios is releasing Alejandro Monteverde’s biographical drama Sound Of Freedom, about a government agent-turned-vigilante who aims to rescue children from sex traffickers,...
- 9/1/2023
- by Ben Dalton
- ScreenDaily
From characters’ irrepressible horniness to a deeply confusing instigating incident, Ryan Hendrick’s hiking slasher has all the hallmarks of a dud
‘Oh and Rhona … remember, the secret is to never look back,” says sinister hitchhiker Carla (Nicolette McKeown), as she climbs a cliff. “You mean down,” someone corrects her. Yes, we get the point, given that half the characters in the film are nursing past traumas, from random acts of rural brutality to Middle Eastern combat theatre flashbacks. But such is the unsubtle way of Ryan Hendrick’s overblown Highland horror; it can’t settle for simply being a stripped-down descent into wilderness atavism. It also chucks in an irrepressibly horny crew of hikers, creepy Scottish folktales and gratuitous Homeric quotations for good measure.
The real killer is the highly implausible instigating incident. Rhona (Lauren Lyle) and pals set off on to the moors to locate the family cabin she has been bequeathed,...
‘Oh and Rhona … remember, the secret is to never look back,” says sinister hitchhiker Carla (Nicolette McKeown), as she climbs a cliff. “You mean down,” someone corrects her. Yes, we get the point, given that half the characters in the film are nursing past traumas, from random acts of rural brutality to Middle Eastern combat theatre flashbacks. But such is the unsubtle way of Ryan Hendrick’s overblown Highland horror; it can’t settle for simply being a stripped-down descent into wilderness atavism. It also chucks in an irrepressibly horny crew of hikers, creepy Scottish folktales and gratuitous Homeric quotations for good measure.
The real killer is the highly implausible instigating incident. Rhona (Lauren Lyle) and pals set off on to the moors to locate the family cabin she has been bequeathed,...
- 8/28/2023
- by Phil Hoad
- The Guardian - Film News
It will be released in UK cinemas from September 1.
Scotland-set survival horror Mercy Falls, starring Outlander’s Lauren Lyle, is getting a UK theatrical release courtesy of 108 Media’s newly-created film distribution label, Bingo Films.
Bingo Films will release the film in UK cinemas from September 1. Priscilla Ross Smith’s France-us sales outfit The Coven represents sales on the project, which has also sold to Bingo Films for Japan and Great Movies for Latin America. It is currently available in North America on streaming platform Tubi.
Mercy Falls is directed by Scottish filmmaker Ryan Hendrick, and follows a group...
Scotland-set survival horror Mercy Falls, starring Outlander’s Lauren Lyle, is getting a UK theatrical release courtesy of 108 Media’s newly-created film distribution label, Bingo Films.
Bingo Films will release the film in UK cinemas from September 1. Priscilla Ross Smith’s France-us sales outfit The Coven represents sales on the project, which has also sold to Bingo Films for Japan and Great Movies for Latin America. It is currently available in North America on streaming platform Tubi.
Mercy Falls is directed by Scottish filmmaker Ryan Hendrick, and follows a group...
- 8/11/2023
- by Mona Tabbara
- ScreenDaily
"We know she's coming, we know she'll find us." Tubi has revealed an official trailer for an indie horror thriller mystery film from Scotland titled Mercy Falls, directed by Scottish filmmaker Ryan Hendrick. It'll be available for streaming for free on Tubi next week. A group of friends sets off into the Scottish highlands in search of a long lost cabin, but an unforeseen tragedy befalls the group when one of them is injured. After making a decision about how to proceed, the friends uncover a secret that leads to suspicion, betrayal, and murder. Yet another mysterious murder & crime thriller on streaming services - serving up more of what everyone is addicted to these days. This stars Lauren Lyle, Nicolette McKeown, James Watterson, Layla Kirk, Joe Rising, and Eoin Sweeney. It doesn't look so bad, with foggy forest horror atmosphere. // Continue Reading ›...
