As a lifelong horror enthusiast who’s spent countless nights huddled under the covers with only the faint glow of a flashlight to keep the monsters at bay, I can confidently say that the Sawney Bean family has left an indelible mark on the genre. Their chilling tale of incestuous cannibalism has spawned some truly terrifying creations, and none more so than the twisted clan from the 2003 film, “Wrong Turn.
Many outstanding horror films are based on actual murderers for inspiration. For instance, Henry Lee Lucas played a part in shaping “Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer” (1986), while Ed Gein’s story impacted Alfred Hitchcock’s “Psycho” (1960). True crime and horror have been intertwined for a long time. However, one particularly notorious cannibal family has significantly influenced movies, books, and video games due to the alleged number of their victims, which is said to exceed a thousand – the infamous Sawney Bean clan.
One standout film that vividly portrayed this legend was Rob Schmidt’s chilling 2003 production, titled “Wrong Turn“. This horror movie from the 2000s pioneered the genre of extreme cinema in mainstream media, appearing before films like “Saw” (2004) and “Wolf Creek” (2005). Horror enthusiasts embraced it, and its success is evident as it led to numerous sequels and a remake. Given its dark inspiration, it’s no wonder that “Wrong Turn” found favor among horror fans.
The Dark and Disturbing Story of the Sawney Bean Family
In the 16th century, the chilling tale unfolds about a Scottish clan, the Beans, who were infamous for their cannibalistic practices. It was reported that this family had kidnapped, and consumed over a thousand individuals during a span of 25 years. While the narrative itself is grim, the clan’s ancestry adds another layer of horror. Alexander “Sawney” Bean, the supposed patriarch, hailed from East Lothian, Scotland. He met his wife, Black Agnes Douglas, in the same region. Over time, they found their conventional lifestyle unsatisfying and opted for a more unusual existence, eventually settling in a cave near Ballantrae in South West Scotland. Sawney is said to have fathered eight sons, six daughters, and ultimately, 32 grandchildren through incestuous relationships within the family. The clan was eventually uncovered, tried, and sentenced to execution under King James VI of Scotland.
One night, a couple, the husband riding ahead with his wife behind on the same horse, were returning home after attending a fair. Unbeknownst to them, they stumbled upon an ambush set by ruthless outlaws. These brutal men attacked them with great ferocity. (From the Newgate Calendar)
A gruesome story, the thing of nightmares, yet, it is unlikely the Sawney Bean family ever existed. Not only are there no records of the Sawney Bean family, but the first written account of the cannibal tribe also appeared in the 18th century, 150 years after the alleged crimes and downfall of the incestuous killers. The story also contains historical inaccuracies and improbabilities, which led many to believe it was anti-Scottish propaganda used during the Jacobite risings to portray Scots negatively (via the BBC).
Is it possible that the legend of the Sawney Bean family originated from the notorious figure known as Christie Cleek? Some speculate that the story may have evolved from this infamous butcher-turned-highwayman who was active in Scotland in 1341. His nickname came from his deadly tool, a sharp hook on a long pole (a cleek). He would trap victims with it, rob them, and sometimes even eat their flesh. Another harrowing tale, but like the Sawney Bean story, many historians question whether Christie Cleek truly existed. Nevertheless, even though the story is likely untrue, the legend of Sawney Bean has long captivated horror writers.
How Wrong Turn Was Inspired by the Sawney Bean Family
The grisly legends of the Sawney Bean clan may not have been explicitly mentioned as influences, but they certainly left their mark on the 2003 horror film Wrong Turn and its subsequent sequels. In essence, the plot of Wrong Turn revolves around a family of cannibals who live secluded in isolated regions and prey upon humans for food. Furthermore, this cinematic cannibal clan is portrayed as the offspring of incestuous relationships, leading to disturbing physical abnormalities. Although the original Sawney Bean story does not detail such deformities, these differences are more likely due to a greater comprehension of genetic problems associated with inbreeding in modern times.
The plot of the film “Wrong Turn” mirrors the narrative structure of the original story about the Sawney Bean family quite closely. They ambushed unwary travelers, which eventually led to their exposure and punishment for their heinous crimes. While not the first movie to draw inspiration from the disturbing tale of this incestuous cannibal family, “Wrong Turn” is particularly effective at portraying the story in graphic detail that feels fitting for a modern audience. Upon closer examination, you’ll discover that the legend of the Sawney Bean family has left its grim imprint on numerous horror classics.
The Sawney Bean Family Have a Place in Horror History
In a twist of cinematic homage, the horror movie “Wrong Turn” draws significantly from the chilling storyline of Wes Craven’s “The Hills Have Eyes” (1977), which itself was inspired by the gruesome tale of Sawney Bean and his clan. Unlike the indirect influence on “Wrong Turn”, Craven explicitly acknowledged that he stumbled upon this story during library research in New York. Similarly, while elements of “Texas Chainsaw Massacre” (1974) seem to be connected to the Scottish cannibal family, it’s Ed Gein who played a more pivotal role in shaping the lore surrounding Leather Face and his kin.
In various films, books, and video games, traces of the Sawney Bean tale persist. For instance, the overlooked gem Ravenous, as well as Jack Ketchum’s gripping novel Off Season. The family’s echoes can also be found in popular video games such as Red Dead Redemption 2‘s portrayal of the Murfree Brood, which draws inspiration from Bean and his kin. However, for a truly captivating on-screen rendition of this legend, I’d recommend streaming Wrong Turn (2003) on Prime Video.
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2024-10-19 17:31