The Bench (2014 short film)

The Bench is a 2014 Canadian psychological dramatic short film. The film follows Michael, a quiet man, who every day at noon, visits the same park to sit at the same bench to enjoy the sun; but this day changes as he is greeted by a mysterious woman who appears to know everything about him, yet he doesn't recall ever meeting her in his life.
 * Written and directed by Shawn Martin.
 * Produced by Shawn Martin and John Houston.

What would you do if a stranger knew everything about you? (taglines)

Michael

 * Did somebody put you up to this?
 * There's no way you know anything about me!

Mysterious Woman

 * I do know you very well. Every detail. Every memory. Every secret.
 * You used to have anger issues. Now, you're just sitting alone in a quite park.

Dialogue

 * Mysterious Woman: Cute dog.
 * Michael: Thank you. He's a great dog.
 * Mysterious Woman: The news amuses me as well.
 * Michael: I agree.
 * Mysterious Woman: Come here often?
 * Michael: Every day.
 * Mysterious Woman: It's such a beautiful park. Wouldn't you agree?
 * Michael: Sure would.
 * Mysterious Woman: You know, there's a better place than here.
 * Michael: A better place? What do you mean?
 * Mysterious Woman: A place that forgives you.
 * Michael: What are you talking about?
 * Mysterious Woman: A place where everything bad you've ever done, just doesn't matter anymore.


 * Mysterious Woman: There are only a few of us, Michael, who believe we are here for a reason while others believe it's just all fun before death.
 * Michael: I don't remember telling you my name.
 * Mysterious Woman: You haven't today.
 * Michael: Then how do you know my name?
 * Mysterious Woman: I know everything about you, Michael.


 * Mysterious Woman: Ever noticed you come to the same park and sit at the same bench every time you go for a walk?
 * Michael: It's only a park.
 * Mysterious Woman: Why?
 * Michael: Why what?
 * Mysterious Woman: Out of all the parks in this area, why do you always choose this one? Why do you choose this bench out of all the others?
 * Michael: I just feel something familiar with it. It's just a bench.
 * Mysterious Woman: It's called déjà vu, Michael. You feel you've been here before, yet you can't recall when. That's why you keep coming back.

Taglines

 * What would you do if a stranger knew everything about you?

Cast

 * John Houston as Michael
 * Miranda Godkin as Mysterious Woman
 * Ginger as Nivek the Dog

Awards and Nominations
2015 Hang Onto Your Shorts Film Festival, NJ Best Concept of a Short (nominated)