- 5/12/2023
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
“Outlander” and “Vigil” star Lauren Lyle has joined the cast of UK director Ryan Hendrick’s Mercy Falls, reports ScreenDaily who also shares the following lo-res first look at the film. Set in a remote region of the Scottish Highlands, the horror feature follows Rhona, played by Lyle, and her friends as they set off in […]
The post ‘Mercy Falls’ Finds Tragedy in the Middle of the Woods [Image] appeared first on Bloody Disgusting!.
The post ‘Mercy Falls’ Finds Tragedy in the Middle of the Woods [Image] appeared first on Bloody Disgusting!.
- 3/16/2022
- by Brad Miska
- bloody-disgusting.com
Filming on the feature, directed by Ryan Hendrick, is underway in Scotland.
Outlander star Lauren Lyle has joined the cast of UK director Ryan Hendrick’s Mercy Falls, as production gets underway in Scotland.
Set in a remote region of the Scottish Highlands, the horror feature follows Rhona, played by Lyle, and her friends as they set off in search of her late father’s long-lost cabin, only for tragedy to befall the group.
UK actress Lyle is best known for her role in Starz historical drama Outlander and returned for the sixth season, which began this month. She is...
Outlander star Lauren Lyle has joined the cast of UK director Ryan Hendrick’s Mercy Falls, as production gets underway in Scotland.
Set in a remote region of the Scottish Highlands, the horror feature follows Rhona, played by Lyle, and her friends as they set off in search of her late father’s long-lost cabin, only for tragedy to befall the group.
UK actress Lyle is best known for her role in Starz historical drama Outlander and returned for the sixth season, which began this month. She is...
- 3/16/2022
- by Mona Tabbara
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: Indie streamer Cinedigm has picked up all North American rights to Lost at Christmas, a feel-good festival romance, and will release this holiday season.
The film stars Sylvester McCoy (The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey), Frazer Hines (Doctor Who) and Clare Grogan (Skins); alongside rising stars Natalie Clark and Kenny Boyle. Based on a short film by director Ryan Hendrick, the story follows an unlikely pair of companions trying to save what appears to be a disastrous Christmas season.
Hendrick also co-wrote the film with Clare Sheppard, as well as taking on the role as an executive producer. Additional executive producers include Graham Reid and Stephen Wright. With David Newman acting as the film’s producer.
The deal was negotiated by Brandon Hill, Manager of Acquisitions, on behalf of Cinedigm and Priscilla Smith at Foxglove Entertainment on behalf of Magic Monkey Films. Foxglove is the sister company of genre sales agency The Coven.
The film stars Sylvester McCoy (The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey), Frazer Hines (Doctor Who) and Clare Grogan (Skins); alongside rising stars Natalie Clark and Kenny Boyle. Based on a short film by director Ryan Hendrick, the story follows an unlikely pair of companions trying to save what appears to be a disastrous Christmas season.
Hendrick also co-wrote the film with Clare Sheppard, as well as taking on the role as an executive producer. Additional executive producers include Graham Reid and Stephen Wright. With David Newman acting as the film’s producer.
The deal was negotiated by Brandon Hill, Manager of Acquisitions, on behalf of Cinedigm and Priscilla Smith at Foxglove Entertainment on behalf of Magic Monkey Films. Foxglove is the sister company of genre sales agency The Coven.
- 10/15/2021
- by Tom Grater
- Deadline Film + TV
Sweeping into snowy Scottish Highlands at the very start of Ryan Hendrick’s new romcom Lost at Christmas sets the perfect festive scene. Only the coldest of hearts would not be melted by this magnificent sight. The film’s idyllic setting continues to entice throughout the story, with the latter half played out in an isolated inn set within the impressive mountainous landscape – the stuff of picturesque Christmas dreams.
