What the Waters Left Behind: Scars (2022) User Reviews

Submerged Chainsaw

[BandSAboutMovies · 5/10 · 19 July 2023]

The sequel to What the Waters Left Behind brings you back to the bizarre city of Epecuén, where director Nicolás Onetti (who made the original with his brother Luciano, who did compose the film's music; they made Abrakadabra, Francesca and The 100 Candles Game together) and writer Camilo Zaffora strand the rock band The Ravens.

Drummer Billy Bob (Matías Desiderio) is the one they all can't stand and he's already slept with a groupie named Carla (Magui Bravi), who asks for a ride home and promises barbecue. Singer and bassist Jane (Clara Kovacic), guitarist Mark (Juan Pablo Bishel, his girlfriend Sophie (Eugenia Rigón) and their manager Javi (Agustin Olcese) are already sick of their bandmate, but follow him and, as you can imagine, this becomes another cover version of the Sawyer Family's Greatest Hits.

Just like the first movie, the real star is Epecuén, a former spa that spent thirty years submerged before the waters rolled back and left a desert in their wake. It looks like the end of the world and makes the movie feel way bigger than it is.

Carla has a grandfather named Tadeo (Mario Alarcón) who really does make the best barbecue, but it's for him and his family -- Antonio (Germán Baudino), Chimango (Chucho Fernández) and Tito (David Michigan) -- and it's going to be anything but locally sourced. Instead, the Ravens are on the menu and may never escape the final stop on their tour.

I felt like the first movie was trying to remake Tobe Hooper's classic and this one is more of the same. But hey -- it's got a great location, it's loud and proud of its gore, has an intriguing idea of an arguing virus that passes through the band and the family, and I'm of the belief that the Onettis have something great in them someday soon.

Mexican band meets Mexican cult.

[brandenrhodes · 5/10 · 25 February 2024]

This film was odd. Generally I watch a trailer and if it peaks my interest I watch it. I just started this with no info on it. I expected more nudity in a goth rock band running into a Mexican cult but whatever. It works at times and other times the "Action" or scary parts are horribly filmed. A lot of weird looking people in this film and 1 goth Mexican who is a looker. I folded my 4 loads of laundry and clipped my toe nails while watching this. A Mexican goth band tours small towns somewhere in Mexico or Spain..who really cares. They run into a cult. The "Band" are full of guys who have obviously never been in a fight which is hilarious to watch and play out when they are attempting to be tough. 5/10. It's fun at times..other times I felt like I was going to have a seizure due to the bad pacing and acting.

Ghost Town

[amirkhaw · 7/10 · 12 October 2023]

The 2017 movie had all the ingredients to mix an awesome horror movie... it was gritty, had some gore, and a rather dark tone. Yet the What the Waters Left Behind didn't quite get over the mark to make itself memorable. Some five years later, we are now presented with a sequel and I am certainly curious as to what returning director Nicolás Onetti (this time without his co-directing brother) has in store for us this time.

Based on true events, the city of Epecuén spent a quarter of a century underwater. When the waters eventually pulled back, no one wanted to return. The images of the broken-down ghost town already give off quite a unique and creepy vibe. There's a distinct familiarity with Scars, however. The dwelling family of cannibals is somewhat reminiscent of the Wrong Turn or The Hills Have Eyes movies. The brutality the band members face during their period of captivity is quite upsetting, but nothing that hardened horror fans won't already be accustomed to.

At only 85 minutes, the pacing is quite swift. In fact, if there's one complaint about this movie, it would be the short run time. I would personally have welcomed a slower pace with a little more insight into the inner workings of the family and how they survive, as well as more time with the band members during their tour.

On the positive side, the brutality and spats of gore are on point. And the band members (with Carla from the opposing team) are quite attractive.

Overall I liked Scars a little more than the previous movie. It's exactly what you would expect from a movie of this type and it's a breeze to get through.