Based on acclaimed 2015 short Perfect Strangers by the same writer-director, the 2020 feature sees two strangers from Glasgow, optimistic and festive Jen (Love Bite and Still Game‘s Natalie Clark) and cynical Rob stranded in the Highlands after both being dumped/duped on on Christmas Eve. They decide to team up to get back to the big city in time for Christmas Day, but have obstacles placed along the way, including the unpredictable weather, that allows for feelings to flourish and Christmas spirit to reign once more.
Based on acclaimed 2015 short Perfect Strangers by the same writer-director, the 2020 feature sees two strangers from Glasgow, optimistic and festive Jen (Love Bite and Still Game‘s Natalie Clark) and cynical Rob stranded in the Highlands after both being dumped/duped on on Christmas Eve. They decide to team up to get back to the big city in time for Christmas Day, but have obstacles placed along the way, including the unpredictable weather, that allows for feelings to flourish and Christmas spirit to reign once more.
- 12/11/2020
- by Lisa Giles-Keddie
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
New sales company takes world rights to romantic Christmas comedy.
New sales company Mrs Smith has acquired worldwide sales rights to Perfect Strangers, an upcoming romantic comedy from Bafta-nominated filmmaker Ryan Hendrick.
It marks one of the first acquisitions for LA-based Mrs Smith, which has been established by Priscilla Ross Smith, a former international sales and acquisitions executive for Clear Horizon and Archstone Distribution.
Mrs Smith will introduce Perfect Strangers to buyers during the upcoming Toronto International Film Festival.
The film centres on two strangers who become stranded in the remote Scottish Highlands after both suffering heartbreak and team up...
New sales company Mrs Smith has acquired worldwide sales rights to Perfect Strangers, an upcoming romantic comedy from Bafta-nominated filmmaker Ryan Hendrick.
It marks one of the first acquisitions for LA-based Mrs Smith, which has been established by Priscilla Ross Smith, a former international sales and acquisitions executive for Clear Horizon and Archstone Distribution.
Mrs Smith will introduce Perfect Strangers to buyers during the upcoming Toronto International Film Festival.
The film centres on two strangers who become stranded in the remote Scottish Highlands after both suffering heartbreak and team up...
- 9/8/2020
- by Michael Rosser
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: Zero Gravity Management, the Los Angeles and London-based management and production company which has credits including Ozark, has extended the scope of its UK operations by expanding to take on acting talent and authors.
The company’s first actor signing is Selina Giles, whose credits include Netflix series Greenhouse Academy, which recently wrapped its fourth season, and V For Vendetta. Giles will now be managed for film and TV by Zero Gravity’s UK head Leon Clarance.
Zero Gravity has also signed British financial journalist and author Martin Baker to represent him for his books, including film and TV adaptations of his published work. The move comes ahead of the publishing of A Dark Coronation, the third book in his Spendlove corporate espionage trilogy, which will be released in 2020.
Baker is an established finance journalist and has worked for The Independent and The Times. His latest novel explores cryptocurrencies...
The company’s first actor signing is Selina Giles, whose credits include Netflix series Greenhouse Academy, which recently wrapped its fourth season, and V For Vendetta. Giles will now be managed for film and TV by Zero Gravity’s UK head Leon Clarance.
Zero Gravity has also signed British financial journalist and author Martin Baker to represent him for his books, including film and TV adaptations of his published work. The move comes ahead of the publishing of A Dark Coronation, the third book in his Spendlove corporate espionage trilogy, which will be released in 2020.
Baker is an established finance journalist and has worked for The Independent and The Times. His latest novel explores cryptocurrencies...
- 12/19/2019
- by Tom Grater
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Ryan Hendrick, the Scottish Bafta-nominated filmmaker, has signed with the UK wing of management firm Zero Gravity.
The news comes as Hendrick heads into production on feature movie Perfect Strangers, a Scotland-set Christmas tale about two strangers who find themselves stranded in the Scottish Highlands on Christmas Eve. Putting aside their own personal turmoil they reluctantly decide to team up to try and get home for Christmas.
The feature is based on Hendrick’s own short film of the same name, which was nominated for a Scottish BAFTA.
Cast includes Natalie Clark (Still Game), Kenny Boyle (Hero Worship), Sylvester McCoy (The Hobbit), Sanjeev Kohli (Stan & Ollie), Clare Grogan (Gregory’s Girl), Caitlin Blackwood (Dr Who), Frazer Hines (Outlander), Karen Bartke (Scot Squad), Nicolette McKeown (Convergence), theater actor Alasdair McCrone and newcomer Alexander Teunion.
The project comes from Hendrick’s own company Magic Monkey Films, which he founded with David Newman.
The news comes as Hendrick heads into production on feature movie Perfect Strangers, a Scotland-set Christmas tale about two strangers who find themselves stranded in the Scottish Highlands on Christmas Eve. Putting aside their own personal turmoil they reluctantly decide to team up to try and get home for Christmas.
The feature is based on Hendrick’s own short film of the same name, which was nominated for a Scottish BAFTA.
Cast includes Natalie Clark (Still Game), Kenny Boyle (Hero Worship), Sylvester McCoy (The Hobbit), Sanjeev Kohli (Stan & Ollie), Clare Grogan (Gregory’s Girl), Caitlin Blackwood (Dr Who), Frazer Hines (Outlander), Karen Bartke (Scot Squad), Nicolette McKeown (Convergence), theater actor Alasdair McCrone and newcomer Alexander Teunion.
The project comes from Hendrick’s own company Magic Monkey Films, which he founded with David Newman.
- 11/18/2019
- by Tom Grater
- Deadline Film + TV
Nick Kitchen is a writer at Kasterborous Doctor Who News and Reviews - All the latest Doctor Who news and reviews with our weekly podKast, features and interviews, and a long-running forum.
Love Alien? Check. Love Doctor Who? Obviously! (You’re here reading this, after all!) Enjoyed the first installment of Ryan Hendrick’s fan film, Doctor Who: Besieged? Then I have great news for you! Part Two of the well-crafted fan film is now available for streaming on YouTube! Without spoiling too much, the story picks up from
The post Doctor Who: Besieged, Part Two Now Streaming! appeared first on Kasterborous Doctor Who News and Reviews.
Love Alien? Check. Love Doctor Who? Obviously! (You’re here reading this, after all!) Enjoyed the first installment of Ryan Hendrick’s fan film, Doctor Who: Besieged? Then I have great news for you! Part Two of the well-crafted fan film is now available for streaming on YouTube! Without spoiling too much, the story picks up from
The post Doctor Who: Besieged, Part Two Now Streaming! appeared first on Kasterborous Doctor Who News and Reviews.
- 5/12/2014
- by Nick Kitchen
- Kasterborous.com
Christian Cawley is a writer at Kasterborous Doctor Who News and Reviews - All the latest Doctor Who news and reviews with our weekly podKast, features and interviews, and a long-running forum.
Sylvester McCoy, star of Doctor Who and The Hobbit trilogy is the latest house-hold name to join the cast of new Scots indie film Journey Bound. The romcom road movie is directed by BAFTA nominated filmmaker Ryan Hendrick and tells the story of a young lawyer being driven by his eco-warrior cousin through the Highlands of
The post Sylvester McCoy Joins Scots Romcom Journey Bound! appeared first on Kasterborous Doctor Who News and Reviews.
Sylvester McCoy, star of Doctor Who and The Hobbit trilogy is the latest house-hold name to join the cast of new Scots indie film Journey Bound. The romcom road movie is directed by BAFTA nominated filmmaker Ryan Hendrick and tells the story of a young lawyer being driven by his eco-warrior cousin through the Highlands of
The post Sylvester McCoy Joins Scots Romcom Journey Bound! appeared first on Kasterborous Doctor Who News and Reviews.
- 5/4/2014
- by Christian Cawley
- Kasterborous.com
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.